To the editor:

I call Estes Park home. But we Estes Park residents also reside in Larimer County, and as residents of the county, we rely heavily on county services. We must count on successful and experienced county leaders to manage our services properly.
I have come to personally know our Larimer County Treasurer, Irene Josey, over the last few years and she has earned my vote for re-election as our county treasurer.
Irene Josey is a successful and experienced county leader who manages our public funds with the highest regard for safety and security. She has served us as both the chief deputy treasurer and now Treasurer for many years. In those years of service, she has learned every aspect of the treasurer’s office, has studied the relevant Colorado laws that govern her office, and learned to safely manage millions of dollars in public funds to the benefit of all county residents. Irene is professionally proficient and trusted.
But I also know her personally, and I know she is a sincere and caring woman, who gives freely in her service, both professionally and to support personal causes that add value to our community. She serves youth in conflict, at-risk dogs, and supports caring for our armed-service veterans, among other community needs. I appreciate that in a government leader.
Please join me in voting to re-elect Irene Josey as our Larimer County Treasurer.

Judy Howell

Estes Park

To the editor:

We encourage your vote for Irene Josey for Larimer County Treasurer.

Irene has the experience we need in this critical county office, having worked in the treasurer’s office for 32 years; 26 years as chief deputy and the last four as our treasurer. She helps oversee $350 million in investments for Larimer County and is past president of the Colorado Treasurer’s Association. 

Irene has helped Larimer County achieve the best possible Triple-A credit rating from Moody’s, something only one other county in the state has achieved. Being frugal with our dollars, she has underspent her department budget, returning over $500,000 to the county in just the last three years.

She is endorsed by all three Larimer County Commissioners.
She is endorsed by the Larimer County, the Loveland, and the Northern Colorado Fraternal Orders of the Police
She is endorsed by all of our past county treasurers dating back 35 years.

A direct quote from the Estes Park Trail Gazette editorial board: “Irene Josey has the experience, knowledge and work ethic to continue to be a successful treasurer for Larimer County, and she gets this editorial board’s endorsement.”

A direct quote from the Fort Collins Coloradoan editorial board: “Irene Josey, who has served as Larimer County’s elected treasurer since 2014, is clearly the most qualified candidate for the treasurer’s post in the November election. The Coloradoan editorial board unanimously supports her re-election and encourages voters to do the same.”

County treasurer is too important a role to give to someone with absolutely no experience. 

We need the talent of Irene Josey as our county treasurer.

April and Randy Holyfield

Loveland

To the editor:

Moved here in 2011. Immediately met Sean through industry folks, had great conversations, met again over lunch, and the entire topic shifted from easy market conversations chats to family, business, local commerce, city, county, state government, and our past business lives. We shifted to the boards/charities of which we were a part and that we loved so much. That was 2011. I urged him to run for office, so he could apply all his skills and experiences. I have personally sat in offices when realtors had honest ethical challenges they needed help with, the kind of stuff that seasoned, mature, and ethical people can assist with after having lived a very thorough examined life themselves. Not everything is easy, nor black and white. He helped these professionals’ sort through tough topics. Important to me is he just gets Northern Colorado, and understands we are not Boulder or Denver. I also know his aims are not partisan. This area of Colorado is going to need leadership as we grow. When Sean is elected to commissioner he will draw on his collection of life experiences to mitigate issues, balance interests, and to guide us. I know I will be voting for the correct person. He’ll be both a steward and extension of the reputation in Northern Colorado which I crafted for myself. Being fair and level-headed is not easy. Many are demanding our leaders ditch their ethics and take partisan sides. I will never worry about Sean being compromised as a leader or deviating from the path I know this man has been on for so long: He is going to serve us well, and I wish him the very best in such a critical local position. I’m done taking chances on unknown/untested people in elected office.

Andrew Hoelzel

Fort Collins

To the editor:

Irene Josey is experienced. She has served as elected Larimer County Treasurer since 2015 and before that as chief deputy treasurer for 26 years. She is immediate past-president of the Colorado County Treasurer’s Association.
Irene Josey is accountable and trusted – Irene has managed the Larimer County Treasurer’s Office so efficiently there has been no need for hiring additional employees. She has safely and wisely invested public monies so county services are funded evenly throughout the year. As treasurer she has returned over half a million dollars in unspent, allocated budget funds in the last three budget years.
In 2017, in recognition of her professional financial management in conjunction with fellow elected county officials and staff, Larimer County was awarded Moody’s highest credit rating, AAA, one of only two Colorado counties and 97 counties awarded nationwide. This rating acknowledges how the financial industry views the fiscal health of Larimer County.
Re-elect Irene Josey so she can continue investing our public funds safely, providing superior customer service, and ensuring our schools, fire protection, and libraries receive necessary funds while returning unspent monies to our public coffers annually.

