Phone: (970) 625-2616
PO Box 1510
Rifle, CO 81650
"Working Together for a United Garfield County."
"As a lifelong resident of Garfield County, and a 30 year educator in the area of U.S. government, Mike understands Garfield
County's needs and wants."
-Marian Smith, Former Garfield County Commissioner
"Mike will make a great Commissioner!"
-Phil Vaughan
"I endorse Mike because:
-Mike's experience teaching government and civics will guide him to be a successful county commissioner
-Mike will get the facts before he acts
-Mike's word is his honor."
-Laverne "Bubbles" Starbuck
"I’ve known Mike for over 45 years and know that he is well respected by his peers. I think
you can judge a person by his family and Mike has raised six great kids who are hard-working, loyal individuals who know
how to get a job done. I heartily endorse Mike for Garfield County Commissioner."
-Jack Smith, Longtime Rifle Educator and Coach
"Mike's experience on the Rifle City Council during the boom of the 80’s will be invaluable in
guiding us through the current issues facing Garfield County."
-Arnold Mackley, Former Garfield County Commissioner.
Working in Collaboration
Garfield County’s challenges need to be met with our cities and the county cooperating and communicating together. That is why I have proposed the "Garfield County Forum" as a way for our communities to join together and create a better Garfield County.
Promoting a Diverse Economic Base
Garfield County needs to work to provide a robust economy in a variety of sectors.
Developing a Housing Strategy
Garfield County needs housing solutions for all of its residents.
Being Wise Stewards of the Land
We must promote the responsible use and development of our resources as well as strive to advance the development of alternative sources of energy.
Preserving Our Heritage
We must encourage the agricultural economy that has shaped our communities for decades.
Finding a Constructive Solution to Our Immigration Issues
Throughout the valley, Garfield County has a workforce shortage. As a result, thousands of people who have not immigrated to the United States legally have come to call Garfield County home. Our economy depends on this supply of labor and there are countless positive results of the presence of these immigrants. But their immigration status also brings with it many negative effects, namely, on our schools, health care and taxation systems. As a county, we must actively voice our concern, define the issues we face, and pressure those state and federal officials that have the capacity to act on this issue. We must demand a system that allows us to secure our national borders, as much as is reasonably possible, in the interest of national security. We must also demand a rational immigration system that allows more immigrants to come to our country legally to fill the workforce shortages that exist. It is imperative that we create a system that allows for accurate assessments of our population and a system that, through the fair payment of taxes by immigrants, maintains solvent school and health care systems. I believe that until we meet this challenge head on both legal and illegal residents of Garfield County will continue to suffer.