Mayor John Clark is a native Coloradan, and has lived in Ridgway since 1982. Like many people who have lived in Ridgway for any length of time, John does several things for a living. His primary professions are glass artist and Macintosh computer consultant.
John has served on the Town Planning Commission for over twenty years, with only a one year hiatus in all that time. When he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Town Council in around 2001, he was a natural to serve as the Council representative on the Planning Commission. John has served multiple terms on the Town Council and served several terms as Mayor Pro Tem prior to being elected Mayor in April 2012.
About serving on both Town Council and the Planning Commission, John says: "I really enjoy working in Town government. I care very much about looking out for the Town's best interests, and strive to keep it moving in a positive direction, and most importantly, at a manageable rate."
Councilor Richard Durnan was born and raised in Washington, DC where he began enjoying the outdoors through hiking and rock climbing just outside the city. His passion for the outdoors led Richard to make his home in Ridgway during the spring of 2000.
After graduating from Plymouth State College in New Hampshire with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Biology, Richard returned to school obtaining his degree in Paramedic Medicine and began a career as a Paramedic Firefighter in Concord, New Hampshire.
In 1995 exploring his love of travel Richard left the fire service on a 14 month adventure throughout Asia. During his travels he worked as a whitewater rafting guide and honed his skills as an adventure travel photographer. Upon returning to the United States, Richard began selling his photographs and establishing himself as a full time photographer in the outdoor adventure industry.
In the spring of 1997 Richard moved to Montrose, Colorado taking a position with the BLM’s Uncompahgre Field Office as the Gunnison Gorge River Ranger. In 2001 Richard left the BLM to pursue photography full time. Richard is currently a working professional photographer and traveler of the world based out of his Ridgway, Colorado studio.
You can see Richard’s photographic work and learn more about him at www.richdurnanphoto.com.
Jason Gunning teaches government and history at Ridgway Secondary School. He was elected in April 2012. Jason's biography is forthcoming.
Councilor Ellen Hunter served on the Town Planning Commission for eight years, with five of those as Chair, before becoming a member of the Town Council in 2009. She was re-elected in April 2011. In her words, being a part of the Ridgway Town Government “is a interesting way for me to give a little something back to this great community, and as a stay-at-home mom, it gets me out of the house sometimes!" Having been raised in Colorado, Ellen met her husband Greg in Ridgway, and she loves the community for all it has to offer. “Both my children were born here, I really think that this is one of the best places to raise children. Living here is a joy and I look forward to the great future that I think Ridgway has.”
Councilor Eric Johnson has been serving on the Town Council since April 2003. He was re-elected in April 2011.
Eric has been a resident of Ridgway since 1997. He is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner currently practicing at the Telluride Medical Center. He received a B.S. in Nursing in 1991 from Idaho State University and a Masters in Nursing from the University of Utah in 1995.
About serving on the Town Council Eric says "I value the sense of community in Ridgway and see my service on Town Council as a way to preserve and enhance Ridgway's environment, culture and businesses."
Eric is married to Kaye Middleton; they have two dogs. He is a "sometimes" writer who enjoys cooking, gardening, skiing and most outdoor activities.
Councilor Jim Kavanaugh was elected in April 2011. Jim's bio will be forthcoming.
Councilor Rick Weaver and his family transplanted from California to Ridgway in 2005 after his career as a television producer. In Colorado, he became a Realtor and currently works out of San Juan Realty. Rick is also the developer of Ridgway’s new RiverSage Subdivision and the adjacent Dennis Weaver Memorial Park. His wife Judith is a cosmetologist and the owner of Daymaker’s Salon. His sons Travis and Jess are students at Ridgway High School. Rick was first elected to Town Council in April of 2008 and re-elected in April 2012.
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