Commissioners reflect on time in office

Chronicle Staff

Published: Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

Marvin Bishop always said he never wanted to become involved in politics. That changed over the years, however, as the Hermosa native became more and more disenfranchised with county government. It finally got to the point he was so dissatisfied, he sought, and won, a seat on the Custer County Commission. He also gained some new perspective once he started to serve in his new role. “I thought I could do better,” he said. “When I got on, I found out they weren’t nearly as bad as I envisioned.” Bishop has spent the last six years as a county commissioner. After losing in the election this year, he and commissioner Don Gifford will leave the board this at the end of this year. Gifford, who has served  four years, did not seek reelection. “I have had my time,” Gifford said. “A commission needs new people to keep it open, responsive and energized.” Gifford initially ran after deciding he wanted to become involved in county government. He said the issues most important to county citizens are having a frugal, open and fair commission that listens to taxpayers, an efficient county government that holds the line on expenses and taxes, an aesthetic environment with clean air and water and a good system of roads that is maintained to reasonable standards. Bishop, too, said roads are a priority for citizens, as are taxes and law enforcement. He said people desire more law enforcement and lower taxes—two things that don’t go hand-in-hand. “Those things just don’t jell together,” he said. “The roads are not maintained in top condition all the time, but that takes money to do that. We can’t afford to have that much law enforcement presence that they are immediately available (everywhere).” Gifford said he is proud of several things the commission has accomplished in his time served, beginning with helping persuade taxpayers to expand the commission from three to five members, listening to Sidney Park taxpayers and persuading the commission to reestablish the old exit out of Custer, organizing a zoning committee and hiring David Green as planning director and the combined agency response after the Hermosa flood. His favorite part has been having the opportunity to work with the various county department heads and John Hohn and Associates in organizing an information technology committee to guide the development of an interactive information network including establishment of policies and procedures on purchasing equipment and software applications. “It has been a time of tremendous change in Custer County,” he said. “It has been an educational experience that I had the privilege of enjoying.” Bishop said most of the decisions—80 to 90 percent—made by the commission are straightforward. It is that smaller percentage that is debateable that can cause rancor among county citizens. “There are expectations that the county should be doing more things for specific individuals. There are people who want more than what I believe is a reasonable request,” he said. “One of the things I have always felt good about is that I have always gotten back with people who call me and listened to their concerns. I haven’t always agreed with them, but I have listened to their perspective.” Gifford said the impact of rising real estate values and taxes on long-time residents and the elderly with fixed incomes, the impact of development and expanding population on rural values and culture and adaptation of new residents to dusty, unpaved roads and a rural living environment will continue to be big issues for the county as it continues to move forward. “I’ve learned to always listen to all sides of the story, and be sure you understand what the opposing factions on an issue are telling you,” he said. He added it is important for the commission to function as a commission, not individuals, be alert and act aggressively with conflicts of interests and to remember its fiduciary responsibilities and code of ethics. His biggest disappointment is that the commission, town of Hermosa and the fair board have been unable to reach an agreement on ownership and management of the county fairgrounds. All things considered, however, he said he enjoyed his time as a commissioner. “Custer County is blessed with an outstanding staff of employees who are very capable and work hard to provide services to the taxpayers,” he said. Bishop said he hasn’t ruled out another run at a commission seat in the future, but also said it has been a pleasure serving the taxpayers of the county. “They need to continue to support and be involved in their local government,” he said.