Gibson wants second term on county commission

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

Republican Glenn Gibson of Loveland is seeking a second four-year term as Larimer County Commissioner from District 3.

"I will continue to keep government out of your business and put business into your government," Gibson, 64, said in his campaign announcement.

Gibson said the key issues facing Larimer County are transportation and crowding at the detention center.

This year Gibson is serving as chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, a regional group that ranks projects that will be funded by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Gibson told the North Forty News that he favors formation of a rural transportation district that could be funded by a sales tax or user tax such as tolls. Such a district, he said, would need to include several communities in the region. Proceeds would fund road construction projects.

Gibson noted that the county is using excess revenue that became available when voters de-Bruced from the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to improve county roads, and he will continue to support that use.

The commissioners have put together a task force to further study future needs and solutions to crowding in the county detention center, he said, and he will wait for its recommendations before advocating his own ideas. Gibson said he is strong supporter of alternative sentencing, which reduces the need for new jail cells.

In past months, Gibson has frequently urged LaPorte area residents to incorporate rather than continue to be governed and supported by the county. He said he does not have time frame in mind. "As they grow, the county will not be able to meet their needs," he added.

Gibson said he has enjoyed serving Larimer County residents the past three years. "I try to make myself readily available to people," he said.