The potential for local political change continues this week.

Both major political parties plan to elect new Moffat County officers, beginning with the Moffat County Republican Central Committee’s meeting at 5:30 p.m. today at the Craig Fire Station, 419 Yampa Ave.

Moffat County Democrats plans to hold its election meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Boys & Girls Club of Craig, 1324 E. U.S. Highway 40.

Both organizations will elect a new party chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary. Each position carries a two-year term.

Anyone may run for any position with either party as long as they are registered to vote with that party.

For instance, only registered Democrats may become a Moffat County Democrats officer, and vice-versa for Republicans and the Central Committee.

Voting for officers is not as open.

In the case of Moffat County Democrats, only certain party officials may vote for new officers.

The entire Central Committee votes for new Republican officers, which includes existing party officers, all 26 precinct committee persons and elected county officials.

The two existing party chairs had different advice for anyone interested in their positions.

Ted Crook, Moffat County Democrats chair, said the ability to facilitate other people’s ideas is paramount to being successful as chair.

“You’re more of a servant than a leader,” Crook said. “Don’t try to be too controlling, because if you try to control things too seriously, you’ll be in control of yourself and that’s it.”

Central Committee Chair Ron Danner said coordinating and motivating voters is the job’s biggest task.

“The job is to elect Republican to elected office,” he said. “To the extent you can organize Republicans to make that happen, that’s how successful you will be.”

Both chairs said interested residents have until their parties’ respective meetings to show interest in an officer position or to nominate someone else.

For more information about the Central Committee meeting and election process, call Danner at 824-6636, or visit the party’s Web site at http://www.moffatcountyrepublicans.net.

Call Crook at 824-2089 for more information about Moffat County Democrats’ meeting and upcoming elections.