John Ranson for County Commissioner
Campaign Platform
I am convinced we are facing a critical juncture in Archuleta County. The path we choose to follow in the election for County Commissioner will determine our future. It is my firm belief that status quo, or how we have been governed in the past, is not an option. My roadmap to recovery is based upon my extensive financial management background and a commitment to leadership with integrity. I propose the following actions to restore vitality to Archuleta County:
• Institute Strong Financial Management
• Develop an Economic Plan for Roads
• Promote Community Economic Development
• Plan for Responsible Growth
• Restore Public Trust in County Government
• Encourage Citizen Participation in County Government
• Foster Working Together for Common Good
Institute Strong Financial Management
I have seventeen years experience in public finance including seven years as a Chief Executive Officer. Our company was recognized as a leading financial advisor and bond underwriter for towns, cities, counties, utilities and school districts in the State of Kansas. This experience in public finance and my participation on the Citizens’ Financial Task Force in analyzing the records of the County Treasurer’s office has provided me an insight into County finances and cash flows—including deficiencies. I participated in the development of a cash flow tracking system as part of current reforms to account for cash in various County accounts.
My number one priority will be to establish a system of checks and balances of county finances to ensure the integrity of the system. Developing a county budget must be a concerted team effort and should accomplish the following:
- Establish a realistic budget framework
- Set spending priorities to serve the taxpayers of the County
- Provide the services mandated by State statute
- Provide for continuous updating and review
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Develop an Economic Plan for Roads
Previous budgets and audits prove past administrations have diverted funds away from our Road Capital Improvement Fund to compensate for overspending in the General Fund. This practice has to stop! The economic plan I will present protects funds that are budgeted to finance our road improvements.
A high priority will be to create a Four Year Economic Model or plan for Archuleta County. An economic model allows the County to pinpoint revenue streams that must be protected and earmarked for our most pressing need—roads.
I commit to laying out several options that will allow the County Commissioners to implement a long term plan to improve our roads. However, approval of any long term County road improvement plan will ultimately be decided by the voters.
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Promote Community Economic Development
Since 2002, Archuleta County’s population has grown faster than the revenue available to support this growth. Promoting economic development is essential to the financial recovery of our County and the closing of this revenue gap. The creation of jobs in the private sector that provide good wages must be encouraged by the County. Prevailing economic conditions and County policies have precluded the creation of jobs with sufficient wages to keep pace with the rising cost of living in Archuleta County. Archuleta County ranks at or near the bottom in per capita income in the State of Colorado.
In the past five years, we have lost over $700,000 per year to Durango and La Plata County in retail sales tax revenue. It is critical that we develop a plan to improve our business conditions so we can compete for this important source of revenue. My goals as Commissioner will be to:
- Promote programs that provide decent living wage employment
- Work closely with local business leaders to increase services
- Assist the Archuleta County Economic Development Association to attract new businesses
- Reduce the retail sales tax leakage to neighboring communities and increase market share
- Focus on the revolution in communication technology to attract new businesses
- Restore traditional economic engines to a healthy state
- Increase emphasis on developing tourism thru multi-media marketing programs
Our County competes with others for the businesses that provide jobs and economic opportunity for our citizens. We must closely examine all the impediments and the incentives that impact the decisions made by businesses in where they locate.
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Plan for Responsible Growth
In recent years we experienced periods of rapid growth now followed by stagnation, or perhaps regression. I believe we can restore vitality to Archuleta County and our local economy by instituting responsible policies promoting new economic opportunities that will provide higher paying wages. We must be prepared for area growth and the inevitable changes that all communities experience. I propose the following:
- Ensure that the Community Plan is current
- Periodic Review of Land Use Code/Regulations
- Periodic Review of County Zoning Map and Overlay Zones
- Work with the Town on Land Use/Planning issues
County land use is governed or regulated by the Community Plan, Land Use Code/Regulations, Ordinances and Zoning/Overlays. These documents should be a reflection of our community and merit periodic review.
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Restore Public Trust in County Government
Our County is in desperate need of leadership with integrity to restore the public trust in County governance. I will be an advocate for transparency and accountability in all decision making in County government. Teamwork will be required to restore Archuleta County and leadership must provide the following:
- Develop accountability for results
- Accept responsibility
- Be willing to make difficult decisions
- Offer creative ideas for change and improvement
- Realize that people are our most important asset
- Foster cooperation and work towards common goals
- Do your job with consistent excellence
Encourage Citizen Participation in County Government
Our campaign theme TOGETHER WE CAN describes a high priority of mine. The Citizens’ Financial Task Force is a valuable asset to Archuleta County. The Education Task Force performs an equally valuable service. My goal as Commissioner is to recruit the many talented individuals in our community to participate in, and contribute to, County government. I believe a Roads Task Force could provide valuable advice and counsel to County Commissioners and citizens alike.
I will ask my fellow Commissioners to plan evening County Hall meetings involving public participation. I will promote a bi-annual forum between County Commissioners, Town Councilors, PAWS and The Archuleta County Economic Development Association to hear directly from the public on important issues and topics.
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Foster Working Together for Common Good
Working together toward a common goal is an objective that can be achieved. Our County Commissioners need to be able to “agree to disagree” and then move on to conduct the peoples business in a dignified manner. The County and Town desperately need to work together to find solutions to common issues. I commit to the people of this County that as your Commissioner I will work together with other elected officials and staff in a professional manner.
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Summary
We have much to do and our County is at an important crossroads. The financial crisis that erupted in April of 2007 is a manifestation of years of mismanagement of County finances. As a result of the financial crisis, many citizens have taken an active interest in our County government and that is a positive outcome. My motivation for seeking the office of County Commissioner representing District 1 is born out of this crisis and my participation on the Citizens’ Financial Task Force.
I believe we can resolve our County’s problems thru the reforms and policies I am proposing; but I will need your help. I pledge to always be a part of the solution, and not a part of the problem. We are truly fortunate to live among people who demonstrate a spirit of community and a desire to make our County a better place to live.
I accept the challenge of the office of County Commissioner and representing you. I am excited about the future of Archuleta County and believe that TOGETHER WE CAN accomplish great things!
I thank you for your support, John Ranson
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“There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” —Denis Waitley