Kendall Hjelmfelt

Fort Collins

To the editor:

In this age of political cynicism and deep division I have been given a welcome opportunity to tell you about two good friends of mine. Irene Josey and Angela Myers have served us well for the last four years as our county treasurer and county clerk and recorder. In addition, they both served us for many years in their offices prior to running for elected office. They chose to run for their respective offices because they care about how those offices operate and serve us, not for personal or political gain. Irene and Angela have the integrity, qualifications and experience to serve us well for the next four years too and are deserving of our support. I know we can trust them to continue to do an outstanding job for us and run their offices efficiently and with care for the people of Larimer County whom they serve. Please join me in voting for Irene Josey and Angela Myers.

Kristin Grazier

Fort Collins

To the editor:

I am supporting the re-election of Irene Josey and encourage you to do the same. I am a business owner and resident who relies on local government for many needs. When my license plates need renewing I don’t want to wait in line for hours. When my properties are assessed for value I expect fairness. When my property tax bills arrive, I expect that they are correct, and my payments are properly processed and funds are disseminated correctly. Accuracy and timeliness are essential to the proper application of these government processes, just like accuracy and timeliness are important in business.
Irene Josey has proved through her time on the job, and through her leadership of the Larimer County Treasurer’s Office, that she applies accuracy, timeliness, and fairness to her duties. She is responsible for managing the public funds Larimer County receives and for properly disbursing those funds in a timely manner to the government and non-government entities that require those funds to operate on a daily basis.
Since I have come to know Irene personally as well as professionally, I know she is a genuine, caring leader in county government; which only enhances her professional skill set.
I can’t imagine anyone but Irene Josey serving us our Larimer County Treasurer for four more years.

Jeff Goetsch

Fort Collins

To the editor:

As we approach Election Day it is imperative to think heavily on who we vote for and what that vote will accomplish. I am confident Sean Dougherty, our candidate for Larimer County Commissioner, District 1, is the absolute and only option. I have been a witness to his undying commitment to our county daily, not only by working with him and on his campaign, but also working with him in real estate. His in-depth knowledge of our county’s needs, budget, and future is uncompromised. With Sean as commissioner we are in great hands. 

One of Sean’s greatest attributes is his willingness to lead. He is a natural leader who does not shy away from having to make the tough decisions when necessary. His confidence in leadership is a direct reflection of the experience he has gained in working with Larimer County, and specifically, with the planning commission. His involvement in the local community is remarkable, unparalleled and diligent. For these reasons I fully support and trust Sean Dougherty for Larimer County Commissioner.  

Mackenzie S. Davin

Fort Collins

To the editor:

I have never submitted a letter to the editor over a local political campaign. However, I was shocked to hear a radio smear campaign against my friend Rob Woodward, who is running for Senate in District 15. Rob Woodward employed my wife for a number of years when our four children were very small. My wife did account/payroll work for Rob and she can personally attest to his high integrity and generosity as a local small businessman. I am a native of Fort Collins, and have known Rob Woodward for many years, and have personally watched as he has poured so many of his own resources back into this community. I hope no one will believe the lies being spun about him from the Cranston campaign, but that everyone will elect Rob Woodward to the Senate.

Brent Cunningham

Fort Collins

To the editor:

I wish to share with you my utmost respect for Irene Josey − my friend and our Larimer County Treasurer. I have known Irene Josey for several years, as we have worked together to engage our friends and our neighbors in local community involvement. We share common beliefs, one of which is our belief in taking personal responsibility for who we are and what we have become.

Irene Josey has worked hard in her career in public service, starting as an office worker with the Larimer County Treasurer’s Office and ultimately achieving the highest level there, the elected treasurer. I am proud of her achievement as a woman and a public servant. I value Irene’s commitment to her service, her accountability, and her skill at safeguarding our public tax dollars.

As a champion of personal responsibility, Irene has put in the time, the effort, and the training to achieve her professional success. The best part of Irene’s success is her continued desire to lead our treasurer’s office while remaining gracious and kind to all those she encounters. Success has not left her egotistical or aloof. Irene is a true example of servant leadership − she truly cares for those she works with and for. Irene has earned my respect and is well-respected by so many others. Please join me in voting to re-elect Irene Josey as our Larimer County Treasurer.

Nita Croll

Fort Collins

To the editor:

I want to go on record as heartily endorsing Irene Josey as Larimer County Treasurer.
Why do I “heartily” endorse her? Irene has served most of her adult life as a public servant (32 years to be exact). She understands the citizens of Larimer County are her customers. Irene takes pride in the fact that when a citizen calls the treasurer’s office a human being answers the phone. She allows her employees to do their jobs without micro-managing, while staying in the “know” of what is happening. Her staff respects her and works hard because of her excellent leadership skills.
Now that is responsible leadership. Re-elect Irene Josey as Larimer County’s Treasurer. She has earned your vote.

