Taos man announces plans to file for public administrator

Ralph Jobe
Ralph Jobe

A Taos man has announced he plans to file for the office of Cole County public administrator.

Ralph Jobe plans to run as a Republican for the office.

The public administrator is a publicly elected officer who is the guardian of last resort for those who cannot take care of themselves and have no one else to watch out for their needs and interests.

Jobe is a former mayor of Taos and represents the Liberty Township on the Cole County Republican Central Committee.

Jobe currently serves as president of the Board of Directors for the Liberty Senior Citizens Inc.

In a news release, Jobe said he believes his administrative experience on the board and his interaction with residents there have made him aware of the needs of not only seniors, but of others in the county who need a sponsor for assistance and care.

"As public administrator I would dedicate my efforts in a compassionate, professional and efficient manner toward supporting those individuals served by this office," Jobe said. "I want to be their advocate, and as public administrator that will be my focus."

Current County Administrator Joe Kuensting was elected to the office in November 2016. He has not announced whether he intends to seek re-election.

Other Cole County offices up for election in 2020 include Eastern and Western District commissioners, sheriff, assessor, public administrator and treasurer.

Filing for countywide offices in 2020 officially opens Feb. 25 and ends March 31. The primary election will be Aug. 4, and the general election will be Nov. 3.