Wagner runs for county commissioner's office

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

A local Democrat has entered the fray to vie for a county commissioner's seat. Karen Wagner, 60, announced her candidacy Feb. 5 for the District 2 seat currently held by Tom Bender, whose four-year term expires this year.

"I will do a much better job serving the people of Larimer County than the incumbent has," Wagner said in LaPorte, the first stop on a daylong string of appearances throughout the county. "Citizens can count on me to represent mainstream views, in contrast to the extremism expressed by the current commissioner."

Wagner claimed she would be a voice of reason, bringing independence and common sense to the office. She also said she would represent both urban and rural residents of the county. "As commissioner," she said, "I will serve all the people, not special interests or only those who happen to agree with me."

Wagner made a special pitch to agricultural producers, pledging to protect their interests. "Like the vast majority of county residents," Wagner said, "I value the quality of life and rural heritage of Larimer County. I will work hard to preserve agriculture, individual communities and the special places of Larimer County that are disappearing in the face of rapid growth."

She also promised to protect tax dollars. "We cannot afford wasteful spending, especially in today's economy," she said. She thinks the county could help the local economy by spending money with local businesses.

A Larimer County resident for 35 years, Wagner has a long history of community involvement. She served on the Larimer County Environmental Advisory Board for six years and also was a member of the planning commission. She has been active with the League of Women Voters, the parent advisory board for Poudre School District and Habitat for Humanity.

Wagner graduated from Colorado State University. She and her husband Paul own and manage commercial properties.