The Yampa Valley Bugle asked Routt County Commissioner Candidates to answer eight questions about a variety of issues. Here's what they said.
In an effort to inform voters ahead of this year's Routt County Commissioner election, The Yampa Valley Bugle asked candidates to respond to eight issue focused questions in writing. The questions were devised through conversations with local leaders and observations about issues facing the county.
The Bugle set a deadline to respond to these questions of Oct. 16. As of Oct. 18, among District three candidates only Commissioner Tim Redmond, a Democrat, has responded. When Republican Tracy Lawton responds, his answers will be added. Subscribe to the Morning Bugle Newsletter to get the latest update.
1. What is the single biggest issue facing Routt County in your view and how would you work to impact that issue as a Routt County Commissioner?
Redmond: The issue that concerns me is the influx of wealth into our County. I believe we all have seen the change in our community since covid and the pressure to the quality of life. Housing shortage and the great increase in property values have made it impossible for first time home buyers to enter the market. This means teachers, nurses and other young professionals are not able to buy in our County. These people provide services and become key figures in our communities. Routt County is much more than a resort community.
Frankly, that is why we have so many returning visitors. During my term as County Commissioner, I have worked to secure funding for housing projects. I was appointed by the Governor to a second term to the energy Impact Board and push to fund housing projects. I have and will continue to work with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, The Yampa Valley Housing Authority along with the Hayden Housing Authority. South Routt Housing is doing a needs assessment and I am ready to help them with their plans. I want to help maintain a family friendly and welcoming County.
2. How do you see the key challenges and opportunities in Routt County differing between more rural areas and in Steamboat Springs, and how do these differences influence the decisions you would make as a Routt County Commissioner?
Redmond: There is a division between Rural Routt County and the Resort community. The problem would lessen if we take time and think about how our actions impact others. The conflict areas are becoming apparent and there needs to be open honest and respectful dialog with the intent to recognize the concerns of each side and work to find a mitigated solution to the issues. This will be difficult if each side is unable to compromise and determined to prevail. Respect and understanding can go a long way to solving this issue. I see the role of the County
Commissioners to encourage people to engage in the discussion before issues come to the conflict stage. Speaking just for myself I would be willing to be part of the discussion and if needed moderate the conversation. If there is not work done to improve relations and establish trust and understanding, then expect the situation to get worse.
3. With the prospects of significant development in the Stagecoach area on the horizon, what is your vision for growth in that area and how will you work to realize that vision?
Redmond: The growth in the Stagecoach is coming and there must be careful planning and oversight of projects to ensure that infrastructure is upgraded and that health and safety are addressed. There will have to be worker housing if a resort development is built along with public benefits for the community. The Stagecoach area may also see more multi-family and single-family development as well. Routt County must look at the impact that all the proposed developments will have and look to mitigate the impacts to the entire area.
4. What do you think of the state of housing in Routt County? How active of a role should Routt County have in addressing housing issues?
Redmond: The housing situation in Routt County is a major threat to the future of the County. The people who make our county run need housing in the community. I am talking about Law Enforcement, teachers, Nurses, people who work building trades. I had a conversation with a Medical Doctor that was thinking of joining one of our medical groups and he said to me that he could not afford to live in Routt County. the fact is many people are spending more of their income than is recommended to live here. The American dream is to buy a starter home and grow equity in your first home. I believe in the dream and will work to ensure future generations can have the same dream. The kids who grew up in Routt County should be able to live in the community that they were raised in. I will work with those in housing (public or private) to help find funding and help remove roadblocks.
5. How do you view the increased demands of recreation on Routt County and how would you work to mitigate those impacts if elected? How would you determine when enough is enough?
Redmond: Recreation in Routt County has grown dramatically in recent years and is impacting the quality of life in many ways. This is a big attraction to residents of and visitors alike. Now we are finding that some recreational activities have unintended consequences and can place a burden on others. Recreation is bringing in money and at the same time in some cases is diminishing the quality of life by those who are impacted. The question is how much is too much and when do you stop or cap the activity in question. The answer is when it is creating problems that cannot be controlled or mitigated. Yes, there is a balancing point and after that it is no more of that activity.
6. Routt County is subject to Colorado’s Taxpayers Bill of Rights, known as TABOR. As the county faces increasing costs, how will you approach balancing the budget under the restrictions of TABOR? Would you advocate that Routt County ask voters to consider de-Brucing?
Redmond: Routt County has been able to maintain the level of service and grow under Tabor, but I am watching with concern. There are new pressures coming in the form of more population. New residents have expectations of service that match the level of service from large communities that they moved from. The cost of providing services at a higher level would come from a higher mill levy or the repeal of Tabor. The repeal of Tabor would leave the County open to the fluctuations of the economy. This is a conversation that should and needs to happen and examine the pros and cons. The next step would be with the community, because in the end it will be the voters decision.
7. Colorado lawmakers have considered changing how short-term rentals are assessed property taxes in recent years and it is “highly likely” the issue will come up again in 2025. How would you advocate that Colorado approach property taxes for properties that are short-term rentals or second homes?
Redmond: The answer that I would support would be to tax nightly rental properties at the commercial property rate. I feel that they are getting a break by paying residential property tax rates. These properties use more government services than people who live in their homes. I also feel that they are in competition with brick-and-mortar lodging businesses and have an advantage. This is a situation that has to be thoughtfully investigated and the solutions may have unintended consequences. The problem may take several adjustments to find a solution that is fair for everyone.
8. Routt County is exploring investments in capital projects with other partners like a solar farm and childcare center. How do you view these projects and would you support investments like these as a Routt County Commissioner?
Redmond: I support the projects mentioned and have worked to move them forward. County Commissioners should lead and find proactive solutions to the problems and threats that face our communities. The short answer is yes, I support partnering with organizations that have similar goals and share the burden of cost. This also eliminates duplication and allows focus on one project that serves the needs of multiple organizations.
Top Photo Caption: Routt County Commissioner candidates Democrat Tim Redmond, top, and Republican Tracy Lawton, participate in a Steamboat Pilot & Today candidate forum on Oct. 10. (Dylan Anderson/The Yampa Valley Bugle)