Guest column: District 1 county commissioner candidate Meara McQuain

Meara McQuain
District 1 county commissioner candidate
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Meara McQuain is a county commissioner candidate for District 1. Candidates were invited to submit a guest column by Sky-Hi News.
Jay Stewart/Jay Stewart Photography

In today’s political landscape we all must navigate across party lines in order to find existing common ground that will allow us to create positive change for our community. Our residents, mountain lifestyle and spectacular landscape are all worth protecting without regard to party lines.

As a nonprofit community leader, a parent of three children raised in Grand County and the wife of a local business entrepreneur, I have both the lived experience and passionate desire to do better for our community. My commitment is to improve both livability and sustainability for Grand County’s people and this special place.

Affordable housing is at a crisis level and demands urgent attention. The housing issue not only involves low-income persons; it’s also about providing stable homes for more Grand County families and workers. Addressing the housing crisis requires collaboration with all local stakeholders, including businesses, developers, government and nonprofits to incentivize the construction of affordable housing units for a range of lower- and middle-income renters.



Our housing shortage affects the existing mental health crisis in Grand County, which like many mountain communities, is also exacerbated by isolation, extreme living conditions, economic strain and limited access to professional resources. I will advocate for increased funding for mental health services, including crisis intervention programs and more robust counseling centers. By prioritizing mental health awareness and destigmatization, I will seek to foster a community where individuals feel supported and empowered to seek help.

As a hub for outdoor recreation and tourism, Grand County must balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of our natural resources. I will advocate for sustainable tourism management that prioritizes environmental conservation, responsible recreation and community engagement. Grand County’s environment is our most valuable asset, and it is our responsibility to preserve it for future generations. I will champion stewardship education, land and water conservation efforts, wildfire mitigation and sustainable development practices to ensure that Grand County retains its vibrancy for years to come.



I am a collaborator by nature. At its core, my platform is about building bridges between the people and places of Grand County. My vision transcends partisan divides, offering a blueprint for inclusive governance that prioritizes the well-being of all Grand County residents. As we stand at a crossroads, let us choose leaders who embody hope, compassion, and resilience, and who will champion our challenges.

Together, let’s build a better Grand County for us all!

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