Budget Process:
Nothing is more important at this time than for Archuleta County to produce a budget process that is transparent and understandable to everyone. The budget is the only monetary control for matching income to expenditures and plans. It is the philosophy and goals for the management of the county, both currently and into the future. Expenditures must be constantly measured against the prescribed goals to determine if the spending takes us toward our goals. Paper trails and knowledge of source, movement, location and use of funds are essential. Critical reviews, comparing actual to budgeted items, are needed on a monthly basis, with immediate assessment should unbudgeted expenditures occur.

Ron Chacey will not approve a budget process that is not transparent, efficient, and effective. In addition it must have strict controls and oversight, including very tight controls and regular reviews of all credit cards. State laws concerning budgets are clear and effective, and must be followed by the BoCC and staff. Continued... Management:
Ron Chacey recognizes that the County Commissioner’s role is to serve the will of the people. He will promote timely and comprehensive communications with the public. Without public participation in the governing process, we cannot prevent divisiveness and discontent. Government and the people are dependent upon each other for the creation of a healthy, functioning community.

Professionalism is the key to sound management. Ron Chacey always gives respect and consideration for county staff. Following appropriate protocol and procedure is essential. Development of staff efficiency and effectiveness is dependent upon maintaining staff training, moral and long tenures.

Equitable Road Maintenance:
Ron Chacey will make equitable and cost-effective road maintenance a top priority. He will not approve any non-essential expenditure until we are well on our way to having safe and adequately maintained roads for everyone. Efficiency and cost effectiveness must be enhanced through the use of management audits.

We must maintain our fundamental infrastructure. With appropriate funding and equitable maintenance our roads will not deteriorate to the point where they are cost-prohibitive to restore. In addition to the benefit to our citizens’ safety and vehicles and their driving pleasure, roads in good condition improve our ability to attract tourists, homebuyers and businesses, thus the sustainability of our economy. Continued... Sustainable Economy:
Ron Chacey will focus all decisions on the impact upon the development and maintenance of a sustainable economy, but not of a “Boom & Bust” economy, as we have had in the past. Growth is one of the essentials for our local economic health, and growth will only continue if Archuleta County remains attractive to businesses, tourists and homebuyers. To provide this attractiveness, in addition to environmental considerations, he will work to provide affordable housing, reliable infrastructure, post secondary schools, and urban services such as medical, fire and law enforcement.

Growth & Development:
Preservation of open land and sustainable growth are interdependent and will only be possible when both are attained.

To reduce costs to the taxpayers, we must prevent the sprawl into the rural areas that has been the standard procedure of the past. Rural residential sprawl has reduced our open space, wildlife habitat, and scenic vistas and has produced housing with costs of services that are higher than the taxes collected. This has created a shortfall of funds, which is one of the underlying causes of our county’s present financial situation. Ron Chacey will work to ensure that large developments invest in their community, paying their fair share, so that current residents will not incur that burden.

Uphold the public interest:
Ron Chacey believes that communication, cooperation and fair representation are essential to effective government. Ample public participation and involvement of stakeholders is key to any successful political process. He will not represent any one segment of the community such as business, real estate, or no-growth advocates. Instead, through teamwork, collaboration and consensus building, Ron Chacey will strive to represent the citizenry as a whole, seeking to balance a wide range of interests in an equitable and forward-thinking manner. Continued... Home Rule:
Ron Chacey will participate in the public process concerning Home Rule for Archuleta County. Removal of partisan politics from county government by way of Home Rule can improve both the level of participation by candidates and the opportunity for the community to more fully consider the quality of the candidates. A larger number of commissioners will also be of benefit, with better representation of all parts of the county and more creative ideas. The potential for improved professional management, thus greater efficiency and quality of services under Home Rule, is possibly the greatest value of Home Rule.

Ethical Government:
Ron Chacey believes that ethics in government is about avoiding conflicts of interest and upholding public interests over personal or private interests. Elected officials should work as a team of public servants for the common good of the community, upholding the public trust, and providing justice through impartial decisions without special interest or ex-parte influence. Respecting the results of all board votes is absolutely necessary.

Due to Ron’s position on the Archuleta County Planning Commission, he will not accept campaign donations from developers with projects coming before the Planning Commission.

Click here to contact Ron with your questions or comments!

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Ron Chacey, Muriel Eason, Treasurer