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Jeung won’t seek office in 2008
Decision by 2004 candidate leaves void for Democrats in county commissioner race
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By Phillip Yates
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
December 27, 2007
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GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The shape of the Democratic fields for two Garfield County commissioner races next year has become murkier after one prospective candidate announced on Wednesday his intention not to run next year.
Greg Jeung, a resident of No Name, wrote in a letter to the Post Independent that he would not enter the race. Jeung, a former Glenwood Springs City Council member, tried unsuccessfully to unseat current Republican Commissioner John Martin in 2004.
“Yes I have made my decision,” Jeung wrote. “And no, I will not be seeking election for Garfield County commissioner in 2008.”
In his letter (Page 8), Jeung wrote that it was not the right time for him to enter the race. He cited family concerns, starting a new job and him developing “a newfound respect for and appreciation of life and living.”
Attempts to reach Jeung were not successful Wednesday.
Jeung’s withdrawal on Wednesday left the question of what Democrat might challenge Martin up in the air.
Martin, who is beginning his 12th year as a District 2 commissioner on Jan. 1, said on Wednesday that he is ready to run again against whomever the Democrats nominate to challenge him. There are no term limits for county commissioners in Garfield County.
“I am always a target. I always have a bull’s-eye on my back,” said Martin, who said he is looking forward to continue working for the county’s residents. “I’ve never run unopposed.”
Silt Mayor Dave Moore said Wednesday that he has been asked by people in both the Republican and Democratic parties to consider making a run for county commissioner in Martin’s district. Moore, a Republican, said he might consider entering the race as an independent.
However, Moore faces an April recall election based on accusations that he has violated town codes and statutes and been involved in conflicts of interest.
“If I overwhelmingly win the (recall) election, which I am anticipating, then in all probability I am going to run for county commissioner,” Moore said. “I feel that I have overwhelming support in and around town and in the valley. (The recall election) is an unfortunate thing. I think it has given Silt a black eye.”
Another commissioner race in western Garfield County is wide open because Republican incumbent Larry McCown is not running for election. District 1 Commissioner Trési Houpt, a Democrat, is not up for re-election.
Rifle attorney and former county judge Steve Carter has said he is “seriously considering” entering the race as a Democrat. Rifle Mayor Keith Lambert, who unsuccessfully ran against McCown as a Democrat in 2004, has also shown some interest in running, but said he probably wouldn’t run if Carter joined the race.
Both men were unavailable for comment late Wednesday.
Republican Mike Samson of Rifle officially announced his candidacy as a Garfield County commissioner for District 3 in late November.
Contact Phillip Yates: 384-9117
pyates@postindependent.com
Post Independent, Glenwood Springs, Colorado CO
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M/CLOUDY 43°
