Martin’s experience brings essential component to board

In the District 2 Garfield County commissioner race, each of the two candidates bring strengths and qualifications to the election.

Both are committed to public service and have the desire to make a difference in Garfield County.

Republican John Martin is running for a fourth term. At 59, Martin says this will likely be his final term if elected.

He has served the board well for three terms and has demonstrated a dedication to the office and his duties that is impressive.

Democrat Stephen Bershenyi, 60, is a Garfield County native who says he’s now ready to give back to the region that has benefited him well over the years.

Mr. Bershenyi has worked tirelessly in learning the issues of the county. He has taken the time and made the commitment to educate himself about the board and how it operates.

As a possible newcomer to the board, Mr. Bershenyi could bring a fresh perspective to the three-person board.

However, we believe that Mr. Martin’s experience and working knowledge of the board and the issues facing Garfield County is what sets him apart in this race.

Garfield County is perched on a new era; in fact, it can be argued that the county has already leapt into it.

Great prosperity, great challenges and great opportunities await the county as we face issues like energy, growth, transportation, affordable housing and others.

The financial responsibilities of the board of commissioners will grow in importance as these issues grow in prominence.

There’s no doubt that the energy industry’s impact on the county continues to swell. It’s become more evident that the decisions made concerning the energy industry will have an impact on virtually all county residents.

There must be a balance between the economic benefits that the energy industry brings to the county and limiting the impacts of that industry on the environment and residents of the county.

We feel that Mr. Martin’s experience, working knowledge of government and fiscal responsibility and his work to educate himself on issues and policies provide the county with an invaluable resource in these turbulent times.

We also feel that Mr. Martin has shown the willingness to break with party ranks and side with Democrat Trési Houpt on issues and decisions made by the commission.

Mr. Martin is a student of government and the energy industry. His three terms have given him a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience that is difficult to replace.

It’s Mr. Martin’s experience and working knowledge of the issues facing Garfield County that set him apart and make him the best candidate for the District 2 seat.

— Post Independent Editorial Board

Samson’s background good for District 3 commission seat

Garfield County voters are very fortunate this year when it comes to finding qualified candidates for the District 3 race for board of commissioners.

With Republican Larry McCown closing the book on his commissioner days in District 3, there are a pair of highly qualified Rifle men looking to take his place.

Democrat Steve Carter, 63, and Republican Mike Samson, 54, bring a high level of character, integrity and credentials to this race.

We feel that either would make a strong commissioner.

Mr. Carter is a former district judge and currently has an law firm in Rifle. Samson is a Rifle native, who is the dean of students at Rifle High School, where he’s been a teacher and administrator since 1979.

Both men have left an indelible mark on their community and deserve strong consideration to take over as the District 3 county commissioner.

One of the most important traits both of these candidates have is an understanding of the importance of communication. That type of understanding will no doubt be greatly beneficial to a three-person board.

Communication is a key component to this seat, and that means communication with other board members as well as communication with county residents and officials from the municipalities in the county.

We will be honest: We fully believe that both candidates bring tremendous traits to this election, and we found no issues or abilities that set them apart from one another.

The one area where we felt that Mr. Samson is slightly more qualified is his background as an educator. The community-minded spirit that comes with being a teacher is something we feel will be an asset to the board.

Working with all different levels of people from students, parents, other staff and administration — this is where his communication strengths were developed. The patience and open-mindedness that he brings to his job as an educator, will also serve him well as a county commissioner if elected.

This is in no way saying that Mr. Carter is not community-minded or lacks an open-minded ability, because we feel that he does hold those attributes as well. We just feel that Mr. Samson’s position as an educator gives him a unique perspective.

Both candidates have familiarized themselves with the issues and the workings of the board of commissioners and are more than ready to hit the ground running.

Mr. Carter has an outstanding knowledge of government law and how government works. This will obviously be a great benefit if he’s elected.

Both Mr. Carter and Mr. Samson are concerned with the fiscal responsibility of the county and the importance of making decisions that will impact taxpayers’ money.

We feel that both are highly qualified and capable of moving into the District 3 seat. However, because of his background as an educator, we feel that Mr. Samson would be the best choice.

— Post Independent Editorial Board