Experience

Multiple Business start-ups
In his 37 years in Chaffee County P.T. has successfully started and run multiple businesses from construction to manufacturing.

Tenure on the Salida Planning Commission
Spent 10 years, with six of those years serving as chair.

Served Two Terms as Salida Mayor

As Commissioner – Significant Contributions

Land Use Code Modernization
Updated the Land Use Code, a task that had been attempted for over 20 years, a task we were finally able to complete.
The revised code has been recognized for incorporating wildlife corridors, respecting the county’s natural resources and creating a clear road map for land use.

Groundwater Protection
Currently conducting a groundwater study to identify areas of replenishing groundwater and historic depletion.
This research is crucial for making informed land use decisions and preventing over-extraction of resources.

County Efficiency Improvements
Since 2022 we have made significant strides in making the county’s organizational structure more efficient and streamlined.
This effort has fostered collaboration, cohesion and teamwork among departments.

Financial Stewardship
The initiatives we’ve implemented have positioned the county firmly to tackle challenges arising from state and federal funding cuts. We have been able to maintain a strong budget, with heathy fund balances while not growing the budget and maintaining services.

Emergency Management Building in BV
This facility ensures faster EMS and Sheriff responses for the residents of northern Chaffee County

Housing Initiatives

Investment in Affordable Housing
We have allocated over $5 million to housing over the last three years, including support for the Chaffee Housing Trust to acquire two mobile home parks that will remain permanently affordable.

Establishing the Housing Authority
As Mayor, I helped initiated the structure for the Chaffee Housing Authority, and as a commissioner, I helped it mature and address contemporary challenges, including the completion of Jayne’s Place, a project that commenced during my mayoral term.

Early Childhood Care

Investment in Early Childhood Education
Committed approximately $1.3 million to early childhood care, including completing the Grove in BV and our annual contribution to the early childhood center to support caregiver education.

Roads and Bridges

Infrastructure Maintenance
We are doing an admirable job maintaining our infrastructure despite limited funding.
Our road and bridge team deserves recognition for their hard work, especially in managing dirt roads that require constant upkeep, particularly in dry conditions.

Co-Response Team with the Sheriff’s Office

Mental Health Support Initiatives
Launched the Co-Response team in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office to respond to mental health-related calls.
This initiative dispatches mental health professionals to assist individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive the necessary care and allowing law enforcement to focus on their primary duties. This approach leads to better outcomes and reduces costs associated with incarceration.

Agricultural Resiliency

Current Initiatives
We are actively working on our agricultural resiliency program to enhance sustainability and support local agriculture.

Sustainability & Environment
Wood has pushed for waste diversion, composting and recycling to extending the life of the landfill. He supports forest health, wildfire resiliency, wildlife health and diversity, sustainable recreation and watershed protection.

Housing & Human Services
P.T. advocates for increasing affordable housing, health care, childcare, food, and transportation. P.T. is a vocal supporter of fully funding the Chaffee County Housing Authority. He also prioritizes funding for childcare expansion and food security programs.

Economic Development
Wood supports local business development and diversifying the local economy beyond tourism, including “Working Lands Resilience” initiatives to keep agriculture viable for future generations.

Infrastructure & Safety
P.T.’s platform includes maintaining critical infrastructure like roads and bridges, and ensuring high-quality emergency services, including law enforcement, search and rescue teams, fire, and emergency medical services.

Responsive Local Governance

Wood continues to work effectively with our state and federal representatives. P.T. believes local politics should remain largely focused on community-driven solutions.