My decision to run centers on a simple but urgent question: Will San Miguel County remain a place where people can build the lives they dream of, afford to live them, and have a voice in the decisions that shape our community?

Today, my five adult children, all graduates of Telluride High School, would find it difficult to come and build their lives here; to start careers, buy homes, raise families, and build the kind of lives they seek.

My family's story is our community's story-too many who grew up here cannot come home to build the lives they want, too many who want to call this place home cannot afford to do so, and too many who have lived here are being forced out.