Silverton businessman and activist Patrick Swonger is holding press conferences across southwest Colorado today to announce his campaign for the Democratic candidacy for the 59th District seat in the Colorado House of Representatives.
Swonger’s candidacy could be historic. His research has shown the last time San Juan County had a resident in the Colorado Legislature was the 1880s. The representative from that remote mountainous county was famed road builder Otto Mears.
Swonger also has a unique idea for campaigning. As part of what he is calling a “59 Jobs Initiative,” Swonger plans to work alongside 58 residents in his district for a half a day each. He plans to work in ranching, farming, education, energy, tourism and health care “to learn what workers need to succeed in their respective fields.”
The 59th job in Swonger’s initiative is representative for the 59th District, he said. More information on that initiative is available on .
Swonger said by phone during his Tuesday tour that he was recruited by LaPlata County and San Juan County Democrats and decided to step up because he wants to promote change and help the district “move beyond extreme political agendas and polarizing ideologies.”
Swonger is an Air Force veteran who started a regional telecom and IT service business in Silverton in 1994. He served six years as a trustee on the Silverton Town Board. He currently serves as a representative on the Southwest Council of Governments. He became known outside Silverton in recent years for his work to improve regional internet and telecommunication services.
The seat Swonger is campaigning for is currently held by Republican Jay Paul Brown of Ignacio. Brown has announced that he will run for a second term.
Nancy Lofholm: 970-256-1957 or nlofholm@denverpost.com
