Two independent candidates have been certified to appear on the ballot in November’s general election.
Montezuma County Clerk and Recorder Carol Tullis said she recently certified Judy Marquez as an unaffiliated candidate in the county clerk and recorder race as well as Bill Utrup in the county commissioner’s race.
According to Tullis, Utrup needed 151 valid signatures to petition as an independent candidate. He secured 182.
Utrup, 65, will face off against Republican candidate James Lambert. If elected, Utrup said his top priority would be county finances.
“There is a time to spend, to save and to balance the budget,” Utrup said. “I would be working to brain storm how we can start saving money in areas within the counties management system.”
A quality he possesses, Utrup said the county needed forward thinking leaders to address future critical issues.
According to Tullis, Marquez needed 190 valid signatures to become an official candidate in November. She secured 221. Marquez will face Republican candidate Kim Percell in the general election.
Marquez said her 30 years of banking experience enables her to bring new ideas to the office.
“My dependability, exceptional work ethic and a high standard of integrity would be beneficial in the county clerk and recorder role,” she said.
Tullis also confirmed that Michael Steele has filed his intent to run as a write-in candidate in the sheriff’s race. Tullis said a write-in candidate was not required to obtain petition signatures, but his name won’t be on the ballot.
Steele faces Republican candidate Steve Nowlin in the November election. Nowlin defeated incumbent candidate Dennis Spruell in last month’s GOP primary.
The deadline to file intent as a write-in candidate is July 17.
