John was born and raised in Wichita, KS. His father, Jack Ranson was the GOP State Chairman for eight years in the 1980s and then the Republican National Committeeman for another 8 years. Pat Ranson, John’s Stepmom was a State Republican Senator in a Democratic district. John learned early on the importance of working together, whether Republican, Democrat or Independent.
Early in John’s career, he spent 19 years Public Finance. His company managed bond funds that invested in counties, towns, school districts, road improvement bonds and hospitals. He spent 8 of those years as Fund Manager analyzing the audits and financial conditions for public entities. He has a wealth of knowledge in how Archuleta County finances can be managed more effectively.
John and his family moved to Pagosa Springs in 1996. Both of his kids, Alysha and Ryan graduated from Pagosa Springs High School. Alysha is a successful real estate agent in Pagosa Springs, with two kids, Gage Lister age 14 and Paisley Lister 12. John married his wife Angie in 2015. Now, together they have 5 kids; Alysha Ranson, Ryan Ranson, Nate and Kelly Ward, Casey Crow and Kevin Crow.. All 4 grandkids live in Archuleta County; Gage Lister, Paisley Lister, Phin Ward and Simeon Ward.
Archuleta County discovered a major financial problem in 2007. John was recruited to serve on a Financial Task Force to assist and make major recommendations to get the County back on track. He was then elected County Commissioner. As Commissioner, he was instrumental in the financial recovery of the County. Despite digging out of a deep financial hole, John and the other two Commissioners were able to complete 4 major road improvements, including a full re-build of Park Avenue.
John also served as a Chief Financial Officer for an organic ingredients company for 11 years. He moved to Rockford, Illinois in 2012. As a stockholder, this move was necessitated to help position the company to buyout his good friend who passed away with cancer. John and Angie moved back to Pagosa Springs in 2018.
In early 2023, John was selected by the Archuleta County Commissioners to serve on the Committee to organize a new health district. Again, John was the Committee member responsible for financial decisions and budgeting for the new Archuleta County Health District.
John and Angie made the decision to run for County Commissioner in District 2. The driving force for this decision was made to assist the County to get back on track so that our finances match the voters decide priorities. A major focus for John will be to budget so that more funds are available to not only maintain the roads but to improve roads.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust you have placed in me during the primary election. Your support has been invaluable, and I am excited to continue this journey with you as we head towards the November election.
Together, we can make a positive impact on Archuleta County, ensuring that our community thrives and that every voice is heard. I encourage you to stay engaged, share your thoughts, and follow our progress as we work towards a brighter future.
Thank you once again for your confidence and support. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Sincerely,
John Ranson
Candidate for Archuleta County Commissioner