Ed Jones, defeated for a second state senate term in 2006, will seek a seat on the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners.Jones’ filing last month widens to five the field of Republicans seeking the seat now held by Jim Bensberg, who’s barred from re-election by term limits.The other candidates are state education board member Peggy Littleton, businessman Patrick Carter, UCCS student David Williams, and retiree William Guevara.Jones, 67, a county commissioner from 1995 to 2003 who served one senate term before his re-election bid was crushed by Democrat John Morse, will have a controversial history to overcome.When running for commission in 1994, Jones admitted he didn’t have the college degree he claimed on campaign materials. During his 2002 senate race, Jones proclaimed he was unaware cocaine deals took place in a bar he frequented, Leonard’s Bar II, which also was known for its profanity-laced signs.Jones was never charged and said he went to the bar only for the atmosphere. But a narcotics detective who led the sting said Jones was at the bar at least four times when undercover drug buys were made.When he sought re-election in 2006, Jones had to defend his 2004 attempt to eliminate affirmative action programs, which baffled and angered the black community.But Jones dismisses those factors, saying, “I’m pretty sure people will use that, but I’ve been through it all and it makes me stronger. What else can they do but put me on the cross?”He says he’s running for the post, which pays $87,300 a year, because the county needs experience and he’s got it.”I’m running basically because I fel I can still do the job. I feel the county basically needs experience. I’ve got the experience. The county was in good shape when I left,” he said.Asked about the field of hopefuls, he said, “That’s OK. I’m the only one who’s got the experience.”

Teddy, a 1-year-old cocker spaniel, chased a ball in the small-dog area at Bear Creek Dog Park on Wednesday. “People here are really, really good about picking up,” said Loretta Plunkett, his owner, who takes Teddy and his 12-year-old sister H Photo by Christopher Short, FRESH•INK