Pitkin County interviews nine candidates for District 2 seat; board sets Feb. 26 first reading and March 3 public hearing

Pitkin County’s Board of County Commissioners heard from nine applicants for the District 2 vacancy on Tuesday, Feb. 17, in a work session that stretched across the afternoon. Commissioners Jeffrey Woodruff, Francis Jacober and Patty Clapper said the board will accept public comment and move through a two-step appointment process: a first reading of a resolution on Feb. 26 and a second reading with a public hearing March 3, with an oath of office planned at noon on March 3 if an appointment is made.

The candidates — including Megan Ruby, Max Ben Hamill, Ted Mann, Scott Woolley, Andorra Ronay, Tom Egan, Katie Grish, Emily Colby and Charlie Tarver — presented priorities and answered commissioners’ questions on housing, transportation, the airport project, wildfire preparedness and open‑space conservation. The interviews followed rules in the county’s Home Rule Charter reminding applicants that vacancies are filled by majority vote and that any appointee must stand for election at the next regular primary and general election.

Housing affordability and workforce retention were recurring themes. Max Ben Hamill said housing and workforce issues “go hand in hand,” and urged data-driven policymaking to balance long‑term and immediate needs. Scott Woolley, who serves on APCHA, cited a recent needs study and argued for a mix of conserving existing housing, pursuing public–private partnerships and regional collaboration to deliver units for people who live and work in the valley.

Airport planning and related budget questions also drew sustained attention. Candidates were asked about parking fees, passenger access and options such as jet bridges versus walk‑on tarmac service. Megan Ruby said she supported stronger transit options to reduce parking demand, noting the idea of a dedicated airport shuttle. Several candidates described the airport project as a near‑term priority that requires careful execution given limits on federal and state funding.

Wildfire resilience and natural‑resource protection emerged both in candidate answers and later follow‑up questioning. Andorra Ronay — who has a background in national‑park service work — noted a focus on fuel reduction, controlled burns and mitigating risk on rural back roads. Commissioners also sought candidates’ views on conservation, agricultural land and the Crystal River Valley, prompting a separate discussion among applicants and commissioners about buyback tools, community land trusts and preserving water rights.

On process, interim County Manager Kyra Silberonkel told the board that the Feb. 26 meeting will include a first reading of a resolution to appoint the vacancy and that the board will accept public comment that day; a second reading and public hearing are scheduled for March 3. The board indicated it will take testimony from members of the public about candidates at those sessions before making a final appointment.

The interviews were public and the board said it intends to place candidates who are not appointed into other roles where possible. Commissioners closed the session by flagging future agenda items including an airport update, a youth “photo‑voice” presentation on substance misuse, and a possible wildfire‑season briefing.