Three candidates stump for one commissioner seat

Posted by Erin Eddy
by Gus Jarvis
Oct 09, 2008

TELLURIDE – Republican candidate Bill Wenger and Democratic candidate Oak Smith made their arguments on Monday night why one of them should be the next San Miguel County Commissioner to represent its 3rd District instead of incumbent Green Party candidate Art Goodtimes, who is seeking his fourth term as commissioner.

Monday’s debate in Telluride’s Christ Church was rather non-confrontational, aside from a few criticisms by Smith of Goodtimes’s representation, or lack thereof, of the county’s rural/ranching 3rd District.

“It’s a responsibility of representing the specific needs of the 3rd District,” Smith said. “Art here didn’t even carry his home district in two of three of his previous elections. For my real, personal experience on growing up on a farm and running my own business, I am uniquely qualified. It is time for a change. Sixteen years is too long to hold this office.”

Smith, a 27-year county resident, is the current Materials Management Supervisor at Wilkinson Public Library and is the former owner of the Oak Blade and Forge Co. Smith was also a member of the San Miguel County Planning Commission for 11 years, five of which he was chair.

In defense, Goodtimes later said that Smith’s statements had some misconceptions.

“I didn’t lose my district,” Goodtimes said. “I won both times in my district.” Goodtimes said “ecowisdom, social justice and grassroots Democracy” would be the focus of his next term, if reelected. “I am very proud of what has happened in San Miguel County and I hope you would reelect me.”

Goodtimes has lived in the county since 1980 and is the co-founder of Sheep Mountain Alliance. He has served as a reporter, editor and columnist for most of the county newspapers including the Telluride Times, San Miguel Journal and The Telluride Watch among others.

Wenger, who was elected to the District 2 commissioner seat in the early 90s, said there is change in the air for San Miguel County and he would like to be a part of that change.

“I stepped up years ago because the county was experiencing a time of change,” Wenger said. “I stepped up because I wanted to impact change. I am here today because again, we are at a time of change. We are facing a construction industry that is going to dwindle.

“We created a finite inventory that has fueled our economy but we need to look into a future that gives jobs to citizens. I also believe the 3rd District needs to have a voice and I intend to be their voice in this government.”

Wenger, a 23-year resident of the county, is the current maintenance shop manager at Viking Rentals and is owner of Geo Pro, an excavating and blasting company. Wenger was also the manager of the second largest underground uranium mine in the United States.

The candidates more or less agreed on several issues Monday night, including the importance of affordable housing and childcare. They also agreed that a regional transportation district is an option if funding can be found, and that water treatment in Norwood and Telluride are problems that need to be addressed.

One sticking point came when Wenger asked Smith how he would have represented the 3rd District had he been commissioner when the county agreed to contribute money to fund the acquisition of the Valley Floor. (The county commissioners at the time ultimately agreed to give $200,000, but faced opposition from many West End residents.)

“Oak, you said you want to be a voice for the West End,” Wenger said. “What I understand at that meeting in Norwood that there was resistance from that neighborhood. If you had been county commissioner, how would you have voted?”

“I would have voted to give the $100,000 to the Valley Floor,” Smith answered. “The Valley Floor is going to be good for the West End of the county. Just as I would have wanted to give the $100,000 to keep the Valley Floor open, I would have gone to bat for the ranchers for grazing rights.”

Goodtimes, in his closing statement, said he was proud to be a part of that decision.

“The county gave $200,000 to the Valley Floor,” Goodtimes said. Because of the decision at the valuation trial to raise the price to $50 million, “the county upped its ante.”

Goodtimes then asked Wenger what role the mining industry has in San Miguel County. With a uranium mill proposed in Paradox Valley in adjacent Montrose County, the county could face a new uranium boom of its own.

“I see it [mining] as limited,” Wenger answered. “I see uranium not creating greenhouse gases. I managed the second largest uranium mine in the U.S. It has a place. There is a downside that you have to be aware of and deal with but it can be done. We have learned a lot over the years. We are not in the 1920s anymore. It does have a place.”

Two more commissioner debates are planned, although dates and times have yet to be determined.