Pitkin County appoints new interim county attorney
Westley Crouch/The Aspen Times
Richard “Ry” Neiley was appointed as Pitkin County’s interim county attorney during a Tuesday Board of County Commission work session.
Neiley, a native of the Roaring Fork Valley, has strong connections within the community.
“My goal with being in an interim position is to make this transition as smooth as possible,” he said. “Nobody can fill John (Ely’s) shoes. It was really tough losing him, but I am going to do my best during this period and I’m confident that I will be successful.”
Neiley succeeds John Ely, the previous county attorney, who passed away in June after battling cancer. Reflecting on Ely’s death, Neiley remarked, “Ely was not only a work colleague but also a friend,” emphasizing the profound impact Ely had on the county and its people.
The BOCC has yet to set a definitive timeline for filling the interim position, as they search for a permanent county attorney. Neiley is hopeful about being considered for the permanent role and expressed his willingness to share his vision for Pitkin County if offered the position.
