craigdailypress.com

With a month to go until the November general election, candidates running for Moffat County's only contested race -- the bid for sheriff -- are fine tuning their campaigns for the home stretch.

Three candidates -- Republican Tim Jantz, winner of the August primary election, Vic Alton, an Independent, and Don Kroese, a write-in candidate -- are seeking the position.

Jantz, a sergeant at the Moffat County Sheriff's Office, said he won't change his campaign strategy much. He's been hitting the bricks as often as his work schedule allows and speaking to as many voters as possible.

"I've been going to about every event that I can possibly go to," Jantz said. "(The last month will be) pretty much the status quo of what I've been doing. (It's) what I'll keep doing."

He said he'll soon put out yard signs and continue a strategy of going door-to-door in neighborhoods throughout the county. He's also made himself available to speak with residents whenever they have a concern.

"That's the way I want to continue to go," he said. "I'm meeting as many people as I can on their time, and mine."

Alton, a corporal at the Sheriff's Office, said his campaign has been relatively quiet. But, with four weeks to go, he's now prepared to hit the campaign trail and target voters through a variety of ways.

"I haven't been hitting it really hard," Alton said, "but I will the next 30 days."

Alton's plans include advertising in the newspaper and on the radio, going door-to-door to talk with voters and speaking to organizations. And, while his campaign hasn't been as visible as others, Alton said he's already spoken to some organizations and residents.

The third candidate, write-in Don Kroese, said he'll advertise his campaign on the radio and in the newspaper and speak to residents interested in his platform and ideas. It's a straight-forward approach with a straight-forward goal.

"I'll be talking to people try and get them to vote for me," Kroese said.

Kroese is in the midst of his third attempt to become sheriff. During the two previous campaigns, he visited more than 3,000 homes.

"I figure there's not too many people who don't know who I am," he said.

Jantz and Alton have agreed to appear at a candidate forum Oct. 23, sponsored by the Craig Daily Press and KRAI. Kroese said he has not decided whether to attend.