Grand County Commission candidates debate housing, tourism spending and jobs

Candidates for the Grand County Commission offered different approaches to housing, tourism spending and economic diversification at a Moab Chamber of Commerce debate Oct. 15, the Times-Independent reported. The event at Star Hall drew about 70 people, and the candidates broadly agreed the county should focus on infrastructure, local businesses and residents' ability to afford living there. ^[1]

In the District 4 race, Shalee Holland, a financial adviser and former chamber president, emphasized supporting local businesses, financial transparency and public involvement. Diego Velasquez prioritized infrastructure, housing and rebuilding trust with county staff, advisory boards and the city, and said he supports partnering with the Moab Area Community Land Trust. Both criticized the Moab-Arches shuttle pilot, which has a first-season budget of $3 million. Holland said the project's execution was flawed, while Velasquez said subsidizing transportation into the national park curtails private-sector growth. ^[1]

In the District 5 race, Commissioner Mike McCurdy cited housing construction, infrastructure projects and relationships with neighboring counties and state and federal officials as reasons to continue his work. "We've delivered on that housing promise," he said. Everett Hildenbrandt, an engineer who runs a software company, called for long-term planning, staff retention and spending on roads, drainage, water and existing facilities. He said the focus should be on homeownership and middle-income earners. Both supported using tourism revenue to fund essential services. ^[1]

The Times-Independent said the debate also featured an at-large commission race and sheriff, clerk-auditor and legislative races. District 4 and 5 residents vote in their respective races, while voters countywide choose the at-large commissioner. ^[1]