Horak seeks job of county commissioner

Former Fort Collins City Council member Gerry Horak is running as an unaffiliated candidate for Larimer County Commissioner District 1.

Republican Kathay Rennels of Livermore has represented the district the past seven years. Rennels said she is leaning toward seeking election to a third term and expects to announce her plans in early February.

Horak served on city council from 1981 to 1994, including two years as mayor. He has a master's degree in resource economics and a doctorate in wildlife biology. He has worked on open lands initiatives and promoted efforts for trails and natural areas.

"Because I am not affiliated with a political party, I will bring a truly independent voice to our county government," Horak said.

Horak said he wants to make Larimer County government more open, accessible and accountable to citizens.

"It is wrong that meetings of the board of commissioners are held during the day when many citizens cannot attend," he said. "Meetings should be held in the evenings and should also be televised and webcast."

He added that there needs to be more accountability in the property tax assessment process. After property appraisals came out last year, Horak led a citizen effort called Fair Assessment Reform to work with the commissioners and assessor on how property is appraised. Commissioners decided not to interfere with the assessor's office, however, and the assessor decided his staff could make any necessary changes without the help of the group.