Gene brings over 50 years of dedicated, professional and competent law enforcement experience to the table, serving the Montrose community since 1976. A graduate of the FBI National Academy 214th session and Northwestern Staff and Command 329th session, Gene has thousands of training hours in community policing, SWAT, patrol, budget, homicide investigation, leadership and supervision. He has the street experience to go with the training. Elected as the 21st Sheriff of Montrose County in 2018, Gene is seeking his third term in 2026.  As a Colorado native Gene is a strong advocate of the Second Amendment and the Constitution he has sworn to uphold. He believes in an honest and sincere common sense approach to law enforcement, treating all individuals with respect and dignity.  The ultimate goal is the safety of our community, our residents and our staff.

A lifelong resident of Montrose County, Caryn was born and raised in a proud fifth-generation farming family. Her family homesteaded in the Pea Green area west of Olathe, and in the mid-1960s, her parents, Robert and Charlotte Webb, relocated the family dairy farm just west of Olathe. Growing up on that dairy farm, Caryn learned the values of hard work, responsibility, stewardship of the land, and respect for the rural way of life that continues to define Montrose County.

Caryn is a 1982 graduate of Olathe High School and has deep roots in agriculture and the heritage of Montrose County. After high school, she earned degrees in Business Administration and Education from Western State College in Gunnison (now Western Colorado University). Her career in education began at Fruita Monument High School before she returned home to Olathe in 1986, where she taught business education at Delta High School.

Throughout her career, Caryn pursued advanced leadership training, earning a Master’s degree in Vocational Education and a Career and Technical Director License from Colorado State University, along with Superintendent and Principal licensure from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

For more than 40 years, Caryn has served public education in a wide range of leadership roles, including teacher, assistant principal, financial aid director, executive director of the Technical College of the Rockies, human resources director, and, for the past 15 years, Superintendent of Delta County School District. Caryn currently has responsibility and oversight of roughly a $94M dollar budget, serving approximately 4,300 students pre-school through 12th grade, with approximately 740 staff, and 14 different school campuses, along with the Technical College of the Rockies. She is one of the longest-serving female superintendents in Colorado to lead the same district.

In recognition of her service and leadership, Caryn received the Olathe High School Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019 for exemplifying outstanding achievement and community service. She has also been active in numerous community organizations, including the Delta Health Foundation.

Caryn currently serves as Superintendent of Delta County School District and will retire on June 30, 2026. In addition to her public service, she and her husband, John Gibson, own and operate Rocking W Cheese and Webb Dairy outside of Olathe, giving her firsthand experience with the challenges facing agriculture, small businesses, and rural economies.

Caryn’s decision to run for County Commissioner is rooted in service and stewardship. Her priorities include protecting local control and rural values, ensuring transparent and responsible budgeting, supporting smart growth and thoughtful land-use planning, and being a strong advocate for agriculture. She is committed to bringing practical leadership, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and deep community understanding to Montrose County government.

“Montrose County is one of the best counties in Colorado,” Caryn said. “It deserves leadership that is transparent, accountable, and focused on practical solutions—from public safety and economic development to infrastructure, essential services, and quality of life for families, seniors, and businesses.”

This announcement marks the beginning of a countywide effort to listen, learn, and engage with residents across Montrose County. Caryn looks forward to meeting community members, hearing their priorities, and working collaboratively to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Caryn Webb Gibson’s campaign is guided by a clear and sincere platform: Rooted in Community and Focused on the Future! Smart Responsible Growth, Honest Leadership, and Real Results.

EdLafferty4MontroseCntyCommiss@gmail.com

A fifth-generation Coloradoan and lifelong Republican, Ed Lafferty is running for Montrose County Commissioner, District 3. Since choosing Montrose as a permanent home in 2017, Ed has prepared to dedicate 100 percent of his time and extensive professional experience to serving the residents of this county.

A Builder’s Perspective, Not a Politician’s

Ed’s professional background distinguishes him from the field. Holding a B.S. in Construction Management from Colorado State University, he rose to become the President of a firm where he grew annual revenue from $15 million to $75 million. His leadership resulted in a 75% client retention rate, built on a foundation of integrity and the consistent delivery of results.