Jane Cosner

Fort Collins”

To the editor:

The Larimer County League of Women Voters strongly supports a yes vote for Ballot Issue 1A, Mental Health Matters. The sales and use tax is $.25 per $100 and is limited to 20 years. These dollars will be used to greatly improve behavioral health treatment throughout the whole Larimer County region. The plans call for expanding and coordinating existing services. New programs will be developed and added as needs are determined. A regional facility for detox, crisis treatment, and residential programs will be built to house these essential services that are not currently available. We need these expanded programs in order to reduce suicides, drug and overdose deaths, costs of ER visits, and repeated jail expenses. Use of telemedicine is planned in order to better provide for under-served rural communities and serve outlying communities. Early identification of problems results in reduction of severity, duration and cost of treatment. Outreach to schools will assist with this objective. Research shows a $12 savings for every $1 invested in behavioral health care. Vote yes on 1A.

June Hyman-Cismoski, Ph.D.

Fort Collins

To the editor:

I have known Irene Josey for several years. I met her while working for Larimer County. She has worked for the treasurer’s office for as long as I have known her, and I know she started there long before that.
I would like to tell you why she deserves your vote for re-election as our county treasurer. Irene is the current treasurer and has the experience needed to lead that office successfully. The county treasurer is responsible for managing the money that comes into county government from taxes, in particular, property taxes. Irene Josey manages our public funds by investing them safely and distributing them correctly to the people who need those funds to operate. They include schools, fire districts, local cities and towns, and county government operations. Her experience and knowledge make the difference between success and failure to safeguard our money and make sure it gets used when it is needed.
I am a veteran of public service in both the U.S. Navy and locally in Larimer County. I know how important the timely funding of critical operations is. And I know how important leadership, training and experience is to get the job done right. You can’t take shortcuts or allow basic training while on the job when it comes to these things.
I intend to vote for the candidate who has the ability and knowledge now and who has served us well already.
Please join me in voting for Irene Josey for Larimer County Treasurer.

Mike Byers

Fort Collins

To the editor:

Re-elect Irene Josey for Larimer County Treasurer. Votes matter. Especially now. Elections greatly impact how local resources are managed for years to come. For those of us who understand and appreciate Larimer County’s wonderful, diverse community, this election is an important one.

If you think about it, those living in the county are the hiring authority for local offices; including assessor, clerk, coroner, sheriff, surveyor and treasurer. These local leaders are important in how successfully local governments operate on a daily basis, as well as during events such as fires and floods. This means the best candidate needs to be selected for the job. You’d do that when choosing a doctor, contractor or school. And this election is no different.

In essence, it’s our job to do our due diligence when voting for local offices. Each candidate is applying for the job, but voters are the ones who make the choice. Since it’s our job to hire these leaders we need to review the applicant’s resumes and ask questions. We need to evaluate and verify their job histories, their relevant experience, whether they have done the job before, etc. It’s also important to read recommendations and endorsements by those who know them and know their value for the job.

You wouldn’t want to hire a doctor that’s subpar, and the same goes for local offices. We need to use all the information available to us to make the best, most solid choice we can. In that regard, it’s relatively simple. We don’t choose a candidate whose history is unknown, irrelevant, or weak in the areas of expertise we want. We choose the candidate with verified credentials, proven accomplishments, and successful, relevant experience. See Irene Josey’s resume as a good example.

Please take your vote seriously. Evaluate the local candidates for their value, not based on political party. Red or blue, we must all make an educated and intelligent decision to hire the candidates who ensure the continued success of local government operations in Larimer County and around Colorado. Re-elect Irene Josey as county treasurer.

Jennifer Josey

Thornton

To the editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Irene Josey for Larimer County Treasurer. I believe she deserves to be reelected this November due to her expert stewardship in managing our hard-earned tax dollars. Recent examples of this were the High Park Fire of 2012 and the flood of 2013. Many of us endured evacuations, significant property damage, or a complete property loss. However, thanks to Josey’s leadership, personnel were able to heroically respond to community needs without increasing county debt or residents’ taxes. Irene is a savvy fiscal manager who even during times of extreme trial is able to make strong financial choices for the people of Larimer County. Josey approaches her work with humility and honor − she is a public servant who serves rather than rules. With decades of proven service in Larimer County, the choice is obvious. Please join me in supporting the reelection of Larimer County Treasurer Irene Josey.

Robert Linton

Fort Collins

To the editor:

Alexis Smith has the qualifications, experience and perspective to be a successful assessor. She has already served the citizens of Larimer County well for the past 17 years, starting out as an appraiser and working her way up to chief deputy assessor. She knows the laws and guidelines, the math and statistics, and all administrative and budgetary aspects of managing this office. She will continue to ensure every deadline is met, and the office passes every audit.

