Eric Rudd: Where I Stand
Garfield County is Changing, and We Need to Plan for What's Next.
Garfield County has long been a place where people can build a life, raise a family, earn a living, and enjoy the beauty of Colorado. For many residents, keeping that life within reach is becoming more difficult.
Housing costs continue to rise, traditional sources of county revenue are changing, and the demand for county services is growing. As more workers and families move farther west while many jobs remain up valley, people are spending more time commuting and more of their paychecks simply getting to work.
These pressures affect family life, local employers, workforce stability, and the strength of Garfield County’s economy. Addressing them will require clear priorities, strategic planning, and stronger partnerships across the public and private sectors. County leadership should use every tool available while bringing municipalities, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and other partners together to tackle challenges that no single organization can solve alone.
My priorities are Environment, Economy, and Education.
Together, they provide a framework for protecting what matters, preparing for change, and creating more opportunity across Garfield County.
This Is About The People.
Garfield County is home to people with different backgrounds, experiences, and points of view. What connects us is the place we call home and the responsibility we share for its future.
I'm not running to represent one group or one point of view.
I'm running to represent the people of Garfield County.
To me, good leadership means listening before making decisions, understanding every perspective, and finding practical solutions that move our community forward together.
This isn't about politics; this is about our community.
The Role of County Commissioner Matters
County government may operate outside the spotlight, but its decisions shape everyday life across Garfield County.
From land use and housing to roads, emergency services, public safety, and responsible budgeting, County Commissioners make decisions that affect how our county grows, functions, and prepares for the future.
As Commissioner, my priorities will be clear:
Protect essential county services.
Make responsible financial decisions.
Plan ahead for growth and changing needs.
Support a Garfield County that remains affordable and resilient.
Building a More Resilient Local Economy
Garfield County has benefited from strong industries for generations. Those industries remain central to our economy, but changing revenue sources and rising costs require a broader plan for the years ahead.
As traditional revenue sources change, we need to support the industries that built this county while creating opportunities in emerging energy, small business, manufacturing, recreation, agriculture, and innovation.
A broader and more resilient economy can create good local jobs, strengthen the county’s financial position, and help protect essential services as Garfield County grows and changes. That work starts by supporting the employers already here and creating room for the next generation of local jobs and businesses.
Preparing for the future means adapting and leading generational change.
Protecting the Resources That Support Our Communities
Garfield County’s land, water, wildlife, working ranches, and public spaces are central to our economy and quality of life. Protecting them requires planning, cooperation, and an understanding of how environmental decisions affect residents, landowners, agriculture, recreation, and local businesses.
I will support responsible land use, the continued viability of working lands, careful management of water and natural resources, and collaboration on wildfire preparedness and public land stewardship.
Environmental responsibility and economic stability should reinforce one another.
Garfield County can protect its natural resources while supporting the people who live and work on the land.
Connecting Education to Garfield County’s Future
Garfield County’s future depends on whether the next generation has the skills, support, and opportunities to build a life here.
Education should connect students with the careers, industries, and community needs they will encounter after graduation.
County government does not run local schools, but it can help bring the right partners together. School districts, libraries, nonprofits, local employers, and training organizations across Garfield County are already doing important work to create stronger pathways for students and young people. I look forward to working alongside them, strengthening those partnerships, and helping expand career exposure, technical learning, internships, and workforce development.
There is already meaningful momentum behind this work. My goal is to build on it so more young people can understand the opportunities available close to home, prepare for a changing economy, and see a future for themselves in Garfield County.
My Commitment
Every decision I make will come back to one question:
Will this leave Garfield County stronger for the next generation?
To me, that means protecting what makes our county special while creating new opportunities for the people who live and work here today.
I believe we can have a strong economy, a healthy environment, and thriving communities.
I believe we can grow without losing what makes Garfield County home.
And I believe the best way forward is together.
