Dennis Hisey assumes chairmanship from Jim Bensberg

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners this morning unanimously elected Commissioner Dennis Hisey to replace Jim Bensberg as the chairman of the board. Hisey, who has five children and 10 grandchildren, represents District 4, which encompasses  the southern part of the county and includes Widefield, Security, Fort Carson and Fountain.

This will be Hisey’s third stint as chairman. After taking office in 2005, he served as vice chair in 2006 and chairman in 2007 and 2008. Hisey’s the epitomy of a gentleman, quiet and courteous, but not afraid to give his opinion when asked

Amy Lathen, who has served two years on the commission and represents the eastern part of the county, was elected as vice chair. Lathen is much more outspoken than Hisey and often takes the time to comment on controversial topics, such as global warming.  ”I can’t believe how quickly time has passed,” she said.

Bensberg, who is term limited, seemed more than happy to pass the gavel. He  had planned to run for the county treasurer’s job, but pulled out of the race last week. Bensberg said he plans to run for a seat in the state Legislature in 2012.

The most interesting part of an El Paso County Board of Commissioners meeting is often not on the agenda.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and before the Consent Calendar is called up, chairman Jim Bensberg will ask his fellow commissioners — and any other elected official present — if they want to comment on anything.

Sometimes the commissioners will stick with small talk, chatting about this or that sporting event. More often, they’ll take to the mike and give little free-wheeling speeches.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Bensberg, who had just toured the county’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility, said the county building ought to have a receptacle on each floor for used batteries. “We pride ourselves in recycling all things recyclable.”

And commissioner Dennis Hisey, back after a two-week absence, observed that when minimum wages were up, there was a corresponding drop in unemployment among youths.

For a moment, it was almost as if body snatchers from the Other Party had invaded the room. Then reality returned and we settled back in our seats to admire slides of  a galactic-sized Powers Boulevard being planned by the transportation guys.