Six GOP candidates face off in first Montezuma County commissioner forum

Public safety funding and water control emerge as key issues in race for open seat

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Six Republican candidates for an open seat on the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners met voters at their first public forum in Mancos, where public safety funding and greater control over water emerged as central issues. Candidates outlined their qualifications and positions on local issues like growth, land-use regulations, and the proposed Dolores River National Conservation Area.

Why it matters

The race for the open Montezuma County commissioner seat is an important one, as the county grapples with challenges around public safety funding, water infrastructure and rights, and managing growth pressures. The forum provided voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on these key local issues.

The details

At the forum hosted by the Montezuma County Young Republicans, candidates spent most of the evening outlining their qualifications and positions. Several candidates highlighted their experience in areas like law enforcement, water management, and county government. The candidates were divided on the proposed Dolores River National Conservation Area, with some supporting it as an alternative to a national monument designation, while others opposed it outright. The candidates also weighed in on the county's influence over water issues, with suggestions ranging from strengthening infrastructure to exploring new water storage technologies.

  • The forum was held on Wednesday, February 5, 2026 in Mancos, Colorado.

The players

Rodney Cox

A fifth-generation county resident who has experience on the Mancos school board and municipal water board, and says his background in the private sector has prepared him for county leadership.

Bonnie Anderson

The former county noxious weed director, who emphasized a collaborative approach to leadership and the need for strategic planning around the county's water infrastructure.

Diane Fox-Spratlen

A former Cortez police officer who now works as a witness and victim specialist, and has experience on the Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 school board and Cortez fire district board.

Shane Prentice

A former rancher and pastor who says he is running to preserve the county's way of life and resist unfunded state mandates.

Brett Likes

A former county road department employee who says his experience has prepared him to lead and handle fiscal matters responsibly.

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What they’re saying

“My vision for Montezuma County encompasses three essential principles: trust, collaboration and transparency. Leadership isn't about having all the answers; it is about listening to make the county better as a whole. Collaboration begins with mutual respect.”

— Bonnie Anderson, Former county noxious weed director

“If you cannot navigate the political world, you lose a lot of funding. That is what makes me a qualified candidate; I know what it's like.”

— Gerald Whited, Director of public safety for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

What’s next

The candidates will continue to campaign and engage with voters ahead of the primary election, where the Republican nominee will be selected. The winner of the Republican primary will then face the Democratic and unaffiliated candidates in the general election.

The takeaway

This forum highlighted the key issues facing Montezuma County, including public safety funding, water management, and growth pressures. Voters will have an important choice to make in selecting the next county commissioner, as the candidates presented a range of backgrounds and approaches to addressing these challenges.