Two launch campaigns for county commissioner
Two Republicans have filed their intent to run for the El Paso County Commissioner District 5 seat, launching what promises to be a lively 2010 contest for the seat that covers most of Colorado Springs.
Patrick J. Carter, a businessman, and state Board of Education member Peggy Littleton are seeking the seat held by Jim Bensberg who’s barred from a third term by term limits.
More contenders are expected to join the race. Former commissioner and state Sen. Ed Jones has said he plans to run, while Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera also has shown interest.
Carter was born and raised in Colorado Springs, graduated from Mitchell High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
He served in the Marines from 1986 to 1994, and runs a dental laboratory.
Carter has worked on several campaigns, most recently Commissioner Amy Lathen’s last year. He serves as House District 16 chairman and is a member of the El Paso County Republican Party’s executive committee. His only run for office was in 2006 in the 5th Congressional District, but he didn’t make the ballot.
“I’ve grown to appreciate the adage that all politics are local,” said Carter, who serves on the county’s citizens budget oversight committee. “I’m motivated to serve my community.”
Littleton, who graduated from Longmont High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of the State of New York, has served on the state board since February 2004. Her term expires in 2011.
She taught for 15 years, including home-schooling her three kids and teaching at Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy and Colorado Springs Christian School. Littleton also is a commercial real estate consultant.
“I’ll be bringing my skills and leadership down to Colorado Springs,” she said of her run for a commission seat. “I’m ready to bring those skills a little closer to home.”
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Flournoy an Army Commendation with Valor award during the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Valorous Awards Ceremony at Fort Carson Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Photo by Christian Murdock, The Gazette