By Heidi Ganahl | Rocky Mountain Voice
As Colorado’s 3rd District prepares for a crucial vote for a new University of Colorado regent, the race between former State Sen. Ray Scott and minister/educator Robert Logan highlights competing visions for the future of the University of Colorado system.
The election, which comes at a time when higher education faces both budgetary challenges and calls for innovation, presents voters with a choice between two experienced leaders. However, Scott’s campaign is gaining momentum because of his unique blend of legislative expertise and commitment to financial oversight.
Logan, who moved back to Durango after completing his seminary training, began an eight-year stint as a local minister before getting his teaching degree from Fort Lewis College. He became a teacher at Durango High School in 1998, and retired from teaching in 2023. His website reads: “I retired in 2023 and began searching for new direction in life.”
After teaching for 27 years, he says he knows what kids that age are looking for.
Scott’s candidacy is bolstered by his extensive background in public service, where he earned a reputation for budget management and pragmatic governance. As a former Colorado senator and representative, Scott dealt with substantial state budgets and complex fiscal policies — experience that his supporters argue is exactly what CU needs on its board of regents. In a field currently dominated by individuals from academic backgrounds, Scott offers a fresh perspective focused on fiscal accountability.
“The current CU board of regents is exclusively represented by educators. While their expertise is invaluable, there needs to be a balance,” Scott has noted. His platform underscores the importance of financial sustainability and transparency, particularly as CU faces rising tuition costs and ongoing budget constraints. Scott’s advocates point out that his knowledge of budget management could not only secure CU’s financial future but also provide taxpayers with confidence that their money is being effectively utilized.
Scott’s commitment to supporting the educational needs of rural communities in District 3 stands out as a defining aspect of his campaign. Programs such as nursing, engineering, and the sciences, which are essential for fostering local job markets, are already receiving some backing from CU. Scott aims to increase this support, ensuring that these programs continue to thrive and serve the district’s unique needs.
His background in the construction industry further strengthens his position as a candidate who can effectively oversee CU’s vast budget for future construction projects. “Having managed construction projects for many years, I understand what they should cost and how to execute them efficiently,” Scott has said. This experience, combined with his legislative know-how, positions him as a candidate who can maintain CU’s growth while controlling costs.
Logan brings to the table his deep experience in high school education at Durango High School. His platform, as noted in his speeches on YouTube, prioritizes inclusive educational policies and expanding resources for student accessibility for all.
“College shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone, it’s a base element of a healthy Democratic system. Democracy is at stake,” he said passionately in his campaign video.
While his commitment to education for all is praised in some circles, questions have been raised in other circles about how these initiatives would be funded amid fiscal constraints. Scott’s supporters argue that focus, while commendable, lacks the rigorous budgetary oversight necessary in today’s economic climate.
Voters are increasingly recognizing that while expertise in education is vital for CU’s leadership, there is an equally pressing need for fiscal experience. Scott’s track record of navigating legislative processes positions him as a leader who knows when and how to secure funding for CU from the state. His experience could be particularly beneficial for the university’s construction projects, ensuring cost-effective and efficient management that could curb rising tuition costs and allocate more resources to rural colleges.
“Ray Scott’s expertise will bring a new level of fiscal discipline to the Board of Regents,” say his advocates. “In times of high inflation and budget cuts, CU needs a leader who can balance academic excellence with responsible financial stewardship.”
The race for CU Regent in District 3 is more than a contest between two candidates; it is a decision about the future direction of the University of Colorado. With Scott’s blend of legislative experience, budgetary oversight, and dedication to serving rural communities, many see him as the right choice to ensure CU remains financially sustainable while continuing to serve its students and the state.
Logan’s supporters argue that his focus on student support is vital in today’s higher education landscape. However, Scott’s campaign emphasizes that maintaining CU’s excellence requires a strong foundation of fiscal responsibility—one that complements the academic expertise already present on the board.
For voters in the 3rd District, the choice is between enhancing CU’s governance with Scott’s experience in managing complex budgets and securing state funding, or prioritizing Logan’s goal of making higher education available for all in the interest of promoting democracy. With the election nearing, Scott’s vision of balanced leadership and financial prudence may be the direction that resonates most with those concerned about CU’s future.