Steamboat Pilot & Today

Just a day after rescinding his resignation as Routt County's chief building official, Mark Marchus announced he will run against one of his bosses, declaring his candidacy for the county commissioner seat held by Doug Monger.

Marchus announced his candidacy for the District II seat representing West Routt County on Tuesday on the steps of the Routt County Courthouse.

A week ago, Marchus announced he was retiring from his position effective April 30, sparked by problems within the building department, he said. The support that came after that resignation, Marchus said, prompted him to run for county commissioner. Marchus will run on the Republican ticket.

"The support I have received for over a month now planted the seeds in my mind to run for county commissioner. The events that happened in the past three weeks demonstrated to me people in this county want some change," Marchus said.

In January, Democratic incumbent Doug Monger announced he would run for re-election. Also in January, Hayden businessman Jeff Fry, a Republican, announced his candidacy for the District II seat.

Marchus said he was strongly supported by the construction community and members of his church, the Euzoa Bible Church. Representatives from both were present for Marchus' announcement.

For years, Marchus said, he had considered running for an elected office but thought it would come after he retired from the building department. More than a month ago, Marchus said a group had approached him and asked him to run for the District II seat. That support grew, Marchus said, as he announced his resignation.

"I won't say I was reluctant," Marchus said. "It was a very, very inviting proposal."

Marchus said he would remain as the chief building officer until the November election and, if elected, he will give up that position.

Marchus has led the building department, which serves both the county and the city, for six years.

"In the last couple of weeks, when this outcry came from the construction community that I just couldn't leave, I needed to finish the work that I started here, I received new energy to stay in that position and finish the job I have come to do," Marchus said.

In his speech, Marchus said the county needs more affordable housing, that money should not be diverted from necessities to pet projects, and open space should be protected for the future but not if there is a financial burden in the present.

"I believe that the county has become a burden for the working people, the people who make Steamboat and the county what it is -- a fine place to live and a tremendous destination to enjoy," Marchus said.

-- To reach Christine Metz call 871-4229

or e-mail cmetz@steamboatpilot.com