Fort Lupton Press 3
January 13, 2022
Hatch aims to repeat as Weld Co. at-large commissioner STAFF REPORT
Elijah Hatch is hoping his advocacy for business, limited government and individual liberties will help return him to the at-large seat on the Weld County board of commissioners. He announced his candidacy Jan. 1. “I felt a call to run for Weld County Council in 2020 and have been a proud advocate for the residents of Weld County,” he said in a statement. “We need leaders who stand for what is right, not necessarily what is popular.” Hatch touted the county’s economy as “one of the strongest, thanks to years of conservative leadership.
“We must continue this tradition to keep Weld County as one of the leading defenders of conservative principles in the state of Colorado,’ he said in the statement. “I am honored to have earned the support of many business leaders, community activists, and elected officials.” Also, Hatch has owned several businesses. “I bring a unique perspective to Weld County government and hope to utilize this skillset to make Weld County even more pro-business,” he said in the statement. “I know the value of a dollar and will protect your hard-earned money. Providing the residents of Weld County an elected official who listens and is always reachable was my promise in my last campaign
and that same promise still holds true today.” Hatch called himself “not a normal politician.” “I do not even like being referred to as a ‘politician.’” his statement said. “I am just a resident of this great county, and I feel the need to stand up for my fellow citizens and protect what we have.” Hatch has spent time volunteering with events in the county. He’s been the chairman of the county planning commission and president of the county’s fair board. “I find it important to give back to this county and help teach our youth the same values that we grew up with,” Hatch said. His campaign website is www. elijahforweld.com.
Elijah Hatch
COURTESY PHOTO
Commissioners take on new roles Scott James is the 2022 chairman BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The Weld County board of commissioners tagged Scott James to serve as the 2022 chairman and Mike Freeman as chairman protem. The county’s charter requires commissioners to select a chairperson at the first meeting of the year, as well as a chairperson pro-tem and department coordinator roles, according to a press release. The chairperson runs the commissioners’ meetings, and the chairperson pro-tem has the authority in the
absence of the chairperson. The 2022 coordinator roles according to the statement Commissioner Scott James: department of finance and administration, accounting and purchasing, clerk to the board, the county attorney, human resources, public relations and communications, and the treasurer’s office. The assistant coordinator is Commissioner Mike Freeman. Commissioner Mike Freeman: departments of health, coroner’s office, information technology, justice services, the office of Emergency Management and public safety communications. The assistant coordinator is Commissioner Lori Saine. Commissioner Steve Moreno: department of public works, facilities, veteran services and fleet services.
The assistant coordinator is Commissioner Perry Buck. Commissioner Perry Buck: department of planning services, the oil and gas energy department and the extension office. The assistant coordinator is Commissioner Scott James. Commissioner Lori Saine: department of human services. The assistant coordinator is Commissioner Steve Moreno. The board also voted on board appointments: Moreno: Weld County Bright Futures board; Greeley-Weld County Airport Authority; and Upstate Colorado Economic Development board. James: 911 Emergency Telephone Service Authority board; Weld County Bright Futures board.
Freeman: Federal Mineral Lease Act board; Greeley-Weld County Airport Authority; Pre-Trial Services board and Regional Communications Advisory board. Buck: Emergency Food and Shelter Program board; Extension Advisory Council; Island Grove Park Advisory board; and Upstate Colorado Economic Development board. Commissioner Lori Saine: E-470 Public Highway Authority; Human Services Advisory Commission. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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Tony Merritt, AAMS®, Left, Commissioner District 1 Mike Freeman, Commissioner at-large Perry Buck, Commissioner at-large Steve Moreno, Commissioner COURTESY OF WELD COUNTY District 3 Lori Saine and Commissioner District 2 Scott James.
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