Most notably, and what motivated her to run in 2012, was the demise of the county comprehensive plan in 2011. The result was the waste of years of work of hundreds of residents and county staff, $750,000 of public funds and the erosion of the public’s trust.

Together with fellow county commissioners and staff, Lachelt succeeded in getting long-range planning back on track without which there is no vision for the future, including how to address declining revenues and protect our natural resources and quality of life. Seeking efficiencies, budget cuts, impact fees, use and marijuana taxes are among Lachelt’s plans to balance the budget in a time of increased demand for services.

The comprehensive plan will be finalized in this next term, as will a new land-use code that will guide the development and diversification of our economy, and provide the predictability and certainty in planning processes business owners seek. We should not disrupt the plan and code completion with a leadership change at this time.

A firm believer in government accountability and transparency, Lachelt supported establishing both the Fiscal Sustainability and Long-Term Finance Committees. Throughout her career, and as co-chairwoman of Governor Hickenlooper’s Oil & Gas Taskforce, she has worked with industry and communities to develop balanced environmental regulations that protect our land, air and water quality. Lachelt has done a good job, and we should re-elect her.

Her opponent, Lyle McKnight, is a fourth-generation county resident. He created a successful motor sports business and new jobs with it. He has been diligent learning about county business, but is new to political life and lacks experience there. We encourage him to stay involved in shaping the future of La Plata County.

Vote for Gwen Lachelt for county commissioner.