by Eric Mullens
HUERFANO — Lifelong Huerfano County resident, Johnny ‘Boots’ Vallejos, announced on Monday an independent run for the District One county commissioner seat currently held by commission chairman Ray Garcia.
Vallejos told the World Journal earlier this week he will be trying to petition his way onto the ballot as an Independent candidate. He said he will need 73 valid signatures to get onto the November ballot.
The current patriarch of the 140-year old Vallejos family ranch, Vallejos says he is now, for the most part, retired, but continues to work the cattle operation with his son as needed. “I have plenty of time to dedicate to this position,” he said.
Although Vallejos did not address specific issues that led him to throwing his hat into the ring, his past and current memberships in organizations such as the county’s water conservancy district, soil conservation district and the county’s licensing board for contractors; a sure bet is his deep interest in land and water conservation within Huerfano County.
Vallejos said within the next two months he will be talking about various issues he feels are of importance to Huerfano County residents.
Garcia announced his re-election bid at the beginning of this year.
