Ranging from the national level, to right here in Garfield County, the rhetoric of this campaign season is as dramatic as I’ve ever seen. Virtually everything I read by the local opposition is so full of histrionics, it leaves one wondering if their lack of sensible policies hasn’t left them with a deepening sense of desperation.

Last week, I was forced to call out my opponent for his falsehoods regarding my record on housing. Here, though, I’d especially like to take down the noise level a few decibels and highlight my accomplishments as a precursor to the kinds of policies I think most all of us see as necessary to sustain and responsibly grow a vibrant and prosperous Garfield County. In the most practical terms, I’d like to appeal to the local citizen who may not be affiliated with a given party, but desires a commissioner whose values they can trust, and whose policies offer real solutions to our challenges today and tomorrow.

Integrity and transparency have been my guideposts in providing prudent stewardship of the taxpayers’ resources throughout my 16-year commissionership. My approach to responsible energy development and tough budgetary decisions have rendered a multi-year financial reserve in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This reserve has funded better roads, schools, and public services without raising taxes.

My foremost priority will always be public health and safety. I have, therefore, consistently backed Garfield County’s law enforcement and emergency services and fully support interagency cooperation to counter the humanitarian crisis born of federal and state failures to enforce immigration law.

Equally integral to our health and wellness is water. I have worked successfully to help preserve our water rights. An important example is the Shoshone Permanency Project which will protect our ecosystems and agricultural interests alike for generations to come.

Looking further into the future, I’ve championed the expansion of rural broadband. At 100 to 1,000 times faster than current internet service providers in our towns and rural areas, Garfield County is moving into the final stage, or “last mile” service, of fiber to homes. Coupled with the boundless opportunities in AI, our local creativity and productivity will make us globally competitive across all markets…right from our own homes and places of business.

This kind of long-term planning and committed execution must always be in consonance with our local identity and western values, driven by a love of our environment, wildlife, and local farms and ranches. I have been and will forever be a proponent of this concept as we shape our growth in Garfield County. These next four years will be pivotal to our future success and the independent/unaffiliated voter will play a decisive role.

The average Garfield County citizen has always been an independent thinker. Accordingly, independent/unaffiliated voters comprise more than all registered Democrats and Republicans combined. The differences between my opponent and me stand in stark relief and I encourage all citizens to compare my values, policies, stewardship, and record of accomplishments to that of my opponent’s “lived experience” and emphasis on “programs.”

I live, listen and lead by my values of integrity and transparency. My approach to fiscal responsibility, energy, public health and safety, energy, infrastructure and more has helped keep this place a wonderful place to live. Moreover, I’ve kept our future in focus and have helped develop the business-friendly plans that will shape and expand economic prosperity for all. If you’re a serious voter, there is little question as to which of us will best govern for the entirety of Garfield County. Ballots are out and I look forward to serving all of you.

Mike Samson is the Republican incumbent candidate for District 3 on the Garfield County Board of Commissioners.