It's March 9th. The San Miguel County Democrats fill the program room at the Wilkinson Library, spilling from time to time into the hallway. Seeing the masses, many marvel at the crowd assembled on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

“I do want to thank everybody for being here on such a beautiful Saturday. So many of my friends are here in their ski gear, so thanks for getting off the mountain to come support,” opens Geneva Shaunette, Telluride Town Council member and a declared candidate for County Commissioner. The Democrats, many — yes — in ski boots, gathered for their 2024 caucus. This first step in the election process will set the ballot for the party's primary on June 25th.  But before it comes to decision-making, local candidates are invited to speak.

Galena Gleason is running to fill Kris Holstrom’s seat as County Commissioner for District Three, which is Norwood and the West End. Taking in the crowd and staring down the narrow aisle, or perhaps chute, at the room's center, Gleason continues the ski metaphor: “This is scary and exhilarating,” she says. I don't know if anybody's ever skied the San Joaquin, but this is wat it feels like.” 

Gleason speaks of County values: “The people of San Miguel County have a connection to the land, and have been inspired by the astounding beauty of our area. In my district, I would like to see agriculture play a stronger role in our economy. This will create a strong economic backbone and allow people to thrive while giving back to the land.”  

Gleason does not face a Democratic challenger. Her race will come in the November general, against Norwood Mayor Candy Meehan, who is running for the District 3 seat as an Independent. 

In the County's First District — that's Telluride and Deep Creek Mesa — there is a primary contest, as Shaunette challenges the incumbent Commissioner Anne Brown.

Shaunette touts her record on Town Council. “Collaborative decision making is more than a buzzword,” says Shaunette. “It's a principle that guides how I govern. I'm focused on prioritizing community needs, from finding homes and childcare options to addressing the general cost of living in the region. I want everyone: from immigrants to retirees, newcomers and generational families to know their needs matter.”

In her remarks, Commissioner Brown speaks of her experience as the incumbent. Brown has served as Commissioner since May of last year when she was appointed following the resignation of Hillary Cooper. 

“Don't worry about the time I've invested in this,” Brown says. “That's not your concern. What is your concern is the hours spent by paid staff and elected officials who invested in my education and training. I think it would be a waste to squander this community investment, when frankly, I think I'm doing a solid job.”

Conversation rarely touched on issues of concrete policy. However, Brown, who lives on Deep Creek Mesa, did wish to clear the air about the hot-button housing development which has taken the community by storm.

“I am not against Diamond Ridge. I repeat, I am not against Diamond Ridge. As a private citizen at the time [of its rezoning],” she says, “I urged the BOCC to wait for more information. What I say is yes to an open public process to decide the future of Diamond Ridge.”

Attendees spoke for nearly an hour in favor of both candidates. Many prefaced their remarks by saying how long they had lived in Telluride. Olivia Lavercombe noted a divide in the room between an older and more established side, and a younger group navigating the pressures of the Telluride economy. 

She urges the future commissioner: “listen to both sides and be a voice for people who don't have stable housing. I respect the people that have been here a long time, and I ask that the people over here,” Lavercombe says, gesturing to the younger crowd “are supported as well, because we need housing. We need support beyond just kind of the conversation.” 

Party Chair Eleni Constantine notes the turnout evidences a high level of engagement and concern amongst voters here, even with only one contested race, that between Shaunette and Brown.

“This is a very, very well attended caucus. I think the only other caucus I've attended that was similar was the caucus when Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton were vying for the Presidential nomination,” she says.

Following remarks, attendees vote on delegates to represent them. In order to appear on the ballot, a candidate must receive support from at least 30 percent of the total delegates. Both Brown and Shaunette clear that threshold. According to the San Miguel County Democratic Party, Brown received 16 votes. Shaunette received 13.