This is a pretty good writeup of new Larimer County Commissioner Tom Donnelly.
Donnelly, 38, emerged from political obscurity in April at the Larimer County Republicans' assembly. He received enough support to get the nomination for commissioner from District 3, which covers the southern third of the county, and block incumbent Commissioner Glenn Gibson from a primary race.
That set up the general election battle with Roger Hoffmann, a well-known Loveland community activist who narrowly lost to Gibson in 2004.
In November, Donnelly defeated Hoffmann by 954 votes out of 147,794 ballots cast.
The victory launched Donnelly into a new career that he never envisioned for himself. A private person, campaigning for the office was difficult.
"I really don't like talking about myself," he said.
Donnelly grew up the youngest of nine children in northeast Kansas, where his father owned and worked a small farm.
Donnelly came to Loveland about 14 years ago to be with a brother who was ill with cancer. After his brother passed away, Donnelly decided to stay.
He took classes at Metropolitan State College in Denver, where he met Lexy in a geology class, and became a professional surveyor.
Since the election he's met with county department heads and attended commissioner hearings to get a better handle on the job, which pays $87,300 a year.
"The county has their hands in a lot of things," he said. "That's why it's so important that we change the budgeting process."
With tough financial times, the county needs to budget based on priorities and outcomes, Donnelly said. He also wants to promote economic development.
I'm shocked that they got Tom to say as much as he did. He's the right guy at the right time for a tough job.
