Of the 22 district attorneys’ offices in Colorado, just four have contested political races for top lawyer this election year.
But two of those races feature former prosecutors from the Roaring Fork Valley. And one, in the district covering Dolores and Montezuma counties, features a two-time elected 9th Judicial District Attorney challenging one of his former subordinates, who is now the incumbent there.
The 9th Judicial District covers Pitkin, Garfield and Rio Blanco counties
Mac Myers, who served as DA here from 1996 to 2004 — and was a prosecutor here as far back as 1986 — is challenging sitting District Attorney Jim Wilson, who was elected to the Cortez-based post in 2004.
Wilson worked below Myers as a deputy district attorney here in the late 1990’s, and alongside current 9th District Attorney Martin Beeson, who is running unopposed on Tuesday’s ballot here.
“Both of them are good friends of mine and I’ve worked with them both,” Beeson said of the men. “Both would do a very competent job and, lucky for me, they haven’t asked me to make an endorsement in the race.”
Myers, a Democrat, is facing an uphill battle in the heavily Republican district. However, he did remain popular while serving as DA here in the 9th, a post traditionally held by Republicans.
But Myers shuns red or blue labeling. “I’ve always believed jobs like sheriffs and clerks should not be partisan positions,” he said. “I generally play that down and try to be as even-handed as possible, which is what earns respect.”
Myers said, if elected over Wilson in the 22nd district, he would take the same hands-off approach with his deputies he implemented while running the Glenwood and Aspen offices. “I don’t believe in micro-managing people,” he said. “I believe in letting them develop and grow in their own capacity.”
Jim Wilson did not return messages seeking comment left with his office over recent weeks.
DA Beeson has endorsed another former colleague, Russ Wasley, who is running in the 6th Judicial District, which handles cases in La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties. Earlier this year, District Attorney Steve Westberg resigned from that post after his arrest on suspicion of drunk driving.
Wasley prosecuted cases here in the 9th District from 2004 to 2007, and currently serves as a deputy in the 6th District’s Pagosa Springs office. A Republican, Wasley is up against Democrat Todd Risberg.
“Russ is a bulldog in the courtroom,” Beeson said, “He is a good prosecutor. I know his philosophy and agree with his philosophy more than his opponent’s ... his opponent is one that favors rehabilitation over prosecution.”
Wasley did not return calls for comment.
Wilson, Wasley, Myers and Beeson are not the only legal leaders and potential leaders that the 9th District Attorney’s office has produced. Mesa County Judge Gretchen Larson, Eagle County Judge Katherine Sullivan and 9th District Judge Gail Nichols all cut their teeth as deputy district attorneys here before being appointed to the bench.
Asked why the 9th has become a breeding ground for Colorado’s public servants of the law, DA Beeson cited the heavy caseload in Glenwood Springs that gives deputies the chance to gain experience logging lots of courtroom hours.
“There’s a good talent pool here,” he said, “and the cream rises to the top.”
andrew@aspendailynews.com
