Priorities: Transportation

Living in Grand County means spending a lot of time driving. Road safety is a non-negotiable priority. Having worked at a local mechanic's shop, I have seen the impact of our roads - and our drivers - on our vehicles. Keeping our cars and trucks running well takes a lot of time, energy, and money. We can do better.

Road safety starts at home with careful driving and situational awareness. County leadership needs to step up and ensure our infrastructure supports us.

My key priorities for safer Grand County roads include:

Smarter Maintenance: Fix potholes promptly, stay on top of grading dirt roads, and pave the corridors that cost too much to maintain. Our county Road & Bridge department works hard to care for our roads, but more can be done. Additionally, collaborating with local fire departments to clear roadside brush improves driver visibility while also increasing wildfire safety.

A Stronger Voice with CDOT: State highways run right through our communities, but CDOT's limited budget means we have to advocate aggressively for our fair share. That means pushing for everything from patching potholes to widening shoulders to installing guardrails. I will also advocate for local representation on the CDOT commission, to bring more attention and resources to Grand County and our region.

Expanded Transit Options: Investing in local public transportation removes cars from the road, cuts down on fatal accidents, and provides crucial mobility for seniors and residents without reliable vehicles. Some towns have public transit, and more can be done at every level of government in the county.

Road safety is a shared responsibility: we must commit to driving safely, and the county must commit to keeping our roads safe. I am committing to being a commissioner who will work to connect our communities with safe and secure roads.

What do you care about when it comes to our roads? What would you like to see happen to make driving safer in the county?