Commission Contenders Debate Key Issues
Trevor Phipps
Now that thousands of ballots have been mailed out, election fever for the 2026 midterms has kicked into full gear.
Campaign ads can be seen about every two minutes on TV, and political signs are scattered all over the region, including sections of Teller County.
However, whereas the 2026 election nationally and statewide is a huge deal with many waiting to see whether the Democrats or Republicans will take control of Congress, and with President Donald Trump conducting a huge campaign blitz in the final weeks (see related story), locally it’s a little different. There are many local seats up for grabs, but most of the candidates are running unopposed.
The one exception is the battle for the District 2, county commissioner seat, currently held by Bob Campbell. In fact, this race dominated the lion’s share of a recent candidates’ forum, hosted by the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce in Woodland Park.
Local resident and business owner Carl Andersen secured his name on the ballot as the sole Republican candidate for the position after earning a dominant share of delegate votes in the Teller County Assembly last spring and then prevailing in the GOP Primary.
But to secure the commissioner seat, Andersen will still need to win the race against two non-Republican opponents. Former county commissioner Dennis Lutrell, who served as a former Republican in the 1980s, got his name on the ballot as the Democratic nominee for the county commissioner seat. And recently, candidate Don Moore has gained traction as an unaffiliated, write-in candidate.
During the candidates’ forum, all candidates running for a local seat were invited. The candidates all had a chance to introduce themselves before answering questions prepared by the chamber of commerce and local press.
Candidates Introduce Themselves to Voters
Write-in county commissioner candidate Don Moore started the formal introductions by noting that he has been a Teller County resident for more than 20 years. Moore told the crowd that he chose to run for county commissioner because he doesn’t like what he has seen occurring with the county government.
“My observations reveal a complete lack of transparency and a limited understanding of the fiduciary duty that elected and appointed officials owe to the taxpayers and residents of Teller County,” Moore said. “Teller County has issues and areas needing improvement that are impacting all residents.”
Commissioner candidate Carl Andersen, considered the front-runner in the race, has been a resident for 30 years and has owned and operated several businesses. He has volunteered on several local boards and has spent much of his time testifying against bills at the state level.
“My priorities are clear: protect the life, health, safety of our residents, be accountable for taxpayer money, defend limited government and local control, give law enforcement and first responders the resources they need to succeed,” Andersen said. “I’ll work with local, state and federal land managers to protect public lands. I’ll see current county capital projects through responsibly.”
Democratic candidate Dennis Lutrell previously served two terms as a county commissioner and served as a member of a local fire department board several years ago. He has worked as the Colorado State Wildlife Commissioner, an environmental planner for 13 municipalities, a community development director and a city manager.
Besides working as an elected leader in Teller County, Luttrell was involved in a variety of public sector roles in Massachusetts.
“I’m a fiscal conservative,” Lutrell said. “I believe that the combination of education and experience make me the most qualified and best able candidate to serve you as your next county commissioner.”
This marks his second time he challenged the Republican front-runner in a county commissioner race as a Democrat.
Candidates Tackle Questions Surrounding Budget Cuts
During the question-and answer-session, the candidates were asked many questions about heated topics, such as water, property rights, and budget cuts. One question asked the commissioner contenders what parts of the budget they would reduce and which they would preserve if local revenues decreased.
Moore stressed the need to clean up some of the county’s questionable right-of-way areas and stated that he would try to put more money into road and bridge improvements. He also said that based on the recent revenue numbers, he would try to reduce property taxes even more.
“I don’t think we have a revenue problem, I think we have a spending problem,” Moore said. “Where would I take money from? I guess I would have to look the general fund and perhaps increase fees in some areas and reduce others.”
Andersen, meanwhile, said that he doesn’t think the county will run into that situation because the current commissioners have done a good job in planning for the future. He said that he would work to preserve emergency services, if the county’s revenue suddenly decreased.
“I think there are creative ways of moving the services around in the county and still protecting everything we enjoy here in Teller County,” Andersen said. “I think the opportunity is there to stay within our budget and work with the different county departments and employees and to ensure that those services stay intact, but we shift things from time to time when certain areas become more expensive.”
Luttrell said that being a fiscal conservative, he believes the county needs to “stay within their means.” He also said that he doesn’t see a decrease in revenue for the county in the future due to the ongoing growth the county has experienced.
“I would first and foremost protect emergency services and public works,” Lutrell said. “Those are the two areas in which most county residents will nail themselves to over the course of their lives. If we do have to cut something I would have to do a close examination of the county budget to determine those things where we cut with a scalpel as opposed to a chainsaw.”
The 2026 ballots have been mailed out. In fact, all residents should have received them. Voters have a choice to either mail back their ballot (by a certain deadline) or use a local drop box outlet before the deadline hits at 7 p.m. on November 3. Or residents can vote in-person at the Woodland Park Public Library.
Most local voters use the 24/7, drop box outlets, which are available locally at four prime locations.
For specific election questions, call the Teller County Clerk and Recorder’s Office or visit their website.
