Editor’s note: The primary election is June 25. The Eagle will post results to The Crestone Eagle website as soon as they are available. This is the last set of endorsements received by press time presented in alternating endorsements.Â
To the Editor,
I am writing to encourage my fellow community members to cast their Democratic Primary ballot by June 25th for the re-election of our exceptional Commissioner Tom McCracken. Tom has served tirelessly and creatively for our local community, for our county and for our entire valley during his first term in office. Most often, county commissioners are passive, supporting the status quo, glad handing constituents and pulling their nice paycheck. Tom is different. Tom cares deeply about the environment, economic opportunities in our community and our water, among many other things. Tom has made a difference during his tenure and has a plan moving forward. He now serves as the Chair of the San Luis Valley Council of Governments. He facilitated a six-county intergovernmental agreement to protect valley water from export. He is a strong advocate for multiple affordable environmentally positive housing projects throughout the county. He has the experience to tackle upcoming challenges faced by the county, including the need to regulate short term rentals, clean up the White Eagle Village and continue initiatives related to the environment and our water, including expansion of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness.
Our county is complex and it takes time to learn the job of Commissioner. We are fortunate to have a great group of active, engaged commissioners. Tom McCracken deserves credit for instilling an attitude of possibility and vision in county leadership. Let him keep up the good work.
I would like to make one thing very clear: The Thursday market at the kiosk, and other commercial activity there ended because the land was privately owned. Tom negotiated the transfer of land ownership to the county, but it came with deed restrictions because of noise and commercial activity at this location. It is incorrect to blame Tom for the closing of the kiosk. Tom is working with the Eastern San Luis Valley Trails Coalition to reimagine and redevelop the kiosk as a nexus for trails and other uses. Tom is moving us forward.
Experience matters. Hard work matters. Leadership matters. Cast your ballot for Tom McCracken.
Vivia Lawson