The five candidates were also questioned about conflicts of interest any of them would have serving as DMEA directors. None of the candidates said they had a conflict.
A second candidate forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, from 7 to 8 p.m. at DMEA's Montrose headquarters.
Directors in three of DMEA's service districts are up for election to three-year terms. DMEA members will receive ballots in the mail.
Patterson is a successful businessman and former Montrose County commissioner. Turner is a former Montrose police officer and is currently administrative services director for the City of Montrose.
In District 2, incumbent Brent Hines faces challengers Kay Heinschel and Tammy D. Theis. Hines is a local ag producer who farms in the Pea Green area. Heinschel is a power engineer with 40 years experience who worked for the former Colorado-Ute. Theis, a graduate of Cedaredge high school, is a recently retired staking engineer with over 35 years of service at DMEA.
In District 5, incumbent Marshal Collins is running for re-election unopposed.
Other questions asked during the candidate forum in Orchard City by the two dozen who attended dealt generally with saving energy, recycling "waste energy," DMEA's perceived role in the county, the board's role within DMEA, and other matters.