By Dan Karpiel

The Surveyor

The Surveyor reached out to all 10 of the major-party candidates for Weld County Commissioner and all nine candidates for the open County Commissioner seats in Larimer County and prefaced four questions, outlined below. Due to space limitations in print and a desire to provide as much detailed information as possible to readers, the candidates’ responses to the questions will be posted verbatim here.

1. Can you please provide a brief history of your background, i.e. career/occupation, family, history in Colorado/Larimer County, etc., just some basic get-to-know-you information for our readers.

I grew up in Fort Collins and graduated from Fort Collins High School. Later attending Stanford University and receiving an undergraduate and M.B.A.

I worked in the family business, Poudre Valley Creamery and Loveland City Dairy for over 30 years. Learning to drive trucks, work on the loading dock, create jobs and meet a budget. We were an early example of the “Farm to Table” model throughout Larimer County. I was also elected to the Fort Collins City Council and twice to the Colorado House of Representatives.

It has also been important to me to give back to the community. I was Chairman of the Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Board and Chairman of the Poudre Fire Authority Board. I also served on the board of the Community Foundation of Fort Collins, the Rotary Club of Fort Collins, and The Veterans Plaza Board.

I am married to my wife Kathy and have two daughters-in law, two sons-in-law and a grandson.

2. What prompted you to run for Larimer County Commissioner District 2?

Larimer County is growing at a fast rate which is creating new problems and opportunities for the future. Understanding both the municipal and state governments, I can be effective in working together to solve our individual and regional issues. I want to use my past experience to keep Larimer County the unique place it has always been. It will take leadership to Keep Larimer Local.

3. Can you please provide a brief outline of your political/ideological philosophy?

My political philosophy is simple. Increase the opportunities for meaningful dialogue and input in the County. Each time I was running or was in an elected office, I made extensive efforts to listen to my constituents. This isn’t easy. As peoples’ lives will become busier again we must strive to find a way to capture the interest of Larimer County residents. I support going back to the “County seat for a day” model as a way to reach out across the County and see what people are thinking.

4. What are the major issue(s) on which you want to focus your campaign and potential service as Larimer County Commissioner District 2?

When I first started my campaign, I felt it was important to create more higher-paying jobs in Larimer County, to keep taxes low, to protect our natural environment and property rights, to fix our transportation system, increase our veterans services and to stand up to the Denver politicians.

Now our world has changed. We need to continue opening up our economy and doing it safely. We have much to be proud of in how Larimer County residents have responded to the fight against the coronavirus. We must protect the vulnerable, continue to open our economy, and plan for the future.