Run for Office

 I know this might seem strange—writing about the possibility of all of you —any of you— running for office next spring. But it was suggested to me that perhaps now is the exact right time given that we’re in the final stages of elections. And maybe, just maybe, the need for sensible people to step up and run could not be more clearly evident.

For years I have been preaching the need for conservatives to be in positions of authority on any one of the 85 taxing authorities in Eagle Country. No, that’s not a typo there are really 85 different taxing authorities in this very little county.

So who are they? Some are incidental and really have jurisdiction over very small groups that do not effect the general public. Solaris Metro District comes to mind as one but it only  covers that property and they don’t hold public elections.

But there are many others that do effect us- and our purses. For example Eagle River Water and  Sanitation, WEC Metro Rec, Edwards Metro,  Greater Eagle Fire, EC Health, Vail Rec, WEC Ambulance etc.  Also companies like Holy Cross Electric. These do hold elections and the decisions they make effect our services and our bills.

In general these elections take place during non-typical election times, like March and May. I used to sarcastically say they hold them when no one is here- but we all know there’s always some truth in sarcasm.

And in case you’re worried about the time commitment, don‘t. Most of these boards meet monthly, some quarterly so the time commitment isn’t overwhelming.  

What’s really scary is how many of these boards have no one raise their hand during the election process. No one steps forward to run. What happens then? The current board cancels the election which by law they can do if no one comes forward to run. And then? The current board can appoint someone to fill then position and the good old boys network continues. Shocking.

I guess the main question is why is this important?

To begin with, it’s important that conservative viewpoints are considered when decisions are being made that effect our lives and our finances.

Then there’s also the off chance that some of you might be interested in running for office some day.  City Council? County Commissioner? Higher? If so, this is where you get your training wheels. This is where you get your feet wet. And if that doesn’t appeal to you, at least you’ve had a chance to serve your community and ensure that conservative ideas and principles are, at the very least, expressed for consideration.

So is it too early to address this issue? I don’t think so. And I think it’s time that members of our party- especially members of our group- finally decide that if we leave these elected positions to the liberals, we will pay the price- both literally and figuratively.

You’ve probably tired of hearing my favorite mantra but I’ll say it again anyway.

EVERYBODY DOESN’T HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING,

BUT EVERYONE MUST DO SOMETHING.

Maybe this is your something.

—Kaye Ferry, Eagle County Republican Party Chair

If you have even some slight interest or curiosity about running for office, contact Kaye for information about the next step. Send an email to info@eaglegop.com or call 970-376-5100.