We in Bayfield are part of La Plata County Commission District 3, and our incumbent commissioner, Julie Westendorff, is seeking re-election. While we elect our commissioners at large, Julie has proven over the last four years to be an outstanding commissioner for District 3 as well as the entire county.

She is the first commissioner in my memory to have office hours out in the district. Every first Thursday you can find her at the Pine River Library from 10 to noon.

When you come to talk with her, she listens. She also responds to every e-mail or phone call.

While Julie seems like a young woman from my 70s age, she has a 20-plus year history of service in La Plata County, after getting her law degree at the University of Virginia. Before being elected to the commission she served as tribal prosecutor in Ignacio and as Bayfield Town Judge. When she decided to run for the commission she committed to serve all the citizens of the county.

She's worked hard and effectively for the last four years and deserves a second term. Pam and I will proudly vote for her.

John Patton

Bayfield