Why Eric Rudd Is the Best Choice for Garfield County Commissioner
Garfield County Deserves Experienced Leadership
Eric is running for County Commissioner because Garfield County is home and because his experience has prepared him for the work.
Through county planning, construction, development, agriculture, business, and community service, Eric has seen how local decisions affect people across different walks of life. He understands that Garfield County’s environment, economy, and educational opportunities are closely connected, and that progress in one area can strengthen the others.
A Lifetime in Garfield County
Eric was born and raised in Carbondale. He attended local schools, graduated from Roaring Fork High School, built his career here, and continues to call this valley home.
His understanding of the county comes from living and working here, building relationships across its communities, and seeing how decisions made today affect the people who hope to remain here in the years ahead.
Since 2013, Eric has served on the Garfield County Planning and Zoning Commission, helping review land use applications, update the Comprehensive Plan, and advise the Board of County Commissioners on decisions that shape the county's future.
That work has required careful consideration of community input, private property rights, housing, economic development, environmental impacts, and long-term growth. It has also given Eric a clear understanding of how county government works and what the role of County Commissioner requires.
More Than a Decade of County Experience
Three Priorities with One Shared Purpose
A healthy environment protects the land, water, and quality of life that make Garfield County worth calling home. A resilient economy supports local jobs, businesses, and essential county services. Strong educational and workforce opportunities help residents build stable lives and give employers the skilled workers they need.
Eric’s priorities of Environment, Economy, and Education reflect his belief that Garfield County’s challenges cannot be addressed in isolation.
His goal is to bring people together with decisions that strengthen the county as a whole and steward generational change.
Economy
Experience with the People and Businesses That Keep Garfield County Working
Eric has spent his career in construction, development, and business.
From working as a laborer and equipment operator to managing projects and helping run a family development company, he understands the challenges local businesses, property owners, and working families face every day.
He has seen how permitting, infrastructure, housing costs, workforce availability, and county policies can affect a project, an employer, and the people whose livelihoods depend on them.
Eric believes Garfield County can support the industries that built this county while making room for new businesses, skilled trades, manufacturing, emerging energy, agriculture, recreation, and other opportunities that create dependable local jobs.
Environment
Stewardship Shaped by Experience on the Land
Eric's connection to agriculture began on a working ranch and continues today as he raises cattle and works alongside local ranchers.
That experience gives him a firsthand understanding of the importance of agriculture, land stewardship, and protecting Garfield County's rural heritage.
Eric has also spent years helping care for public lands through the Mt. Sopris Rec Riders. Since 2010, he has helped maintain more than 120 miles of winter trails and has worked with state and federal agencies on permitting, operations, public access, and responsible land management.
Together, these experiences have shaped a practical approach to environmental stewardship that considers working lands, water, wildlife, public access, private property rights, and the long-term health of Garfield County’s natural resources.
Education
Preparing the Next Generation for What Comes Next
Eric attended local schools, and his commitment to expanding opportunity began early through the Computers for Kids Foundation, where he refurbished donated computers for children who otherwise might not have had access to one.
He believes students need strong teachers, hands-on learning, career exposure, and the resources to prepare for life after graduation. Technology can support that work, but it cannot replace the people and experiences that help young people discover what they can do.
School districts lead classroom education, but county government can be a reliable partner. Eric will work with schools, libraries, nonprofits, employers, and training organizations to support grants, technical education, career pathways, and workforce development.
His goal is to help the next generation prepare to work, lead, and build a life in Garfield County.
An Experienced and Practical Approach to Leadership
Eric approaches decisions by listening to the people affected, asking questions, reviewing the facts, and considering the long-term consequences. He understands that county decisions often involve competing needs and that responsible leadership requires explaining how and why those decisions are made.
Throughout his career and community service, Eric has worked with landowners, business owners, residents, volunteers, and government agencies. He will bring that same willingness to listen, prepare, and work through difficult issues to the Board of County Commissioners.
Eric Rudd is Focused on Garfield County's Future
VOTE FOR ERIC RUDD ON NOVEMBER 3rd