Candidates talk with voters before the event.

The last in a series of joint party Meet the Candidates finished up in Bailey at the Platte Canyon Fire Station on Crow Hill. The July 25th meeting was moderated by Wilson and Mary Marsh of Precinct 9. All Republican candidates for 2006 local elections attended. Also participating were Jeff Crank, Republican candidate for. U.S.

House District 5, and Steve Schultz representing the Bob Beauprez gubernatorial campaign.

Jeff Crank addressed the gathering of local voters, telling the group that Park County deserves representation in congress as much as the more populated areas of the district. He said that he would pay close attention to water issues for the area. Crank listed the war on terror, national debt, and immigration as the most important issues facing the nation at this time. He went on to say that passing the growing national debt on to children and grandchildren is immoral. He described the financial problems facing the country as spending issues, not tax issues. "The federal government has to get control of its spending," Crank said.

Sheriff Fred Wegener, District 5 Congressional candidate Jeff Crank, Assessor Dave Wissel

Steve Schultz was on hand to speak on behalf of Bob Beauprez, Republican candidate for Colorado Governor. He talked about the nominating assembly and the broad grassroots support for Beauprez from all counties in the state. Schultz reminded listeners that Congressman Beauprez introduced legislation calling for cutting U.S. aid to Mexico if that country refused to extradite suspected cop-killers to this country for prosecution.

(Answers reported in this article do not reflect everything said by the candidates. Please contact the candidates for more information.)

Sheriff Candidate - Unopposed

Incumbent Republican Sheriff Fred Wegener said that he was grateful and humbled by the support he has received from the citizens of the county. Wegener said that he has served with the Park County Sheriff's Department for 17 years and attends homeowners' meetings to keep in touch with the public's concerns. He said it was an honor to be the first Sheriff from Park County to attend the FBI National Academy.

Clerk Candidate - Unopposed

Republican Debra Green currently serves as Park County's Clerk and Recorder and is running unopposed for re-election. She said she has enjoyed the challenge of the past four years and is looking forward to the next four years in office. Green explained the new voting equipment purchased for the county with a grant of $133,400 from the State of Colorado. She explained that any voter can use the new electronic machines developed for the handicapped, or they may continue to use paper ballots that are counted electronically.

Newly-appointed County Commissioner Lillian Wissel (left) greets candidates before the July 25th event

Assessor Candidate - Unopposed

Incumbent County Assessor Dave Wissel expressed appreciation for all candidates working hard to run for elected office. Wissel also serves as President of the Advisory Board on the Land and Water Trust Fund, and Board member to the Upper South Park Water Conservancy District. He encouraged support for the renewal of the 1% sales tax to fund the protection of land and water resources in the county.

Coroner Candidate - Unopposed

Sharon Morris has served as Park County Coroner for 14 years and is running unopposed for re-election on the Republican ballot. Morris said that she appreciated being an elected county coroner responsible to the people she serves. She challenged each person present to contact two other people and encourage them to vote in this very important primary election. Morris said that this could be the voters' last chance to choose elected officials in some races.

Candidates Susan Pullman and Michelle Miller talk informally with voters before the event.

Treasurer and Public Trustee Candidates - Primary Election

Michelle Miller is the current Park County Treasurer and a Republican. She thanked everyone for supporting her over the years. Miller went on to say that nothing compares to on-the-job training, which she has had for more than 21 years working in the Treasurer's office. She added that she holds a four-year treasurer's certification, something that can't be acquired in a one- or two-day training. She talked about her experience serving for the past year as President of the Colorado County Treasurer's Association, and her current work with a committee to standardize mobile home registration and taxation.

Susan Pullman is a Republican candidate for the Park County Treasurer's office. Pullman outlined her community service, including involvement in the Republican Party at the local and state levels. She went on to discuss her years as a financial analyst, including her work with Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and other government contractors. Pullman emphasized leadership skills and her record of gaining the trust of customers and co-workers alike. She said that the citizens were entitled to expect good service from the office. "When someone comes into the [Treasurer's] office for help, someone should come to the counter and give the customer their undivided attention until the issue is resolved," Pullman said. She added that the position comes with serious responsibility and a good salary. "Citizens deserve to get their money's worth," Pullman added.