Latest News – January 9

November Victors Take Office

Newly elected Lake County officials were sworn into office yesterday, January 8 at the Lake County Courthouse. Lake County Judge Wayne Patton welcomed the small group of attendees and began with a brief thank you for voters re-electing him to serve another 4 years on the bench. Patton has served as the county judge since his appointment in 2000.  

Judge Patton then proceeded administering the oath of office, starting with Lake County Coroner Shannon Kent. Kent was appointed to the position back in June 2012, and ran unopposed in last November’s election.

Newly elected Lake County Commissioner Bruce Hix takes his Oath of Office.

Next to raise their right hand in oath were the victors for the Board of County Commissioners, starting with Bruce Hix, representing District Three. Hix wasted no time in getting down to business, attending his first BOCC meeting later that afternoon. Second term Lake County Commissioner Mike Bordogna took his second oath of office, being sworn in to continue his position for District Two.

While Lake County was busy swearing in newly elected officials, another ceremony was underway at the Summit County Courthouse in Breckenridge, Colo. for newly elected Fifth Judicial District Attorney Bruce Brown. Brown (D) won the hotly contested race against assistant DA Scott Turner (R) for the lead litigator for District 5, which includes Lake County.

District Attorney for Colorado’s Fifth Judicial District Bruce Brown is sworn into office by Judge Terry Ruckriegle.

This race had its share of rumor and gossip-mongering, focused primarily on what Brown’s plans were should he win the election.  Brown recently sat down for an interview with Leadville Today to discuss his leadership and clear up any misnomers.

For the most part, explained Brown, things in the Lake County District Attorney’s office will remain status quo. During the campaign, the rumor mill included concerns that Brown would close the Lake County office or possibly “clean house”. Brown stated he does not have plans to do either.  

Brown confirmed that Lake County’s Assistant DA Mark Franklin will remain on staff.

“I’ve meet with all of the Lake County stakeholders including Judge Patton, Chief Leake and Sheriff Fenske and don’t anticipate any major changes,” said Brown.

Brown campaigned on “Just Results,” particularly focusing on victim’s rights. He presently resides in Evergreen, Colo. and has been practicing law in Clear Creek County for more than 20 years. In fact, traveling District 5 could prove to be Brown’s biggest logistical challenge, taking him from Eagle County to Clear Creek, with Lake and Summit in between. Brown is taking over from former Fifth Judicial District Attorney Mark Hurlbert, who was term limited. 

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