MONTE VISTA – Kenny Sears, a member of the Monte Vista community since 1991, is running for Rio Grande County commissioner as a write in candidate. He is attempting to unseat incumbent Scott Deacon. 

Sears is running because he wants to support his community, and he wants to help serve the people in the community. 

“I think it’s a good time for change. I have attended a few meetings, and I see some things that I can help with. I want to make some positive changes. I think it comes down to the simple philosophy in any position that you obtain, you are there to serve others. I want to take care of the people that I will be working with. It’s a service industry for sure, we are here to serve the constituents of Rio Grande County. Any way you can do that and make life easier and help people feel better about their lives, that’s all part of it, and that’s what I hope to do,” Sears said.  

As a write-in candidate, people voting for Sears would have to write his name on their ballot and fill in the oval next to his name.  

Being a member of the community since 1991, Sears has some strong ties to the Valley, and an extensive background in agriculture and ag lending. 

“I originally moved here to work in ag lending and retired 4 years ago from that. I have 28 years of experience in ag lending, and have a strong background in finance, water, agriculture, appraisal, insurance, construction, farming, ranching and welding,” he said. 

Sears said that he has many skills that could help him in a commissioner position, as he does know a lot about farming, ranching, and agriculture.   

Sears said that he has served his community as a volunteer, and board member, and he enjoyed these positions. He said he works well in helping to serve people and in listening to their concerns and trying to look for solutions to their problems. 

“In any type of position you hold, you are there to perform a service. I have always done this to the best of my ability.” 

Sears said that he has enjoyed being retired, but after attending some meetings, and seeing what a positive impact he might have on his community, he is ready to get involved at a level that was not possible for him when he was working full-time. 

“All of the knowledge and experience I have gained in my years of employment, have made me feel uniquely prepared for service to the county. I am eager to give back to the community that has provided me with such a great quality of life all these years,” Sears said.  

Sears raised his two daughters in the Monte Vista community and has been married for over 30 years. He sees Rio Grande County as an amazing place to live and grow. Sears also feels that he can be an asset to the county with his background in financing and is eager to learn about all the ways in which Rio Grande County operates. 

“I believe my background in financing would be an asset to the board of commissioners. I am eager to learn about all the ways in which the county functions, and how each moving piece contributes to the next,” he said.  

Sears also said that he has the utmost respect and compassion for current commissioner Scott Deacon. 

“He has done a great job. We have been friends for quite a few years. He’s a positive person and has done so much to help his community. I am interested in getting involved and active in the community. I am interested in working with others to foster a positive environment in which the citizens of Rio Grande County can work, play, and thrive,” Sears said.