One more time

Despite controversy over  recent public comments opposing new Colorado gun control measures, the potentially term-limited Weld County Sheriff John Cooke might get another run at the position, if arguments by county attorney Bruce Barker prove unsuccessful.
    Already engaged in a third term each, Cooke and Weld County Clerk and Recorder Steve Moreno again declared themselves candidates for the 2014 election. Each filed candidate affidavits with the Colorado Secretary of State. Both first elected to initial terms in 2002, they were re-elected to second terms in 2006, and to third terms in 2010.
    The big question is if the pair will get a chance to run in 2014, for what would be a fourth consecutive term. While Barker says no, as the pair reached the limit of three consecutive terms set by Weld’s Home Rule Charter, Moreno and Cooke believe that terms prior to 2007 do not count against term limits because that’s the year voters approved the limit of three consecutive terms in Weld County. If they are correct, 2014 would be their final term, if elected. If Barker is right, the pair will shuffle out of office next year. Barker intends to argue his case before the Weld County Council, which is tasked with resolving such disputes.
    The council will have one more vote toward the decision with the appointment of a new at-large member. Jeffrey T. Hare of Greeley is the founder and CEO of ERP Risk Advisors, a consulting firm specializing in businesses implementing software applications from Oracle Corp. Hare currently serves and formerly presided over of the Weld County CSU Extension Advisory Board. Hare is one of the two at-large members serving on the council alongside three district members.

Contact Staff Writer Gene Sears at
gsears@metrowestnewspapers.com.