“I love working where I live. Weld County has historically had fantastic leadership that is more conservative- minded, fiscally responsible and respects our agricultural heritage and the energy industry,” Maxey said. “The love of Weld County and being able to maintain those things that make it special … being able to give back and serve. Those are the reasons why I decided to run (for commissioner).”

In Maxey’s voice, there is a touch of anxiousness, though it stems more from excitement than nerves. He’s looking forward to learning about the various county departments — something he started in late 2024 by meeting with department supervisors — and working on matters he believes are critical to Weld County’s future.

“Everything I campaigned on — the importance of agriculture, energy and private property, those are all influenced by land use,” Maxey said. “I look forward to using my previous experiences with the board and working on land use cases.”

It’s previous experience that includes time serving on the county’s volunteer Planning Commission, and more recently, as director of the Oil and Gas Energy Department since it opened in 2019. Maxey wants to keep growth management a priority by looking at how the land use permitting process could be improved as well as permitting surrounding oil and gas.

Beyond making processes easier where possible, Maxey is also looking forward to seeing how the county’s strategic plan can be best implemented to serve residents and create a workplace culture that continues to attract and retain the best employees.

It's expected that Maxey’s list of goals will grow as he gains experience. After all, his personality is one driven by a continued desire to learn and ask questions to better whatever he’s involved in — whether that’s working on his grandpa’s dairy farm or serving as commissioner of District 1.

“Where’s the need, and how do we look at and evaluate it to accomplish our mission of providing great services to residents and businesses? That’s what I’m excited to do,” Maxey said.

Bringing ‘servant leadership’ to a new role

The excitement of being a new commissioner is shared by Lynette Peppler, who is the new commissioner of District 3, although she views the role as a way to continue a lifelong passion: Serving others.

“I’ve tried to pass on the value of servant leadership to my children,” Peppler said, mentioning the small ways she’s tried to have a positive impact, either by distributing food at mobile food banks, spending time with residents at nursing homes, even helping neighbors rake leaves or shovel snow. “No one person can do all that is needed, but if we all help each other a little, it lightens the load for all of us.”

It’s that spirit of service that stood out to those around her who encouraged her to run for commissioner. Now in the role, she plans to use that same spirit of service to help the county prepare for a pretty big topic: Growth.

One of the fastest-growing counties in the state, Weld County’s population is on the rise, increasing 9% between 2020 and 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That growth, and the growth expected in the future, means a greater demand for services. By meeting with county department supervisors and attending work sessions after being elected in November, Peppler better understands the challenge placed on county government, the impact of state legislation on Weld County residents and the strain placed on taxpayer dollars.

“The situation departments face is only going to be more of a challenge as our growth continues and our population doubles by 2050, as the state demographer expects,” Peppler said. “It’s been eye-opening to see some of the many mandates forced onto counties by federal and state statute, many of which are underfunded or entirely unfunded, causing the financial responsibility to fall on Weld County taxpayers.

“I understand why we spend a lot of time pushing back against some of these bills," Peppler said. "They could bring some serious negative effects our way.”

As she’ll join the board of county commissioners in fighting against unwanted or underfunded mandates, she, like Maxey, is eager to learn more about county planning and land use. She’d like the policies to encourage small business development and protect agriculture.

“We need to find a way to balance development and preserve our agricultural land … our topsoil is a limited resource and needs to be protected as such,” Peppler said.

Despite not having any previous political experience, Peppler doesn’t view that as a negative. She ran to be a voice for those in District 3, and she feels her experience dealing with everyday life challenges will suit her well.

She plans to approach her new position with the same determination she did when she homeschooled her kids, worked as a CDL instructor or worked any of the other jobs she had before entering the political arena.

“As a single mom, I worked six part-time jobs to make ends meet,” Peppler said. "I understand the importance of being financially frugal, and I will do my best to make sure tax dollars aren’t wasted.”

Weld County 4-H implemented a new program in 2024: YouthBiz. In the next issue of County Roots, learn about what this program is all about and the valuable life skills it teaches youth.