{"id":15308,"date":"2025-11-20T12:42:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T19:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/bonnie-anderson-announces-race-for-montezuma-commissioner-seat\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T03:46:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T03:46:38","slug":"bonnie-anderson-announces-race-for-montezuma-commissioner-seat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/bonnie-anderson-announces-race-for-montezuma-commissioner-seat\/","title":{"rendered":"Bonnie Anderson announces race for Montezuma commissioner seat"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Bonnie
Bonnie Anderson, former head of the county\u2019s noxious weed department, is running for the District 1 seat on the Montezuma County Board of Commissioners. (Courtesy photo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

Bonnie Anderson, former director of the county\u2019s noxious weed program<\/a>, is running for a Montezuma County commissioner seat in next year\u2019s election.<\/p>\n

Anderson said she will campaign on public trust in county government, public safety, responsible spending and developing new revenue streams.<\/p>\n

Although recognized in 2022 as Colorado\u2019s Weed Manager of the Year, Anderson\u2019s relationship with the Board of County Commissioners has been contentious. She sued the commissioners over her termination in December 2023 and said the case ended in an out-of-court settlement this year.<\/p>\n

Anderson, a registered Republican, is the second person to announce a bid for the District 1 seat, held by Jim Candelaria. Former Road and Bridge foreman Brett Likes<\/a> announced his candidacy Nov. 6.<\/p>\n

Candelaria\u2019s two-term limit ends in November 2026. He was elected in 2018<\/a> and reelected in 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The other two commissioners remain in office.<\/p>\n

District 2 Commissioner Kent Lindsay won reelection in 2024<\/a> after serving a term starting in 2020 and terms from 1997 to 2005. District 3 Commissioner Gerald Koppenhafer<\/a> returned to office in 2024 after two terms from 2004 to 2012.<\/p>\n

\"Former
Former Montezuma County Noxious Weed Manager Bonnie Anderson, named Colorado\u2019s 2022 Weed Manager of the Year for her work in the field. (Courtesy photo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>
Anderson discusses lawsuit<\/div>\n

The weed program saw funding cuts in 2024 after commissioners lowered its priority, prompting the six-member weed advisory board to resign, according to Journal reports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Anderson was fired in October 2023 and sued the commissioners, alleging retaliatory termination and discrimination, KSJD<\/a> reported. Anderson alleged she was dismissed for criticizing budget cuts.<\/p>\n

The commissioners denied Anderson\u2019s allegations. Both sides settled out of court, Anderson said.<\/p>\n

Asked if a grudge motivated her to run, Anderson replied:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m running because I care about this county, and I\u2019ve seen firsthand how important transparency, accountability and respectful leadership are. The past made me pay attention, but it\u2019s not my motivation. My motivation is wanting to fix problems, not fight people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anderson seeks out future for county<\/div>\n

Sheriff Steve Nowlin, while saying he does not formally endorse candidates, spoke highly of Anderson.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a very intelligent, hardworking person,\u201d Nowlin said. \u201cWhen she was head of the noxious weed department, she got more funding for grants that saved tax dollars and benefited property owners and farmers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anderson said that if elected, she would work to create a culture in county government focused on morale and transparency.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the respect factor between our leaders, and then the departments and the public, has been deteriorating,\u201d Anderson said. \u201cWhen that happens, it\u2019s hurting the morale of the county employees themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Low employee morale can affect county services and residents, Anderson said. Her perception was informed by her time working for the county.<\/p>\n

Another priority is public safety. Anderson said she would address issues outlined in the KRW report, a March study of the Sheriff\u2019s Office that cited several shortfalls.<\/p>\n

She said staff shortages and retention must be addressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like we\u2019re going to fix everything right away, but we have to start planning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anderson said that as a commissioner, she would review all department cuts. The county keeps financial reserves longer than necessary, she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to review each department\u2019s needs. We need to rebuild or restructure where needed. We need to bring back programs that serve the public well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last, she said the county needs to develop new revenue streams and economic plans. Examples include boosting tourism revenue, leveraging workforce training at Pueblo Community College Southwest and revisiting a failed public safety sales tax measure.<\/p>\n

Anderson said her next step will be meeting with residents to discuss the county\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all about listening,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m not an expert in everything and I want to listen to the experts and I want to hear what they have to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

This article was updated Dec. 10 to include Anderson\u2019s party affiliation.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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