George Newman announced on Monday his intent to run for re-election as Pitkin County commissioner from district 5.
“The theme I ran on successfully four years ago, ‘preserve, conserve, collaborate,’ is as relevant today as it was then, and I plan to stay the course,” he said in a press release.
Newman said he believes public land, water, environmental and resort/community issues are all critical for the county’s long-term health and sustainability.
“I have been successful in building consensus amongst my fellow board members in addressing county issues,” the release says. “We have worked hard in these core areas, and our continued success is tied to working collaboratively with citizens and other elected officials.”
Newman touted his strong leadership during his first term in office.
“Acting as chair during my second year, I presided over several difficult and controversial issues,” the release says. “These included the Hidden Gems Wilderness proposal, the airport runway extension plan, the Droste open space purchase and the hiring of our new county manager.”
Newman serves on several community boards, including the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, the Community Of Resource Efficiency and the Nordic Council. He also acts as the county board’s liaison with the BLM, West Elk Loop Scenic Byway Committee and the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Intermountain Transportation Regional Planning Committee.
Newman is married to Liz Newman, a certified and designated real estate appraiser with an office in Basalt. They have one daughter, Cassie, living in New York but born and raised here, educated through the Basalt school system. Newman holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a masters in public administration. His past community involvement includes membership director for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, founding member and director of Leadership Aspen (Roaring Fork Leadership) and founding member/chair of the Emma Caucus.
