Rio Grande County residents came from Monte Vista, Del Norte and South Fork to support John Noffsker and Brian Norton in the candidacy for Rio Grande County Commissioner and Sheriff, respectively.

MONTE VISTA— Rio Grande County candidates John Noffsker (county commissioner) and Brian Norton (sheriff) held a meet and greet on Saturday, Sept. 27 in Monte Vista’s Chapman Park. About 50 people attended and were served up barbeque chicken sandwiches.
Noffsker is running unopposed for the county commissioner seat after the democratic candidate Joe Schlabach dropped out of the race for health reasons.
Norton is running as a write-in for reelection for the county sheriff’s office against another write-ins and South Fork Police Chief Don McDonald. Norton’s parents, sister and other family members drove four hours from Hotchkiss, Colo. to support the event.  
Norton said he decided to run as a write-in due to a conflict between the sheriff’s office and one of the county commissioners, who is leaving office in the upcoming months. Norton also said his experience and knowledge of the community make him the best candidate for the sheriff’s office, from battling the county’s heroin and methamphetamine crisis to running the county prison. He also believes that Noffsker will support the sheriff’s office, which is important for whoever wins the election.  
Elections are slated for Tuesday, Nov. 6. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters beginning Oct. 15.  Visit the Rio Grande County website for more election information at riograndecounty.org.