Picture by Jason Connolly / Jason Connolly Pictures
- Occupation: Peak Well being Alliance CEO
- Years in Summit County: 16
- Household: Aila, 9, and twins Anja and Graham, 5
- Civic involvement: Snake River Planning Fee chair, Summit Faculty District volunteer
I imagine the most effective elected leaders are those that work to earn the belief of the group they serve. And if I’ve heard something constant from locals this summer season, it’s that they need to see a greater connection between themselves and native authorities. This isn’t a criticism of Summit County because it at present stands; I imagine so many have risen to the problem this pandemic has introduced, and we’re all higher off for it.
Somewhat, it’s an indication of a possibility we’ve as we emerge from COVID-19. It’s a possibility for Summit County to construct belief — lasting belief — with its group: Households, our workforce, small companies, second-home house owners and friends.
A thriving group has a job to play past simply paying taxes and hoping for good outcomes. By being extra accountable and clear, by being accessible and open, we additional this deep sense of group, dedication and innovation we’ve seen all through Summit throughout this pandemic. Let’s proceed it, construct on it and make it a basis for engaging in our priorities.
COVID restoration
My first precedence as a commissioner will likely be to work with leaders in our group and throughout the state to leverage state and federal funds as we assess what our group must rebuild.
However quite than flipping the change again to February 2020, we ought to be strategic in our efforts. I’ll advocate for an financial advisory committee that consists of key stakeholders — from our workforce to enterprise house owners and nonprofits — as a conduit to deliver ahead their enter and concepts. Because the overdue replace of our Countywide Grasp Plan begins, the relationships on the state and federal ranges together with the contribution of this committee will play an necessary function in charting a considerate, strategic path ahead.
Social infrastructure
Offering higher entry to housing, well being care and youngster take care of our workforce is not only a social downside, it’s an financial downside. Each member of our group ought to be capable of thrive and contribute to our success — our financial system relies on it.
We should not be afraid to rethink housing efforts and adapt as wants evolve. An ideal instance is the sluggish uptake in our most up-to-date housing growth in Dillon Valley, which, whereas an amazing undertaking for the upper-income brackets of our locals, may need been higher suited as leases. It’s clear that we should create extra entry to rental housing, multifamily and single-family properties no matter our residents’ socioeconomic standing.
I intend to see that the deliberate youngster care heart in Silverthorne is constructed, and efforts to recruit and retain certified youngster care suppliers be prioritized.
Entry to inexpensive well being care — significantly psychological well being companies — is extra necessary than ever in our group.
This summer season, our BIPOC group requested to be seen and heard, and acknowledge racism does exist. As we implement state-mandated modifications to our police, they have to be invited to the desk and be included in conversations about erasing stigma and constructing inclusivity not simply in policing however in all places.
Workforce and financial system
COVID highlighted how our heavy reliance on the tourism trade disproportionately impacted our workforce and small companies. Efforts to mitigate this by diversification of our financial system and bettering our wage base requires a cautious technique, and I imagine a everlasting workplace of financial growth ought to be created to discover this and different long-term modifications.
Robust illustration within the regional group that prioritizes the Colorado Division of Transportation’s investments will likely be crucial to our corridors, however we should additionally enhance our personal. Along with pedestrian, street and security enhancements, we have to guarantee broadband and transit are prioritized in our up to date Countywide Grasp Plan.
Local weather and pure assets
The county’s Local weather Motion Plan is an bold effort to organize, mitigate and cut back our impacts to the local weather as a group. I’m grateful for individuals who put the exhausting work in to committing the county to guide on this subject. It will likely be a precedence of mine to assist additional implement the steps essential to satisfy its objectives.
Our pure assets are the rationale most of us select to name Summit County residence; we take huge delight in our environment. As we boast about our plentiful forests and trails and limitless alternative to discover and recreate, it’s also our duty to make sure these property — our rivers, wildlife, wilderness and open areas — are wholesome, protected and cared for therefore the youngsters we’re elevating right this moment can elevate their very own kids with the identical delight.
Tamara Pogue is the Democratic candidate for Summit County commissioner in District 2.
