Together we can protect the wealth, health and habitat of our community
Wealth
Mining and recreation have been the backbone of our economy for years, and those will continue to be important, but at the same time we need to diversify our economy. In the meantime, we can further support our local businesses by targeting the 60% of county visitors who leave without spending a dime (from 2024 data). Fundamental to our work on wealth must be support for affordability in housing, transportation, food, childcare and insurance, in addition to economic prosperity for all.
Health
The well-being of our community is grounded in public safety and public health entities, but is also supported by the protection of our natural resources. Protecting our county from wildfire supports our air quality and water supply for the present and for generations to come. Our health is complex, requiring a multi-faceted approach that engages entities both within and beyond the borders of Clear Creek County.
Habitat
The county in which we live contains both great beauty and exceptional organizations. We must plan for our future so that we protect our natural resources and the recreation opportunities that we love from degradation as a result of I-70 congestion and the 7 million Clear Creek County visitors each year (from 2024 data). We also need to protect the services that protect us, such as law enforcement, emergency services and our municipalities, from being overwhelmed by I-70 traffic.
My Family
My parents moved to Clear Creek County in 1968, teaching at Clear Creek Secondary School (CCSS), as it was then named, and raising my sister, Lori, my brother, Scott, and me. The three of us attended Clear Creek schools and graduated from CCSS. In 2003, Suzanna, my wife, and I bought the house I grew up in and raised our two children, Steven and Annaliese, in the woods outside of Idaho Springs. They are proud graduates of Clear Creek High School.
My Work
I worked for 32 years in education, serving as a math teacher, instructional coach and administrator in a number of school districts, large & small, rural & urban. After working in schools internationally, nationally and in Colorado, it was my honor to be the principal of Clear Creek Middle & High School 2020-2024, after which I retired from education. I remain active in the county through my work as the President of the Board of Directors for the Clear Creek Advocates. I was a member of the teams that passed two ballot initiatives in the county: 6A in 2024 to support the Clear Creek Library District and 1A in 2025 to support Clear Creek Emergency Services. On a more playful note, I was one of the founding members of, and continue to perform with, the Original Cow Boy Band, which has been in the county since 2005.
My Skills & Strengths
I am well-versed in leading through stressful times in my work in schools and other public organizations. I will bring that experience to bear as we seek to overcome huge challenges, and then use those challenges to catapult the county towards a successful future through redesigning and restructuring, commitment to priorities and a strong focus on collaboration. My knowledge of the obstacles facing our families coupled with years of leadership experience has given me the tools needed to help Clear Creek County to Fight Forward.
I need your help!
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Hello World!
Better Together
I have always known that the best outcomes for any community are generated when people work together. The same applies to this campaign. There are many ways that you can play a part in giving me the opportunity to put my skills to work for Clear Creek County and its future.
One way is to make a donation by clicking the red “Donate” button above or sending a check to Gould for Clear Creek at PO Box 564, Idaho Springs 80452. Please be sure to give me your occupation and employer for reporting purposes.
A second way to support this campaign is by volunteering. It could be as simple as posting my campaign logo on social media or putting a yard sign at your house. If you have the time, I would love to have help knocking on doors or distributing informational materials to your neighbors. You can let me know of your interest by calling/texting at (720)772-6715 or emailing me at GouldforClearCreek@gmail.com.
Finally, I want to hear from you about your concerns and thoughts about how Clear Creek County should evolve through all of the changes swirling around us. We must hold on to the elements that make Clear Creek unique. We also need to evolve in order to direct our own future rather than being steamrolled by the world around us. Please contact me at either GouldforClearCreek@gmail.com or (720)772-6715 and share what’s on your mind.
Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you around Clear Creek County.
Chris Gould