I've called La Plata County home for many years. I feel privileged to serve as a La Plata County Commissioner since winning the election in 2006.  One of three full-time commissioners, I devote my time to furthering the goals of the community. 

I'm not a newcomer to the political arena and policy making. I was a Young Democrat and then chair of the La Plata County Democratic Party prior to changing my affiliation to "independent" to better serve the people of La Plata County.

After serving as an elected official, I found myself limited in my ability to work with diverse viewpoints within the strict confines of a party dynamic and wanted to better work to solve the complex issues facing the county within the more expansive label of "independent." I was surprised to find that the partisan barriers don't just exist in Washington -- they exist in our own small communities.  Because I value differing opinions and the best solutions for all constituents, I have found that independence has opened up more possibilities for people to come together and achieve what's best for our community regardless of age, race, gender or political party.  I share my views through my blog.

I've always made community participation an integral part of my life. I co-founded the Four Corner’s Safe School Coalition and co-organized the Latino Health Fair and volunteered with Prom Til Dawn after-prom party. I was an avid volunteer for the Women's Resource Center and an advocate for Alternative Horizons, the county’s domestic violence support agency.

I have deep roots in the area. I attended elementary school in Farmington, NM, and then middle school in Denver. I moved to Durango in my teens and attended both Bayfield and Durango High Schools and then graduating from Farmington High. My post-secondary education included Colorado State University and Fort Lewis College where I studied occupational therapy and social work. I'm fluent in Spanish and believe that the Latino and Native American cultures should be valued and celebrated in La Plata County.

My husband, Matt, 15-year-old son, Mesha, and I appreciate La Plata County’s physical beauty and enjoy snow-shoeing, snowboarding, skiing, hiking and biking (I rode the Iron Horse Classic twice). You might find me cutting the rug at a local dance hall as I learned to swing and two-step when my mother owned the Sundance Saloon.

DID YOU KNOW?
40% of Americans identify themselves as independents.

MORE TO EXPLORE
Independent Voting.org
Ballot Access News
Where the Independents Are

TALK/TALK -- The free weekly e-publication for independents.

INDEPENDENT VOICES -- Tell us your own story!

WHAT INDEPENDENT MINDS ARE READING

                                   CONTACT JOELLE:  joelleriddle@hotmail.com  or  970.385.0332