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Submitted Biography
As a fifth-generation Montezuma County resident, I have deep roots in this community and a lifelong commitment to its future. I was born and raised in Mancos, graduated from Mancos High School and San Juan Vocational/Technical School, I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 38 years. I have two children and three precious grandchildren. My daughter and her family live here. I understand the culture, history, and priorities of this county because I have lived them. Over the past 28 years, I have helped run successful local multi-million-dollar businesses, 15 years coaching high school basketball, and 20 years of community service on several public boards all in Montezuma County. I spent 10 years in the semiconductor industry from 1989-1998, mostly at Intel, a Fortune 500 Company. Together, these experiences have given me practical leadership skills that I will bring to the Commission.
Campaign Phone
970-739-3123
I would begin by prioritizing the development of strong working relationships and trust with the two current commissioners, the administration, the new sheriff, the other elected officials, and the county’s 26 department heads and employees. From there, I would take a seek-first-to-understand approach to the county’s financial situation, with particular attention to the outcome of the sales tax initiative. I would also want to gain a clear understanding of the county’s short- and long-term strategic planning and how the budget aligns with those priorities. This includes evaluating needs related to facilities, roads and other hard-surface infrastructure, technology, and the continued implementation of the pay scale survey across departments so that the county can remain competitive in attracting and retaining employees.
As a county commissioner, you are mandated to follow state statute. Financial and budgeting decisions are guided by a mix of legal requirements. My budgeting decisions will be guided by fiscal responsibility, accountability, and the county’s core needs. I will focus on using taxpayer dollars wisely to support essential services, maintain long-term stability, and serve the best interests of county residents.
I would draw on my previous experience making data-driven decisions by asking: Why are we doing it? What does it cost? Who benefits? How do we measure success? Is it sustainable? With almost 3 decades of successful small business experience and 20 years of board experience I know my approach works.
I love this county and the people who call it home. As I shared in my bio, I am a fifth-generation Montezuma County resident, and my roots here run deep. My grandchildren live here, and I want this special corner of southwest Colorado to thrive for generations to come.
For 28 years, I have served this community in many ways, built businesses, and created jobs through hard work, humility, integrity, and honesty. That experience in both public service and business has prepared me to serve as Commissioner. I bring a fresh perspective, independent of county ties, and a strong commitment to solving problems and addressing concerns. I am forward-looking and ready to put in the time to learn, lead, and serve. My goal is to ensure we plan and fund what is needed to keep this community strong, resilient, and thriving for this generation and the next.
Submitted Biography
Diane Fox-Spratlen was born and raised in western Colorado, growing up in Rangely in the heart of the energy industry. Raised with strong conservative values of hard work, personal accountability, and service to others, Diane learned early the importance of community and leadership from her father, Don Davis, a four-term Rio Blanco County Commissioner. A graduate of Rangely High School and Colorado Northwestern Community College, Diane began her public safety career in 1989 with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. In 1992, she and her family made Montezuma County home, where they raised their three sons. Diane served with the City of Cortez Police Department from 1993–2013, most notably as a School Resource Officer helping build a respected school safety program for RE-1 School District. In 2013, she received the Colorado Association of School Resource Officers Lifetime Achievement Award. She also served 12 years on the Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 School Board, gaining extensive experience i
Campaign Phone
9705603111
My first 100 days as County Commissioner will focus on listening, learning, and building strong working relationships across Montezuma County. I will meet with community members, local leaders, department heads, municipalities, and partner agencies to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing our county.
I plan to spend time in each county department learning their operations, evaluating current needs, and identifying areas where we can improve efficiency, communication, and service to the public. I will work with fellow commissioners to begin strategic planning focused on long-term fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, public safety, economic stability, and protecting our rural way of life.
A top priority will be supporting our Sheriff’s Office by addressing deputy staffing shortages, recruitment and retention challenges, working conditions, safety, and resources needed to effectively serve the people of Montezuma County. My goal is to provide steady, transparent leadership focused on practical solutions, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
A key focus will be county finances and budgeting, with an emphasis on fiscal conservancy, long-term sustainability, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and transparently. I will work with fellow commissioners and departments to evaluate current spending, identify efficiencies, and prioritize funding in a way that maintains and strengthens essential county services.
I am running for Montezuma County Commissioner because I feel convicted and ready to lead through these times. I am prepared to stand in the gap and fight for our way of life here in Montezuma County while protecting the values, freedoms, and rural character that make this community home. I am a consensus builder and a problem solver, and I have the time, energy, and experience to fully commit myself to the service of Montezuma County.
I’m not running to protect the status quo, and I’m not bringing an “elephant in the room” agenda to the table either. I’m running to provide steady, transparent leadership grounded in fiscal responsibility, local control, and accountability to the people of Montezuma County.
