Caucus Speech

Good evening,

 For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Richard Ford.  Many of you know me as Pastor Ford, and I’m running for County Commissioner, District 1.  I’m not going to stand here tonight and give you promises I can’t fulfill in order to gain votes.  What I can do is be honest and tell you what issues I believe are important.

 For me, personally, God, Family, Country.  In that order.

 Putting God first holds me accountable to campaign commitments, keeps me humble, and reminds me all decisions should be just and not self-seeking.

 Family- I believe a man’s ability to manage his family is a true indicator of his capacity to lead others.  I believe building strong families that embody the values of integrity, hard work, and community contribution is a gift to our society and necessary for a sustainable future.  Strong Families equals Strong Communities.

 I believe our country is the greatest on earth, and this little sliver we call Rio Blanco County is the best part of that.  We may be a little different, or as they say on the west side of our county “Way out of Ordinary”, that’s what makes us special.

 There will be many challenges our county will face in the coming years, both seen and unseen. 

 Water - affects us all. Not just agriculture and industry.  Without a reliable water source every property will be subject to devaluation, and will have a lasting negative impact on future generations.  Water is life!!  We must protect OUR water!

 Fiscal Responsibility – Commissioners should strive to keep government SMALL, and EFFICIENT maintaining a balanced budget; providing necessary services, with less monetary contributions from the citizens, in other words, Less Taxes.

Unity – We all know the phrase United We Stand; Divided We Fall.  I believe that has never been more true than it is right now for rural Colorado.  Unity doesn’t mean being the same; it means moving in the same direction.  In our county that direction is often toward independence, stewardship of land and revenue, and looking out for our neighbors.  We must work together to find common ground and present a united front to combat the destructive policies and unfunded mandates being imposed by the State.  The "United We Stand" approach is the only way to get the State Capitol to listen. When a county speaks with a single, clear voice—backed by data and local agreement—it becomes much harder for Denver to ignore.

 A question on all of your minds right now, is probably, can I handle this enormous amount of responsibility? 

Personally, I believe my life experience has uniquely qualified me for this position. 

First, as a business owner.  With over 30 years’ experience in the automotive world, I understand the complexities of managing finance, personnel, and government regulation.   Achieving success even during uncertain economic times.  As a local restaurant owner, the ability to improvise, adapt, and overcome.  The feeding of nearly 6,000 meals with a day’s notice, and limited staff during the recent wildfires being just one of the examples of my commitment to the community and my ability to lead during a crisis.

I believe in visionary leadership that actually delivers. When Meeker’s families and businesses struggled with a lack of childcare, we stepped up to fill the gap. By founding a successful daycare and early learning center, we created a sustainable solution for our working parents without ever asking the taxpayers to foot the bill.

Second, as an ag producer.  I have personally faced the challenges of drought, predation, and fires.  As an irrigator and water shareholder, I understand the direct impact that water has on my ability to produce income and sustain my properties value. As an avid fisherman, I can personally appreciate it’s recreational value as well.

 As a family man and a father of 12 children (don’t worry, there’s only 7 left at home), I have vast experience dealing with “inter-personal conflicts” 😊 

On a serious note, the manner in which my family grew from 4 children to 12, demonstrates my willingness to do hard things, and my commitment to protect and provide for the most vulnerable. 

 Lastly, my years as a Pastor have taught me the true value of being a servant leader. In our faith and in our fields, leadership isn't about holding power over others—it’s about shouldering the burdens of the community. A servant leader doesn't stand above the people; they stand with them, listening first and acting second. As we face the challenges coming from the State, I am committed to leading not for my own sake, but as a steward of our shared values and a servant to every citizen in this county.

 In the upcoming days, no matter who you choose as your next commissioner, just remember, we are

Better Together!