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U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen made a stop in Bailey March 16 where she met with members of the Platte Canyon Chamber of Commerce at Aspen Peak Cellars Winery.
Chamber members Robb Green, Steve Orrechio, Jim Shippen, Jim Myers, Mark Linne’, Marcel Flukiger and Marilyn Sturek enjoyed an informal discussion over coffee at Aspen Peak Cellars.
Representative Pettersen represents Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District, which includes Jefferson, Broomfield, Lake, Park, Teller, Chaffee, Fremont and Custer counties.
Pettersen told how she was born and raised in Jefferson County, living in Colorado her entire life. She served in the Colorado Legislature for ten years, where she focused on education and behavioral health.
As a Colorado Representative at the federal level, Pettersen is the Chair of the Financial Committee with a focus on housing and insurance costs, including wildfire insurance as a priority. As a member of the National Security Sub-Committee, she is working to stop China from sending chemicals to Mexico to make fentanyl.
Recently, she has been working on banking issues, bringing “faith and security” back to our banking system. “The President and team did what they needed to do to avert a crisis,” stated Pettersen.
“I wanted the opportunity to meet you and know the community on a deeper level,” said Pettersen. “I want to hear some of your challenges in your community.”
The chamber members discussed many issues, each followed by a short discussion.
Green began by stating, “Business owners are buying their own buildings and people are re-investing in Bailey.”
Myers added, “We do not have any abandoned places. But, that means we do not have places for new businesses.”
“A big challenge is finding people to work,” stated Green. “Real estate costs for first- time homeowners make buying in the area out of reach for many.”
Shippen said, “Health care, the closest emergency services are in Denver and the closest doctor is in Conifer.”
“We have safety issues with the Sheriff’s office,” said Linne’.
“Tourism is great,” said Meyers. “We survive the winter to get to the summer.”
“We have to keep in mind, why do people live here?” said Flukiger. “Some people don’t want the tourism.”
Linne’ reported that he received a survey from Pettersen’s office on Daylight Savings Time. “Outreach is important,” stated Linne’
The group continued with a discussion on postal service issues and Federal Express being unreliable in the mountains, both causing challenges to residents and business owners.
High-speed internet is also a challenge to business owners that was discussed.
Linne’ expressed that he would like to put in electric car charging stations at his business, and Pettersen told him she would be happy to connect him with the people who can help him with that.
Flukiger asked about inflation, expressing that it is gouging businesses.
“Workforce issues and immigration reform issues are the two biggest issues for businesses,” said Pettersen. “To address inflation, you also have to address workforce and supply chain issues. COVID highlighted supply chain issues. We are facing the consequences of failed policies.”
Pettersen emphasized, “Immigration reform is not fear mongering.
“People may not align politically, but we need to have conversations,” concluded Pettersen.
Pettersen left Bailey to continue on to Salida and Leadville.
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