Candidates line up to lead Larimer County offices

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

Several Larimer County incumbent elected officials, whose terms expire this year, have announced their intentions to seek another term. For two candidates--Sheriff Jim Alderden and Commissioner Kathay Rennels--the choice was not possible until voters agreed last November to extend term limits to three terms. Both of the Republicans want to serve another four years, and both have opposition.

Al Ohms, a former employee of the sheriff's department, is seeking to get the Republican nomination away from Alderden. Gerry Horak, a former Fort Collins City Council member, is running as an unaffiliated candidate for Commissioner District 1.

The assessor's job is gathering the most interest, however, with the current office holder, Republican Larry Johnson, facing off with the former assessor, Republican Steve Miller. A Democrat, Barbara Liebler of Fort Collins, also wants the job.

With no opposition yet in sight, Republican Myrna Rodenberger wants to retain her job as county treasurer and Republican Scott Doyle seeks another term as clerk and recorder. Both have held those positions for one term.

Here's a brief look at the candidates.

Assessor

Incumbent Larry Johnson, 58, of Loveland was first elected to the office in 2002. Prior to getting the top job, he worked in the assessor's office for 13 years following a career in real estate.

Johnson has faced extensive criticism the last three years over property valuations, which brought thousands of homeowners to the courthouse to protest the values. In announcing his re-election bid, Johnson said appeals in the 2005 reappraisal decreased over the 2003 reappraisal, and his staff is working hard to continue that trend.

He also said the staff is steadily shrinking a backlog of properties never placed on the assessment rolls, a backlog of undervalued vacant land and a backlog of recording deeds in the transfer section.

Johnson also noted that he has a positive working experience with other departments within Larimer County government.

Johnson's opponent is his former boss, Steve Miller, 55, of Fort Collins. Miller was the assessor from 1989 to 2002 and left office because of term limits. He was unsuccessful in his bid to get the county treasurer's job that year.

If elected, Miller said, he wants to "put Larimer County back up higher on the technology curve." The assessor's web site hasn't changed much for quite a long time, he said.

Miller also criticized Johnson for spending $156,000 on an outside consultant to help with reappraisals between 2003 and 2005, and then turning down help from a volunteer citizens' group. "There's a disconnect somewhere," he said.

Miller is a certified public accountant who has been representing property owners in tax matters. "For the last few years, I've learned about the assessor's office from the outside," he said.

The county assembly on April 8 will determine who represents the party in the Aug. 8 primary election. The general election is Nov. 7.

For the Democratic Party, Barbara Liebler, 62, of Fort Collins is thus far the only candidate. She owned a manufacturing business for 11 years, selling it in 2004. She now owns and operates Liebler Enterprises, a sewing services and textile consulting business.

Liebler said she thinks someone with management experience from outside the assessor's office is best suited for the job. "It's time for our property assessments to be more fair and accurate," she said. "I can be effective within the government system, and as assessor I would welcome input from citizens."

Liebler has been a city council member in both Fort Collins and Loveland. She also served on the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority and, in Loveland, was vice chair of the planning commission.

Commissioner

Kathay Rennels, 59, of Livermore has served eight years on the board. "I intend to continue my work on all levels of state and county government to keep Larimer County one of the top counties in the state," she said in announcing her re-election bid to represent District 1.

During her tenure, Rennels helped guide construction of the Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex, the Justice Center and new courthouse office building and expansion at the detention center.

She said she wants to continue her work on rural economic development, retain agricultural viability and bring economic growth to the region. She is a member of the board of directors of Colorado Counties Inc. and serves on its tax and finance committee.

Gerry Horak, 56, of Fort Collins said he wants to bring an independent voice to county government. He served on the city council from 1981 to 1994, including two years as mayor. For the past 22 years, he has worked for federal contractor IAP Worldwide Services and its predecessors. Horak has advanced degrees in economics and wildlife biology.

Calling for more open and accountable government, Horak is advocating that commissioners hold their administrative meetings in the evening rather than morning when many citizens cannot attend.

Sheriff

First elected sheriff eight years ago, Jim Alderden, 55, of Fort Collins said he wants another term to help resolve a multitude of issues facing the criminal justice system. Both the jail and the alternative sentencing unit need to be expanded again, he said, and the county is facing a federal mandate to replace its outdated radio communications system.

A radio upgrade will be a major expense for the county, Alderden said, but it will make it possible to communicate with other law enforcement agencies and with fire departments.

Alderden also said the sheriff's department needs more personnel to meet its obligations to the community.

Also seeking the Republican nomination, Al Ohms of Fort Collins worked for the county sheriff's department for 17 years as a deputy and sergeant. "It's time for a change," he said. "I will bring an innovative, fresh approach to law enforcement issues, instead of always asking the taxpayers for more and more of their money to do the same job."

During his tenure with the sheriff's office, Ohms, 55, was awarded the Medal of Valor and Distinguished Service Medal.

He now owns an outdoor recreation business and private investigation firm. He has served as a member of the Larimer County Juvenile Justice Committee, a 4-H instructor and Boy Scout leader.

Clerk and recorder

Scott Doyle, 57, of Fort Collins is currently unopposed in his bid for a second term as clerk and recorder.

"This office has been forging new ground in areas of convenient citizen services, more efficient elections and responsible budgeting," he said.

Under his administration, the county pioneered the concept of vote centers, which gained national recognition. "It had never before been tried anywhere else in the world," Doyle said.

Doyle's office also established a citizen information center on the first floor of the courthouse, offering one location for many county services.

Treasurer

Larimer County native Myrna Rodenberger, 66, of Fort Collins held the clerk and recorder's job for 16 years before term limits forced her to seek another position. In 2002, she was elected county treasurer.

"Trust in government is an important issue, and citizens deserve the security of knowing that I will continue to serve with integrity and effectiveness," Rodenberger said.

The country treasurer is responsible for collecting property taxes certified by the assessor, and then investing the tax revenue following state-established criteria.

Rodenberger noted that when interest rates were lower in 2003, the county's return was about $3 million. In 2005, the investment return was $5.1 million.

"I take this responsibility very seriously and will continue to work hard," she said.