Gina Lucrezi introduces herself as a candidate for the District 1 County Commissioner seat at the Chaffee County Democrats fundraiser. Photo by Carly Winchell.
The Chaffee County Democrats held a fundraising event at the Scout Hut in Salida on Saturday, February 17. The event officially introduced Gina Lucrezi and Dave Armstrong as the Democratic candidates for Chaffee County Commissioner in Districts 1 and 2 respectively.
The event featured a veritable who’s who of Chaffee County and Colorado Democrats. Attendees heard from Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives Julie McCluskie, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen, and former U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter. Former Member of the Colorado Senate Kerry Donovan emceed the fundraising portion of the event and County Commissioner Keith Baker emceed the speakers.
Other notable attendees were Chaffee County Clerk Lori Mitchell (who was praised multiple times as one of the best county clerks in the state) Chaffee County Commissioner P.T. Wood, Buena Vista (BV) Mayor Libby Fay, BV Trustee Sue Cobb, BV Trustee candidate Micha Rosenoer, and many other familiar faces from around the county. State Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib kicked off the event.
“The work of everybody in this room has made Chaffee County one of the beacons of democratic success across the state. . . Every couple of years you hear something about ‘this election is the most important election of our lives, right? I think this one might actually be,” said Murib, who went on to emphasize that the work is never done and all elections should be considered this important.
Baker followed up by addressing the elephant in the room, concerns about President Biden’s age and ability. “The media is pushing the narrative that he’s too old, that he’s lost his cognitive capacity and that kind of thing,” said Baker, who explained he recently got the chance to see Biden speak in person. “But a 40-year-old with all their wits about them would have been damn proud to have given the speech he gave . . . You can go forth with every bit of confidence you have to support Joe.”
Baker then introduced BV Mayor Pro Tem Gina Lucrezi, who is running for Baker’s seat in District 1. Baker said she is best known for “community building, public service, and as an advocate for equity in outdoor recreation.”
County Commissioner candidate Gina Lucrezi. Photo courtesy of Gina Lucrezi for Commissioner
“I’ll start off by saying I am not a champion orator at all, but I am a champion of the community,” began Lucrezi. Lucrezi is from Bangor, Pennsylvania, which is part of the slate belt. Her father was a teacher and principal and her mother was a neonatal intensive care (NICU) unit nurse.
Lucrezi is an experienced athlete and has worked in the trail running industry.
She is a 10-time All-American, earning honors in cross country three times and in track and field seven times at DeSales University. She has been a USA Track and Field National Champion in the trail 10k, ran for Team USA in at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge in Switzerland (team USA won), and has run in the Leadville Silver Rush 50 run twice and won both times. In short, she’s no stranger to hard work.
Lucrezi witnessed gender inequalities in pay, perspective, product, and media coverage in her beloved sport, so she decided she needed to do something and started the organization Trail Sisters. Trail Sisters provides a space to give women in the industry a voice and strives “to increase women’s participation and opportunity in trail running and hiking through inspiration, education, and empowerment.”
Lucrezi was recently elected Vice President of Chaffee County Search and Rescue North and has volunteered with them for five years and served as training director for three. On the BV Board of Trustees, Lucrezi has worked toward accomplishments such as the Carbonate Street development deal with Fading West to create affordable housing and childcare, the 50 acre-feet water deal with the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District (UAWCD), the ninety-nine-year $1 per year land lease with the Boys and Girls Club, and much more.
“I believe that my value of honesty will win your trust, my value of compassion shows relatability, my value of strength that will promise you dedicated leadership. I will be your community champion, and I will help to grow opportunity and bring success to Chaffee County,” concluded Lucrezi.
“We not only need more women, more equity, involved in trail running and the outdoors, we need to get more women and equity involved in elected office in Chaffee County,” endorsed Baker after Lucrezi’s speech.
County Commissioner Candidate David Armstrong at the Chaffee County Democrats Fundraiser. Photo by Carly Winchell.
Baker then introduced the next candidate, Dave Armstrong, who is running for the Chaffee District 2 seat currently held by term-limited Greg Felt. “Dave doesn’t have a career in politics, but he does have a career in getting things done,” said Baker who praised his fiscal skills and experience collaborating on major projects.
Armstrong grew up on his grandfather’s rural dairy farm. His uncle was mayor and his father was involved with the fire department.
He has been in the community for about fifteen years and has a history in the corporate world. Armstrong has a degree in engineering and an MBA in finance and has worked for a variety of small businesses and large companies. He started Altamont Landscaping in 2008, though he had originally planned to retire when moving to Salida. Instead, he jumped into the community to work on projects that impact lives.
“We need a government that is proactive and efficient,” declared Armstrong.
Armstrong was a driving factor that led Colorado Mountain College (CMC) to put Salida into their formal structure and was involved in the building of the new Salida High School. He is also on the CMC Board of Directors.
“I know how to build bridges, listen carefully, and broker compromise that leads to positive change,” said Armstrong. “As we look to that future, I want to hold onto our past.” Armstrong praised the heritage of the county from its mining history to ranches and farms. “I am one of you and I will respect and represent you because I get it. The County Commission should carry our heritage forward, guide our preparation for the future, and foster respect and security for the county’s citizens.”
Armstrong listed creating “top-notch” education, protecting natural resources, creating attainable housing, workforce development, and homegrown businesses as key issues impacting families in the county.
Armstrong asserts he will be successful as a commissioner due to his experience and willingness to get involved in addition to his integrity and business acumen.
“Vote for Dave in November. I expect it,” jested Armstrong in conclusion.
Keep an eye out for Part II of Ark Valley Voice’s coverage of the event, which will focus on the message delivered by McCluskie, Pettersen, and Perlmutter.
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