Sharpe Announces Run for County Commissioner

By Gary Massaro

GV Mayor Nancy SharpeThe Republican contest for Arapahoe County Commissioner is now a race.

The Greenwood Village Mayor Nancy Sharpe announced March 9 she is a candidate for a seat being vacated by incumbent Jim Dyer.
“My skills are absolutely a good match,” Sharpe said. “I have the knowledge. I have a business background. I have a local government background. I have worked on issues important to the county – job growth, keeping taxes low, transportation improvements, reducing noise at Centennial Airport. Anyone who knows me knows I work hard, I’m responsive and result-oriented.”

Lauri Clapp has announced that she, too, will run for the seat on the Republican side. Clapp served as an Englewood city councilwoman and state representative before losing in a state Senate election to Linda Newell.
Sharpe is in her final term as Greenwood Village mayor. She was first elected to City Council 12 years ago.
She also chaired Denver Regional Council of Governments, Metro Mayor’s Caucus and South Corridor Transportation Association.

Sharpe had talked and thought about running over the last year.
She made her decision firm when Dyer dropped out, because, she said, “I know I’d be the best candidate.”
Dyer agrees, telling The Villager that he is endorsing Sharpe.

“Nancy has the best résumé of anybody in the county for that job,” Dyer said March 9. “She’s a consensus builder. She’s got experience. She’s personable. She’s very highly regarded throughout the whole county.”

Dyer was elected county commissioner in 2007 after serving as a state senator.

“I’m at the top of my game. I’ve held elective office for 10 years. I worked in politics another six or seven before that on various campaigns,” Dyer said. “It is simply time to move on and let somebody else step up and take over. When you’re at the top of your game, it’s the best time to make a decision to move on.”

Dyer said he is looking at other opportunities, but wouldn’t specify.

“I’m keeping my powder dry and taking a nice careful look around,” he said.