Hoffmann seeks Gibson's job

Grassroots activist Roger Hoffmann of Loveland is seeking the Democratic nomination for Larimer County Commissioner District 3. He would face Republican incumbent Glenn Gibson if both are nominated.

Hoffmann, 52, has lived in Loveland since 1981. He worked for Hewlett Packard and Agilent for 13 years, until 2001, and currently works as a writer and citizen advocate. This is his first run for elective office.

The candidate is particularly critical of the current county commission for not opposing an $88 million loss in county tax revenue from the Centerra development in Loveland, although the tax incentives were a Loveland decision.

"They squandered a great opportunity to stand up for the average taxpayer," Hoffmann said of the three commissioners.

"A commissioner is in office to serve all citizens, urban and rural, business owner and resident alike," he said. "We all deserve better representation in the critical decisions involving public health, transportation and the public treasury."

Hoffmann, who worked as executive director for the Idaho Rural Council for one year, said rural areas are one of his major interests. The Idaho group focused on organizing rural communities to protect their own interests, he said.

Hoffmann called himself a good listener who likes to resolve conflicts. With other volunteers, he worked with private businesses to establish Loveland's first recycling drop-site.

"As Larimer County moves into the future, we must be represented by men and women who always will put the public's interests first," Hoffmann said. "That's why I'm running."