COURIER VOLUME: 03
FIRST QUARTER
ISSUE: 01
AN EL PASO COUNTY PUBLICATION
A Legacy of Leadership and Service Commissioners Longinos Gonzalez and Stan VanderWerf are concluding their terms, leaving a legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to the El Paso County community. Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. was first elected to the El Paso County Board of Commissioners in 2016 and was re-elected by his constituents in 2021. Over his eight years of service, Commissioner Gonzalez faithfully represented District 4, which encompassed southern and eastern El Paso County, including the communities of Fountain, Security/Widefield, Stratmoor Hills, Hanover, Ellicott, Rush, Yoder, and southeastern Colorado Springs. Throughout his tenure, Commissioner Gonzalez demonstrated an unwavering commitment to prioritizing the needs of his district and the county. He championed initiatives to secure funding for PFAS/PFOA contamination mitigation, ensuring safe and clean water for local communities. He also advocated for substantial portions of the county's annual budget to be allocated to roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure, consistently going above and beyond to address the concerns of his constituents. In January 2019, his dedication and leadership were recognized when he was appointed Vice Chair of the Board of County Commissioners by his peers. Over the years, Commissioner Gonzalez served on the Airport Advisory Commission, Board of Health, Colorado Springs Marijuana Working Group, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Fountain Valley
El Paso County Commissioners Stan VanderWerf (L) and Longinos Gonzalez, Jr. (R) pose for a photo.
Valley Senior Center, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, and Pikes Peak Rural Water Authority. He also fulfilled multiple liaison assignments within county government and external organizations, including the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Military Affairs Council. As a member of the El Paso County Board of Health, Commissioner Gonzalez played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic. He strongly advocated with state health officials to reopen businesses, lift restrictions, and ensure that the region received critical resources during the early stages of the crisis. Beyond his official duties, Commissioner Gonzalez cultivated a reputation as a gifted artist. His paintings were featured in local exhibitions, and he earned the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center's People's Choice Award for artwork that benefited the organization. His artistry added a unique dimension to his role as Commissioner, further
further connecting him to the community he served. Commissioner Gonzalez received the Distinguished Achievement Award from Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) in recognition of his outstanding contributions and significant impact on counties throughout Colorado. Commissioner Gonzalez's tenure was marked by kindness, diplomacy, and an unwavering focus on El Paso County residents' health, safety, and quality of life. After eight years of dedicated service, Commissioner Gonzalez will conclude his term and leave office on January 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, advocacy, and community impact. Commissioner Stan VanderWerf Commissioner Stan VanderWerf was elected to the El Paso County Board of Commissioners in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. (Story Continued on Page 3)
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