Alexis understands the assessor is directly accountable to the citizens. She will continue to offer as much information as possible online and encourage all property owners who have questions about property classifications and valuations to contact the office to have their questions answered and have those answers explained.

Voters have one good choice for Larimer County Assessor this year. Alexis Smith is it.

Steve Miller

Fort Collins

To the editor:

I first met our Larimer County Treasurer, Irene Josey, as a considerate and kind neighbor who later became a true and much valued friend. As our friendship has grown over the years I have come to appreciate our differences, as well as similarities. We may subscribe to different political philosophies, but we are friends because we have more issues in common than issues in disagreement. We both live, work and have raised our children in the same community, Larimer County. We share the same desire to ensure our local government conducts business with reason, accuracy, accountability, and equally for the benefit of all residents and taxpayers.

The treasurer’s primary responsibility by statute is to ensure the safe management of county funds and provide an accurate accounting of all monies received by the county. She is essentially our county government’s banker. Due to her dedication and many years of training and experience, Irene Josey has served us well. Our public funds have been safely invested with a good mixture of liquidity and stability.

She has done a great job as our county treasurer and has been instrumental in keeping our public funds safe and secure. This is what I expect of her, and which I never doubted she would do. I trust Irene Josey both as a friend and as our county treasurer. I am excited to vote for her Nov. 6 and hope you will join me in re-electing Irene Josey, Larimer County Treasurer.

Anne Haro Sipes

Fort Collins

To the editor:

I am writing in support of John Kefalas for Larimer County Commissioner.     

June of 2012 was the beginning of a nightmare for several residents of Larimer County. The High Park Fire and the Woodland Heights Fire consumed 281 homes in Larimer County.

In the depths of despair one evening about 10 p.m., after losing our home, I sent emails to several state Senators, state Representatives, state insurance commissioner and the governor. Within 15 minutes John Kefalas replied, wanting to meet with me.

With very intense and sincere help from John Kefalas, an open meeting was arranged for all the Larimer County residents suffering from many different aspects of insurance-claim problems, with many of the Colorado lawmakers in attendance. From that meeting John Kefalas sponsored a bill that passed and was signed into law on May 10, 2013, called the “Homeowners Reform Act of 2013,” changing many of the practices of the insurance industry throughout the whole state of Colorado.

John Kefalas is a caring man of character, not ever thinking of whether your political color is red or blue and would be a great asset to Larimer County as a county commissioner.

Dale Snyder

Bellvue

To the editor:

I’m a student at CSU, and I have had an opportunity to see Angela Myers in action first hand. This woman reflects what women in government – what all government – should be: dedicated, approachable, responsive and kind. I have seen her interact with many, and her demeanor is always the same – she listens intently, responds honestly and thoughtfully and always acts with good will. Her job is hard, and there are lots of details, but she knows her stuff and it shows. She’s given me much to think about as I grow professionally – she sets an example I want to learn from. Let’s re-elect her, she’s done a great job, and she is dedicated, experienced and professional FOR US.

Kylee Tokoi

Loveland

To the editor:

Sean Dougherty has been working behind the scenes devoting his own personal time and effort to help serve the people of Larimer County. He has served for years volunteering with many different charitable organizations and professional groups.

The many relationships he has been building over the years as a businessman has made him a valuable resource to serve in the role of county commissioner.

Sean now serves as acting commissioner filling the large shoes of the late Lew Gaitor who served us so well until recently. Lew knew well how Sean has been giving of himself to continue to make this a great place to live.

Please help me in supporting Sean in his effort to be elected as our county commissioner.

Chuck Trimble

Loveland

To the editor:

I am a local small business owner and have served our communities various business needs for many years. As a local resident, businessman, and taxpayer, I pay attention to our local government leadership and the decisions they make that affect me and my customers. I have enjoyed and appreciate the lengthy business and personal relationships cultivated between Larimer County Treasurer Irene Josey and myself and our families.

As a result of my interaction with Irene, I have observed that she approaches her role as treasurer with professionalism, sincerity, and consistent dedication. She cares a great deal about doing the right thing all the time. As a result, she has diligently ensured our public funds under her control are safely and securely invested and available as needed by those governments and entities that rely on those funds monthly. She manages public monies for our needs and hasn’t failed to perform, as I would expect from a dedicated local public servant. As a business owner who is responsible to his client base − I appreciate Irene Josey’s similar responsibility to her client base.

Irene Josey has my vote for re-election as our county treasurer, and I encourage you to join me in voting for Irene Josey for Larimer County Treasurer by Nov. 6.

Steve Vessey

Fort Collins