Peter Runyon's Positions

Peter Runyon
Candidate for Commissioner
District 1
Eagle County Colorado, U.S.A

A Record of Accomplishments

Leadership in quality of life concerns

In the past three and a half years, I have helped guide efforts to find a better balance between environmental protection, preservation of our community quality of life, and growth, including:

A complete re-write of the county land use codes
Larger setbacks to protect our steams
New ridge-line standards preserving natural views
Density incentives to Reduced sprawl
Eco-build requirements to promote environmental responsibility
Preservation of open space, including: the Eaton Ranch (Eagle River Preserve) in Edwards, the McNulty Ranch in El Jebel, the Grange Ranch in Basalt and the Gates Ranch in Burns

Leadership in affordable housing

I called for and helped coordinate the Blue Ribbon Housing Panel, made up of representatives from all our towns as well as private sector leaders. This has led to unprecedented countrywide cooperation on solutions to our shared housing problem.

This year I also supported important decisions leading to the development of over 300 deed-restricted affordable homes (equal to the size of Miller Ranch). These new homes will be located in Gypsum, Eagle and Edwards, and include 14 units for seniors .

Leadership in addressing Eagle County's transportation needs

I helped launch a transportation collaborative made up of traffic engineers, transit planners, and community planners to help solve our traffic issues throughout the County.

As vice-chair of the I-70 coalition, I have strengthened Eagle County's regional representation by forming strong, working relationships with State highway officials, putting Eagle County at the "head of the line" for critical traffic needs. Including:

$11 Million for improvements to the Edwards I-70 interchange
$500,000 for design work to improve Eagle's I-70 interchange
Lobbying in Denver and Washington DC for airport interchange funding.

Leadership in the protection of our natural environment through wise energy policies, including:

Switched county to 100% wind power
Replaced 21 county cars with clean, fuel efficient hybrid vehicles
Working at the airport to install the largest solar operating system on the western slope
Reducing the county's "energy footprint" by constant adjustments and modifications to county facilities
Increased recycling effectiveness with a new sorting facility at the landfill.

Peter at the Preserve.
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Leadership in keeping Eagle County water in Eagle County, including participation in:

The historic, water settlement stoping the Denver Water Board from draining Eagle County's water for front range use

Protection of the Eagle River water quality by assisting Redcliff with their new sewer treatment facility

Successful passage of legislation allowing for recreational in-stream water rights - a first in the State of Colorado.

Leadership in the protection of our forests

I've worked closely with Colorado's congressional delegation for a unique, bi-partisan bill to fund $120 million toward the conversion of beetle-kill pines to biomass fuel and toward toward fire mitigation. I've also helped redirect $18 million of federal funding to our region for forest health.

Leadership in creating a new climate of collaboration, including:

In addition to creating the Blue Ribbon Housing Panel, I've brought our commissioners, mayors and managers together for unprecedented meetings
I've helped to foster a collaborative effort for all the governmental community development departments, which will lead to greater consistency for the development community
Internally, at the county, I have promoted the development of a new culture that empowers employees. The result is improved morale, inspired new ideas, elevated customer service and improved overall productivity.

Read Peter's State of Eagle County address, delivered year-end 2006 after Peter had finished his term as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. Democratic Donkey Proud to be a Democrat!
Proud to work across party lines!