TOM MCCRACKEN FOR CHAFFEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER
District 2, announced at the Poncha Springs Town Hall Meeting on January 16, 2024.
McCracken, a math teacher at Buena Vista High School for 5 years, retired from school
administration and now wants to preserve and enhance what we all love about this valley. He is a
collaborator, motivator, and experienced in developing positive and effective consensus on various
issues inside diverse teams. Although he is not a politician, he shares many of the same frustrations
of the many others in the valley. He would advocate for a practical and collaborative approach to the
Commissioner’s role. The economy, education and the environment are his top priorities.
McCracken believes we need a new approach to address some of those worries. He sees our
economy spanning from housing to employment to taxes and social programs. The environment
draws visitors, tourists and even long term residents to cherish the natural resources of this valley.
McCracken believes our waterways, views and backcountry wilderness continue to support tourism
and the economic windfall of their visits provide vital economic revenues. McCracken brings a full
career in public education and values the contributions our systems have made to this valley. He also
knows the alternative setting reaches students that might typically struggle in a typical classroom.
Tom first came to Chaffee County in the 70s. He helped build the Kachina at Frontier Ranch, lead
school children on climbs up fourteeners, and rafting trips down the Arkansas. His leadership in
decision-making, preparation, and group dynamics resulted in safe and memorable adventures.
As a County Commissioner, Tom will seek input from everyone in the valley in order to “get the job done”
correctly. He believes our environment must be protected for ourselves and our future generations.
This includes water, wildlife and our access and stewardship of the outdoors. He knows the County
Commissioner is the last line of defense for our underrepresented natural resources.
As a real estate broker, McCracken learned that success depended on cooperation, negotiation,
persistence and teamwork. He tunes in to the needs of others and enjoys trying to satisfy those
desires. His awareness and grasp of financial issues gained from the business world equip him to
address our economic issues including affordable housing, tax implications, career options and
entry level opportunities for all.
McCracken has led adventure trips for school children and adults all over the country, including tours
of Washington DC & NYC, service at Young Life camps, and restorations at indigenous aboriginal
reservation and Mexico. He believes real education happens in and out of the classroom. He has
carefully guided handicapped children on float trips; encouraged youngsters as well as adults to
summit fourteeners, rappelling, plus biking and motorcycle touring. He is also involved in gardening
clubs, church activities, and backpacking trips. In teaching hundreds of students, he realizes that
deep and life-long lessons can occur in any setting, inside or outdoors. A County Commissioner
should maximize the practical use of county resources to ensure life-long learning is available for
everyone interested.
Tom says, “Teamwork is the best way to get things done, and I want to advocate for the people.”
