The contest in the race for State Senate, District 4, features two candidates at opposite ends of the political spectrum.

Democrat Joe Alsup is new to the political arena, with a professional background that speaks of strong management experience in developing business transformation and technology solutions on a global scale.

Armed with a master’s degree in business administration, he has worked with international firms and governments. Alsup is a gentleman cattle rancher in Larkspur. He has no previous public service experience.

Republican Mark Scheffel is a political veteran and tax attorney who has been advising clients on business and tax issues since 1989. He was selected to be the chair of the Douglas County Republican Party from 2004-07 and is the former vice chair of the 5th and 6th Congressional districts. His term as party chair began one year after he embarked on his role as county attorney in Elbert County. Scheffel’s background and experience in politics makes him the better candidate in this race, which comes at a time constituents can ill-afford to support a public official with a learning curve as steep as Alsup’s.

Alsup’s run for office appears to many to be a first effort to “get involved” and “make a difference.” In a recent candidate forum he cited one of America’s most quotable presidents by saying, “Like John F. Kennedy said ‘Any person can make a difference. Every one of us should try,’ and that is what I am doing. I am trying to make a difference. Join me.”

In today’s political and economic climate, constituents deserve a candidate with far greater political acumen than Alsup possesses. During an interview, he was at a loss to find the meaning of the term “capital improvements.” Alsup would be well served to get a feel for how the wheels of government work at the local level before seeking a state Senate seat.

With an accessible personality that belies a steely intelligence, Scheffel’s early campaign literature spoke strongly to the conservative values many of his constituents hold dear.

Scheffel’s platform is strong on economic reform, and he has a background in tax and business finance. He is prepared to tackle the issues of greatest concern to his constituents.

Douglas County Commissioner District 2

Steve Boand has proven himself to be a true leader in Douglas County. You’re as likely to see Boand at in-depth discussions of Douglas County’s water issues as you are to see him at community festivals like Castle Rock’s Starlighting. He sees beyond Douglas County’s population centers and once spent the night in the back of his truck in Sedalia to get a feel for the train noise people there were complaining about. Plain-spoken, approachable and responsive, Boand is what local government should be.

Douglas County Commissioner District 3

Jill Repella is a committed public servant who has proven herself to be a worthy successor for departing commissioner Melanie Worley. Her experience as a member of the Douglas County School Board offers her a broad view of Douglas County. Electing her to the board of county commissioners will not only let her look at growth in a new light, but opens the door for even better communication between county government and its school system. It’s rare to come across this level of experience on ballots for local races.