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Now that the elections are over (thank goodness) and all the new officials are learning about and trying to adapt to their new positions, it is important to pay tribute to those who are leaving office. There are two in particular that I have had the privilege of working with. Both are honest, hard working individuals who have dedicated much of their lives to bettering Routt County.

Dan Ellison is leaving his Commissioners seat and should be remembered as a gentleman who was always approachable, good natured and introspective. Not afraid to make the tough decisions, he did so only after educating himself to all sides of an issue and absorbing the public input. His spirit of cooperation and collaboration is a major reason why the County Commissioners get things accomplished. There were several times after an Airport Authority meeting that lasted until 9 p.m. that Dan would hop in his car and drive to Denver for an early morning meeting on one of many state and regional committees that he served on. Dan has spent the majority of his life serving the public of Routt County and should be recognized for his time and efforts.

Sheriff John Warner was raised in Steamboat and graduated from Steamboat Springs High School in 1975. His passion from an early age was always in law enforcement. I doubt if too many citizens understand the scope of duties that the State mandates of the Sheriffs department, it is a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year job with incredible responsibilities. John is a very ethical person who handled the position with professionalism and sensitivity. He continued his education on various aspects of law enforcement to ensure that the Routt County Sheriffs Department was up on the latest law enforcement technology and techniques.

Both men are great examples of how to conduct oneself in public office. Not surprisingly both have strong family support and great kids. I want to thank both of them for their public service and wish both of them continued success, health and happiness in all of their future endeavors. They have both left Routt County a better place to live.

Ulrich Salzgeber

Steamboat Springs