I am running for Pitkin County Commissioner, District 2
Since March, I have had the honor of serving as County Commissioner after being appointed to fill the seat vacated by Kelly McNicholas Kury. In that role, I’ve worked to represent our local community while learning firsthand how the decisions made at the county level shape the future of Pitkin County.
Serving as Commissioner has been an incredible experience and a meaningful opportunity to be part of the conversations and decisions that affect the people who live and work here.
The term I was appointed to fill ends this year, and I’m running this November to continue serving District 2 for a full four-year term. I remain committed to representing the residents of Pitkin County, protecting our quality of life, and helping guide thoughtful decisions for the future of our community.
My Work as a Commissioner so far
Wildfire Mitigation and Drought Preparedness
We’ve been confronting the low-snow season and related drought concerns through Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions, updated wildfire mitigation codes, and the county's proactive approach to emergency preparedness and broader community resilience planning in the event of an active local wildfire season.
Airport Terminal and Runway Modernization
The county has continued work on long-term airport redevelopment, including terminal design concepts, FAA coordination, runway alignment questions, environmental impacts, noise and emissions, and community input processes. Airport governance and modernization remain among the county’s most visible and controversial policy issues.
Vision 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Pitkin County has been advancing the “Vision 2050” comprehensive plan update, addressing long-range land use, growth management, housing, transportation, environmental preservation, economic health, and regional coordination. Public outreach and community engagement have been central to the process.
Healthy Rivers and Water Management
We’re making historic water-rights acquisitions to keep trans-mountain diversion water on the Western Slope, supporting the large effort to secure the Shoshone water rights, keeping Colorado River water in the Colorado River, and continuing work towards the Crystal River’s Wild and Scenic designation.
Open Space and Public Lands
We’ve worked with the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails to refine and approve a new master plan for the North Star Nature Preserve, we’ve matched funding for a feasibility study for wildlife crossings with Roaring Fork Safe Passages, and we’re working with the OST and USFS about future management of the Maroon Bells scenic area.
Support for Local Housing
I am currently the voting representative of the BOCC on the APCHA board. With the new affordable housing mill levy passed in 2024, Pitkin County is better equipped to address local workforce housing. We’ve supported efforts to preserve mobile home parks and are working on plans to upgrade the Phillips mobile home park.
But there’s More Work to do
Support my campaign
(Maximum donation - $500)
Supporters
Ruthie Brown
Ann Mullins
Beth and Pierre Wille
Chris and Diana Lane
Amy and Neal Beidleman
Jim Kravitz
John Doyle
May, Troy, and Remy Selby
Andy Docken and Lissa Ballinger
Lee Bryant
Chris and Jessie Davenport
Mick Ireland
MarySue Bonetti
Joe Ruzbarsky
Diana and Jared Ettlinger
Julie Hardman
Christine Benedetti
Adam Moszynski and Darcy Conover
Dean Hill
Bill Stirling
Christine and Gerry Goldstein
Fletcher Yaw
Chris Warner
Bruce Gordon and Jane Pargiter
Christina King
Kim Edwards and Jesse Bouchard
Heather Hicks
Dave Ellsweig
Gary Gleason
Auden Schendler
Scott Martin
Art Burrows
Chris and Diana Lane
Jackie and John Bucksbaum
Charlie Eckart
Tom Egan and Doreen Clavelli
Joe Giampaolo
Evan Marks
Chris Goss
About Me
I came to Pitkin County more than 30 years ago, fresh out of college, like many who are drawn here. I didn’t yet know exactly what path I would take, but I immediately fell in love with the natural beauty, the mountain lifestyle, and, most importantly, the strong and inspiring community.
In 2000, I met my wife, Christy, who shared those same values. Together, we chose to build our life here—and we’ve never wavered.
My career has been rooted in the local resort economy. I’ve worked in hospitality, restaurants, and property management, guided in the backcountry, written as an outdoor columnist for the Aspen Times, and spent 29 seasons as a ski instructor. I understand the challenges facing local workers because I am one.
I’ve also stayed closely connected to our outdoor recreation and conservation communities—as a lifelong mountain athlete and through my service on the City of Aspen Open Space and Trails Board and the Aspen Snowmass Environment Foundation. These experiences have deepened my commitment to protecting our landscape while ensuring it remains accessible for future generations.
After decades of witnessing change across Pitkin County—from our built environment to our public lands—I felt a responsibility to step forward and help shape its future. When the opportunity arose to serve on the Board of County Commissioners, I took it.
Today, our county faces real challenges: managing major projects like the airport, potential reductions in federal support for public health and land management, and the growing impacts of climate change—warmer winters, less reliable snowfall, and increasing wildfire risk. But above all, we need to do everything we can to preserve and support the Pitkin County residents who live and work here in a time of increasing housing and affordability challenges.
I believe my experience—as a worker, conservation advocate, and longtime community member—prepares me to meet these challenges.
Our task is simple to say, even if it’s not always easy: preserve what we love about this valley while planning responsibly for the future.
I respectfully ask for your support and the opportunity to represent District 2 as your Pitkin County Commissioner.
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