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Town board to select member

Three vie for seat vacated by Ralston

A seat on the Mancos Town Board was left empty last month when Trustee Alan Rolston took a job in Montana.

Board members expect to fill that seat on Wednesday night during the regularly scheduled meeting.

So far, Matthew Baskin, Fred Christiansen and Kevin Cook have submitted letters of interest to fill the vacant seat.

Board members are expected to choose between the three and appoint the position.

Baskin has lived in Southwest Colorado for 10 years, three of which have been in Mancos. Baskin is employed in the nonprofit sector, has been a self-employed carpenter for 15 years and has a pending master's degree in public policy.

Christiansen has been a resident of Mancos for six years.

In his letter, Christiansen stated, "Although I have never been on a town board, I believe that my time in the military gives me the knowledge, decision-making skills, problem-solving techniques and dedication to duty needed to faithfully serve the town of Mancos."

Christiansen served 14 years in the Army, with three combat tours in Iraq.

While in the military, Christiansen earned a Bronze Star medal, seven Army Commendation medals and five Army Achievement medals.

"I feel that I can bring a fresh perspective to the board," he wrote.

Cook said he has significant experience serving on not-for-profit boards.

"I feel that my experience could be of substantial value in the event the board ultimately decides in favor of my appointment," he wrote in a letter of interest.

Cook has served on the San Juan County Museum Association's board of directors and has served as chairperson for the Democratic Party of Montezuma County.

Cook was also a founding board member and officer of the Dolores River Boating Advocates.

Cook has lived in Mancos for 13 months.

Rolston wrote in his letter of resignation last month that he would miss serving on the Town Board.

"I have enjoyed my year serving on the board with such excellent members, and the town staff is extraordinary. Mancos is a wonderful place to live, and I will miss the community greatly," Rolston wrote.

Board members are also expected to discuss landscaping options for the northeast corner of Boyle Park, agency contributions, a creative district update, economic development brochure and ED summit Plans and a Backyard Farming Outreach Plan.