Republican James Lambert, a retired businessman from Pleasant View, will be the next Montezuma County commissioner.
Lambert coasted to victory over rival Bill Utrup, an unafilliated candidate.
Unofficial election results show Lambert earning 5,429 votes to Utrup's 3,397.
Utrup conceded on Election Night.
"I really appreciate all the support I had," he said. "I'm still going to work hard in the community as if I was a commissioner."
Lambert, 77, will replace commissioner Steve Chappell, whose term is up Jan. 1.
In other races, Deputy County Clerk Kim Percell beat out challenger Judy Marquez, bringing in 6,184 votes compared with Marquez's 2,879.
Percell said her priority is customer service. She has worked for the clerk's office since 2005, first in the motor vehicle department, and then as chief deputy in 2011.
In uncontested races, Sherry Dyess will be the Montezuma County treasurer, and William Scott Davis will be Montezuma County assessor. Ernest E. Maness will be the county surveyor, and George Deavers will be county coroner. Montezuma County Judge JenniLynn Everett Lawrence was retained.
'Quite a bit to learn'
The race for Montezuma County commission focused on concerns fairly typical in a rural, conservative region.
Federal over reach, land-use plans, economic development, public land access, roads, and the CO2 industry topped the charts.
In an interview Lambert said a one-vote loss to candidate Jim Candelaria at the Republican county assembly was a twist of fate that helped him win.
In order to get on the GOP primary ballot, Lambert had to collect hundreds of signatures, which spurred his campaign.
"It made me get out there and get more acquainted with the community. It got my name out there," he said. "At first I dreaded campaigning, but it turned out to be enjoyable."
Celebrating his election victory with family, he discussed the upcoming job as a public servant.
On federal encroachment, Lambert says he will be watching for water and land grabs by agencies like the EPA, Forest Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service.
"They want more and more control of land and water," he said.
Hemp supporter, anti-pot
Regarding the recent legalization of hemp and local test plots, Lambert said he is supportive of growing the crop, the opportunity needs to be studied carefully.
"It is not proven that it will grow well here and even it does, there needs to be an economically accessible route to a market and a processing plant," he said.
But he draws the line on growing marijuana as a viable commercial crop in the county.
"For me its a moral standpoint. I'm opposed to growing marijuana in the county for retail, so I stand with the other commissioners on that."
County roads
The county is pushing for jurisdiction over Forest Service roads through state law RS2477. Lambert will continue with that mission.
"So far as I am concerned, all roads in the county not designated as U.S. or state highways already are county roads. RS2477 is a law. It should be adhered to."
The county is claiming the Dolores-Norwood road from U.S. Forest Service jurisdiction. Lambert said federal ownership is a misnomer.
"The land does not belong to government agencies but to the people," he said. "Taxpayers pay for the upkeep of the roads one way or another."
