Doug Thrall Declares Commissioner Candidacy

Doug and Lee Thrall

Lamar businessman Doug Thrall is entering the Prowers County commissioner’s race, declaring his candidacy for District III on the Democratic ticket.  His entry will put that district into a four way race among two Republicans; Roger Stagner and Wendy Buxton-Andrade and two Democrats, Jillane Hixson and Thrall.  Commissioner Gene Millbrand is not running for re-election.   His addition to the race could force a primary race for the local democrats. 

Thrall had been a local realtor several years ago, and recently returned from Utah last year as manager/owner of the Rodeway Cow Palace Inn.  He has been overseeing major renovations to the motel which is now under the Roadway Inn franchise.  He recently became a board member to Prowers County Development Incorporated and the Prowers Lodging Tax Panel. 

“I’m running for commissioner to help develop jobs in the county,” he said.  “Since I’ve been with the Cow Palace Inn, I’ve seen how important it is to help develop jobs in this area.”  Thrall said for the past 40 years he’s been self-employed and knows what it takes to make things happen.  He added, “I’m not a politician, I’m a businessman and I’m going to approach my campaign in that manner.  We bring a lot of things to the state, but very few people realize that about southeast Colorado.”  Thrall stated that if elected, he wants to use his position as a commissioner to make SEBREA, the six county economic development group more visible and vocal to our local and state representatives. 

He supports PCDI, but wants it to become more proactive, seeking out one, two or ten man businesses to develop in the county.  “We don’t have the local housing to support a factory that would hire 100 persons, and larger cities would be in competition with us as well.  I don’t believe we need to try to attract that large a business,” he stated.   

Thrall said he’ll fill out the necessary paperwork for his candidacy for the third district and plans to be on hand for the March 31 Democratic County Assembly at the Cow Palace Inn.

By Russ Baldwin