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Mike Samson: Garfield County Commissioners District 3 Republican candidate

Mike Samson.
Mike Samson/Courtesy

Please tell us about yourself and why you’re running for Garfield County Commissioners.

I was born in Glenwood Springs at Dr. Porter’s Hospital in 1954. I have basically lived in Garfield County all my life. I graduated from Rifle High School in 1972. I began teaching at Rifle High School in 1979 – 25 years as a Social Studies teacher and 5 years as an administrator. I was first elected as District 3 Commissioner in 2008 and am currently serving my fourth term as commissioner.

I have a tremendously wonderful wife, Janet, for the past 45 years, and we have seven wonderful children. I have much to be thankful for in this life. One of the most challenging but yet rewarding opportunities I have had in this life is that of being a Garfield County commissioner. One of the biggest rewards is that of being able to help people in so many different facets of everyday life.

What do you see as the main issue facing Garfield County?

I believe the “main issue” facing any commissioner at all times is the health, safety and welfare of all Garfield County citizens. That includes a multiplicity of complex decisions.



At the present time some of those major decisions will revolve around housing, transportation, communication, public lands, local economy, water, and mental health.

As we can see, they are all inter-connected within the framework of governing Garfield County.



The rising cost of housing is an issue all Garfield County communities face. What do you see as the county commission’s role in seeking solutions to the housing crisis?

Working together with all involved in finding the best solution to a very complex challenge.

We as commissioners need to be leaders in this field. I believe we have been by doing the following:

1.     Require affordable housing in subdivisions.

2.     Contributing $100K per year to the Housing Authority.

3.     Make ADU’s up to 1200 sq. ft. a use by right.

4.     Allow up to 4 ADU’s as a use by right per lot if associated with a business.

5.     Reduce minimum lot size for deed restricted workforce units.

6.     Repeal restrictions thus allowing “Tiny Homes”.

7.     Waive building permits and traffic impact fees for restricted affordable or work force units.

8.     Supporting Habitat for Humanity’s Wapiti Common’s project and contributing $200,000.

9.     Expanded household income criteria for the Affordable Housing program by lowering the average median income.

10.  Applying our annual Private Activity Bond allocation (2023 – $3.7 million) for single family mortgage loans through CHFA.

Water security is another issue facing Garfield County – what do you think county commissioners should do to ensure the Shoshone Water Right purchase, which would secure nearly 1,500 CFS in flows from the Colorado River, becomes a reality?

Pay our fair share towards the purchase price of $98.5 million. We are currently working with all partners to figure out what is fair for each player. This is a paramount decision of importance to not only Garfield County – but the entire western slope. Given this opportunity we must ensure In Stream Flow for perpetuity. We have been working diligently on this project for many years. I feel very confident that we will be successful with our many partners to accomplish this great blessing to all.

What, if any, role do you think the county commission has in determining what materials are available to the public at Garfield County libraries?

Again, that main point – health, safety and welfare for all Garfield County citizens. As commissioners, we have two major oversight responsibilities concerning the Library Board.

1.     Review (not approve) their annual budget, and

2.     Appoint the Board of Trustees.

Many constituents have come before us many times and ask for action from the BOCC to remove obscene and inappropriate books from easy access to children. We have sent a letter to the library board and also a resolution to address this issue.

To me, this is a very easy fix. Remove those obscene, pornographic materials from the easy access of minors. I firmly believe that this type of material is destructive to young minds. Enough said, please do the right thing!

How would you balance the viewpoints of those who might disagree with you?

With having three commissioners, there is sometimes a 2-1 vote. None of us likes to be the one, but it does happen. I handle it by digesting all the discussion from all that wish to contribute and then asking myself this question, “What is best for Garfield County?” Sometimes you have to split hairs to get to that point. Some will agree, some will not. During all the discussions, testimony, and evaluating written comments, try your best to be civil and caring towards others that disagree. Encourage them to do the same. Listening is an essential ingredient. And when you don’t come out on the prevailing side, remember there will be another day, another vote and you may be in the majority and they in the minority. Be gracious.

Where mutual interest aligns, work together.


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