Newly elected commissioners Perry Will and Mike Samson were sworn into office by Judge John F. Neiley while surrounded by colleagues, friends and supporters on Tuesday morning at the Garfield County Administration building. 

“ As individual citizens, we may find ourselves drawn to a particular political agenda, the allure of a charismatic personality or the judgment of popular opinion,” Neiley said before swearing in Will and Samson. “However, as public servants, we are called to put these personal impulses aside and we adhere to a high assurance. Vowing in front of all these people to commit ourselves to support the constitutions of the United States and the state of Colorado and the rule of law above all else, these are not idle words when we make this oath.”

Former State Sen. Will announced his decision to leave the Colorado legislature in a bid for a spot on the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners in January 2024. The New Castle Republican replaces longtime former commissioner John Martin as the county’s District Two representative.

“ I think John and I stand for a lot of the same things — our way of life, our Western heritage, and our time-honored traditions in this county,” Will said. “I’m here to represent you. There’s no ego trip whatsoever with me. I’m here to represent the people of Garfield County. My phone’s always on. Call me day or night.”

“ This is truly, truly, truly an honor for me, to serve the great people of this beautiful valley and beautiful county that we have here,” he added. I’ll do the best job I can possibly do.”

Incumbent District Three Republican Samson already has 16 years of experience as a Garfield County Commissioner under his belt. This marks Samson’s fifth and final term, the commissioner told ceremony attendees Tuesday.

“My family has supported me from day one,” Samson said. “But they all stood pretty firm and they said dad, grandpa, this is the last term. So this is the last hurrah.”

Commissioner Tom Jankovsky will assume Martin’s former position as chairman, with Will taking the position of vice chairman, according to Samson. 

 ”It’s been now 14 years that I’ve worked with John and Mike and we’ve had stable, consistent, and I’d say… honorable county government,” Jankovsky said. “ It’s very important in these times…that we continue the legacy that citizen John Martin has put in front of us. So with that I want to thank John and I look forward to working with Perry and Mike for at least two more years.”