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By: By Luke Lyons, Courier editor – Updated: 1 day ago
Posted Oct 14, 2022
ALAMOSA — Six of the seven Alamosa County candidates in the Nov. 8 election introduced themselves to a packed house at Society Hall on Tuesday.
The candidates — all running unopposed — opened the Alamosa Chamber of Commerce and Valley Courier Candidates forum which featured the Colorado House District 62 and 12th Judicial District Attorney candidates.
MORE FROM THE FORUM: HD62 candidates meet at Alamosa forum
Arlan Van Ry is running for the District 2 County Commissioner seat. The seat will open as current Alamosa County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Michael Yohn is set to retire.
Van Ry was born and raised in Alamosa, graduating from Alamosa High School. He served with the Third Ranger Battalion in the Army, returned to Alamosa and worked at his family’s construction business, Colorado Construction.
He owns and operates his own business, Arlan’s Pro Services — a drug and alcohol screening service.
Van Ry said he’s always been interested in serving his community.
“I’ve been doing that my entire life,” he said. “Whether it’s Cub Scouts, or the Elks or I’ve served on city boards.”
Obtaining more health care and help for veterans, finding a solution for those suffering homelessness and fighting drug-related issues and deaths are among Van Ry’s top priorities when he takes office, he said.
“I’m real excited about being able to serve as county commissioner,” he said.
Mari Felix, the current, appointed county clerk and recorder, spoke next.
Felix touted her desire to listen to county residents and provide quality customer service.
“I am working hard to get you guys back your office that you’re used to with friendly customer service,” she said. “If you have any questions, I think that’s the best thing, if you ask me questions, I can find you answers. I’m here to help you guys with whatever you need.”
Incumbent treasurer and trustee for the county Amy McKinley came to the podium after Felix.
McKinley has been in office since January 2019. She lauded her employees and said that taxpayers are the “lifeblood” of the county.
“We try to treat our customers with the utmost respect and courtesy,” she said. “I’m looking forward to continuing serving all of you.”
Alamosa County Assessor Sandra Hostetter will serve her sixth term as assessor. Hostetter has worked for the county for 30 years — 20 as the assessor.
“I’ve enjoyed working for the county and the public and all of you and I’m looking forward to continuing,” she said.
While unopposed, Hostetter said she would appreciate county votes.
“I would appreciate and be grateful for your vote of confidence in November,” she said. “My office is open all the time, I welcome any questions, comments, concerns.”
Incumbent Alamosa County Sheriff Robert Jackson will serve his third term. He’s served in Alamosa law enforcement for 38 years.
“I have a lot vested in what we do,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot of challenges.”
Jackson spoke of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, finding solutions with substance abuse and combating mental health issues in the county jail.
“Those are the challenges of the next four years,” he said. “We’re going to concentrate on building our staff.”
MORE FROM THE FORUM: DA candidates meet at Alamosa forum
Last was Joe Dzuris, who will be the county’s new coroner.
Dzuris has spent the last 26 years working for Mosca-Hooper’s fire department.
This is the first time he has run for office.
He said he’ll lean on his experience fighting fires, other life experiences and training to fit into the role.
“Through the school the school of hard knocks, I’ve come up with enough experience,” he said. “(Being coroner) will be a new thing and I’m just hoping I can do a good job for you all.”
County surveyor Dan Russell was out of town.
Luke Lyons is the managing editor of the Valley Courier. He can be reached via email at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter by searching @luke_lyons14.
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