He views the role of County Commissioner through the lens of a project manager with deep business oversight experience. Having overseen $100 million+ contracts and managed hundreds of employees to ensure projects were completed on time and within budget, Ed brings unparalleled experience to the county:

• Fiscal Discipline: Ed understands how to manage design details early to control 95% of total project expenses before construction even begins. He is uniquely qualified to bring this level of fiscal responsibility to the $126 million county budget.

• Contract Development and Negotiation: He possesses deep experience working with government entities, water boards, and complex legal agreements.

• Infrastructure Management: With a projected 2026 Road and Bridge budget of approximately $21 million, Ed will provide the professional oversight needed to determine the best value for every tax dollar spent.

Protecting the Heritage of Montrose

Montrose’s agricultural and ranching heritage faces constant pressure. Ed’s years of working with state agencies and water boards have given him a sophisticated understanding of Colorado Water Resources. He is prepared to defend local water rights against Front Range interests and outside interference.

Furthermore, his background in large-scale land development allows him to work effectively with planners and engineers to ensure smart, controlled growth. Ed believes long-term planning is the most vital factor in maintaining the quality of life we value for future generations, with a specific focus on how infrastructure must be maintained and expanded to accommodate that growth.

Practical Leadership with Accountability to the Taxpayer

Ed believes in a common-sense approach that prioritizes practical solutions over political grandstanding. His leadership style is defined by a calm, level-headed demeanor and a belief in total accountability. He recognizes that tax dollars belong to the taxpayers—not the government—and will utilize tried-and-true management methods to prevent waste and overspending.

Ed Lafferty is offering Montrose County a professional blueprint for a more efficient and prosperous future. He looks forward to earning your trust and your vote.

Tressa Guynes is honored to serve the citizens of Montrose County and has worked hard as your County Clerk & Recorder since 2015.

Prior to being elected your County Clerk & Recorder, she moved to Montrose in 2012 shortly after retiring with over 30 years of service with the State of Mississippi. Tressa has an extensive background in governmental management, regulation, budget, accounting and the political atmosphere.  She started her career with the State of MS in 1981 while attending college. Through hard work, commitment and dedication, she advanced to extensive responsibilities and positions of influence.  She served as the Secretary of the Senate to the Mississippi State Senate and the Chief Examiner/Director of Examinations & Analysis for the Mississippi Insurance Department.

Tressa received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in Management from Mississippi College.  While attaining her Certified and Accredited Financial Examiner Designations, she furthered her education in accounting and financial examining. She has been a Certified Election Official since 2015 maintaining all continuing education.

As your Clerk & Recorder, Tressa’s office consists of:

-Vehicle Registration Department which provides vehicle registration and titling services of all types of vehicles; issue handicap placards; titles for manufactured homes, tiny homes, trailers and off-highway vehicles; special mobile machinery permits and State Park passes that are assigned to a vehicle.

-Recording and Marriage Licensing Department which is a source of information, and the custodian and holder of the County’s public records and historical documents; issues and records marriage licenses, military certifications and real estate transactions; provides support to the Board of County Commissioners to provide meeting documentation services;

-Elections Department which registers voters, updates voter information such as change of address, change of name or party affiliation; coordinates with all Political Subdivisions within the County to conduct all elections for Candidates and Measures; 

-Nucla Annex Department provides services to the residents on the West End of Montrose County.

Tressa continuously strives to provide excellent customer service and professionalism to all residents of Montrose County so they can have their particular needs fulfilled in an accurate, timely and courteous manner. While Tressa has been the Clerk & Recorder, she has ensured the Office has passed all audits with 100% accuracy. She is dedicated to ensure your vote counts and everything throughout the election process is run with the upmost integrity and transparency. 

Tressa is married to Jeff Guynes, and enjoys the outdoor activities available on the Western Slope. She is actively involved in such activities including snowmobiling, snow shoeing, downhill skiing, hiking, rock climbing, ATV riding, and walking. Tressa and her husband regularly attend Celebration Church where she is an active volunteer. 

Tressa is seeking to continue representing you as your County Clerk & Recorder, and is asking for your support and your vote.