Tamminga files for District 1 seat

Mike Potter
Staff Writer

Bailey-resident Doug Tamminga filed to run for Park County commissioner in District One as a Republican on Feb. 1. He will go up against incumbent Republican John Tighe and independent Lora Abcarian. (Photo by Tom Locke/The Flume)

 

It's a three-candidate race for the seat for District 1 Park County Commissioner.

Bailey resident Doug Tamminga filed to run on Feb. 1 as a Republican, according to the application affidavit.

Tamminga will vie for the seat against incumbent Republican John Tighe and independent Lora Abcarian.

Tamminga said he decided to file because he had been asked by many friends and acquaintances, and because he felt it was his civic responsibility.

He said he would bring to the table strong leadership and fiscal responsibility, including trying to save money in all areas of Park County.

"We need some belt-tightening. Cut the fat, be more efficient," he said. "We're a small enough county that we can do a lot better with the money we've got."

He said the residents of Park County made it clear that they didn't want a sales tax that would generate income, and he believes there are ways of conducting county business without it.

Tamminga also thinks there's a need for the county to be friendlier to local businesses.

"I think they are more of a hindrance to new business and old businesses alike. I want to make it easier for Park County government to be more user-friendly to business," he said.

Tamminga has lived in Park County for about 17 years, and he has been volunteering in a number of areas for 14 years.

He is on the board of directors and as a volunteer captain for the Platte Canyon Fire Protection District and he is on the Colorado State Election Board. He was also co-facilitator for the facilities planning committee for Platte Canyon High school, and he is a past-president of the Burland Ranchettes Recreation Association.

Jack Pullman served on the Park County Republican's Central Committee with Tamminga and said he believes Tamminga would make a good commissioner.

"I think he'd be excellent," he said. "He works very hard and has a real good head on his shoulders."

While serving on the board, Pullman said, Tamminga was very helpful and often took on extra responsibility, including planning the Lincoln's Day dinner.

"I'd be happy to have him as a commissioner," he said.