Teller County voters have another choice on the ballot this year as long-time resident Dennis Luttrell has entered the race for County Commissioner following a short retirement.
Luttrell, a resident of Divide, is a Director of the Divide Fire Protection District and involved with the NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse, working to provide fire mitigation to properties in the district. “We live near the National Forest and people need to be educated about the things that can help them keep their properties safe,” Luttrell said. “This program needs to be expanded throughout the rest of the county as it’s going to continue to be hot and dry in the future.”
Low Income Housing is another major issue for Teller County, according to Luttrell. “I was successful acquiring grant monies to assist with housing for low income and homeless families,” Luttrell stated. “There is money available out there. Folks need to be able to afford to live here if they’re going to work here. This issue needs to be addressed and solved as our local businesses need employees.”
Luttrell developed the Teller County Growth Management Plan 35 years ago while serving as Commissioner. That plan is still in effect today. “Inaction is an action unto itself. You have to grow and change,” he said. “I got my start in government here years ago and gathered a lot of experience during my time in New England. I want to give back to my community and be a true public servant. I plan on donating my $85,000 salary to area nonprofits.”
Working on government efficiency and using a Total Quality Management approach are important to him. “Poor policymaking has led to the reduction in county services at th e taxpayer’s expense,” according to Luttrell. “Public Works and the Sheriff’s Department are understaffed. This can be addressed in a fiscally conservative manner.” Luttrell states that he plans to utilize his knowledge, governmental management experience, insight, and vision to improve the county services and reduce the costs to the taxpayers. “By instilling a Total Quality Management approach to Teller County government, we will be able to improve services, apply best management practices, protect our fragile environment and maintain and expand Teller County’s water rights,” he added.
Luttrell can be reached at 719-686-7791, dfluttrell64@gmail.com or www.reelectluttrell.com.
