Republican Kent Lindsay has entered the race for Montezuma County Commissioner District 2.

Lindsay served two terms as commissioner from 1997-2005. He currently serves on the Empire Electric Association board, was a volunteer firefighter, and served on the Cortez Fire Protection District board.

Lindsay has also owned and operated the Rio Grande Café on Main Street Cortez for 40 years.

“I’ve been involved in the community and understand the issues and challenges,” he said.

A lot of them are the same from 20 years ago, Lindsay said. His priorities include protecting water rights and agricultural values, public safety, economic development and practical land use.

“I take a commonsense approach to decision-making,” Lindsay said. “I’ve got some ideas, will listen to the public and will work with the other commissioners and local towns.”

Working with Bureau of Land Management and National Forest are also important, he said.

Exploring the use of a biomass plant to burn slash from the forest and provide local power is one of his ideas.

“It also helps to thin out our overgrown forests,” he said.

Another goal would be to develop a more active economic development plan for attracting businesses to the area.

“Research is needed on what is a good fit for our area, then go out to specifically recruit that type of business,” he said. “When a business leaves, there should be an exit interview so we understand why, and what we can do better.”

Linsday joins Republicans Allan Randolph and Danny Wilkin in the race for county commission District 2 seat.