Morris to serve as Alta's next mayor

Richard "Curly" Morris was officially named as mayor Tuesday by the Buena Vista County Supervisors after the canvas of write-in votes. Morris received 181 votes; Tom French, who has served as the mayor for the past four years, received 136 votes in the recent election.

Morris said he had thought about getting his name on the ballot as he had been approached by several people to do so but backed away for medical reasons. When his doctors gave him the go ahead it was too late. So he ran a quick write-in campaign and distributed over 760 flyers to Alta homes asking for their votes.

"According to the vote, people were ready for a change," Morris said. "I'll do my best to improve the standard of living and listen to the citizens of Alta."

Morris and his wife Sandra have lived in Alta since 1967. All six of their grandchildren graduated from the Alta school and three are currently operating successful businesses in Alta. Morris owned and operated Morris Construction for many years and is now retired.

"I think it's time we have a full-time mayor again. Now that I'm retired, I have the time. I think people like that the mayor sticks his nose in their businesses every so often. I like this town. When we moved here, I thought it was the greatest place on Earth. It's changed a lot. I'd like to see it change back to the way it used to be.

One of Morris' ultimate goals is to improve infrastructure in the community. "The streets, sidewalks and buildings - they've been neglected. We need to step up things there or we'll lose it all."

He said it is hoped that taxes will not have to be raised. He added that he feels "everything else is going the way it should" in the community.

Morris explained what he believes the role of the mayor to be.

Read more of this story in the November 12 Pilot Tribune.