The public is invited to hear the candidates debate issues and priorities in Chaffee County!
SALIDA, CO —Sept 25, 2026 — Voters in Chaffee County will have an opportunity to hear directly from the two candidates, PT Wood and Toby Taylor, competing for the District 3 seat at a public candidate debate on Monday, October 12, at the SteamPlant Event Center in Salida.
The event is being organized by Ark Valley Indivisible (AVI), a pro-democracy community organization committed to protecting our democracy through non-violent actions. Refreshments will be served beginning at 5:00 p.m., with the debate running from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited to 200 and those wanting to attend in person MUST register in advance at: http://tinyurl.com/ChaffeeDebate.
The debate will also be live-streamed at Heart of the Rockies Radio Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/heartoftherockiesradionews or you can watch a recording after Oct. 13 at AVI’s website www.indivisiblearkvalley.com
Incumbent Commissioner PT Wood (Democrat) is seeking a second term. Toby Taylor (Republican) is challenging Wood for the District 3 seat. The debate will provide voters with an opportunity to hear the candidates address issues affecting the future of Chaffee County and compare their priorities and approaches to county government.
Wood's campaign has emphasized elevating working lands and agricultural-sector resilience; increasing affordable housing projects and policies; improving infrastructure and public safety; and promoting economic development and diversification.
Taylor has identified three primary areas of focus for community development: property rights, tax code reform and building code reform.
The moderator for the debate will be Dan R, from Heart of the Rockies Radio. Questions may be submitted in writing by members of the audience as they arrive and will be presented to the candidates during the debate by the moderator.
"County commissioners make decisions that have a direct impact on the daily lives of Chaffee County residents," said Mary Gontero, co-lead of AVI’s Civic Engagement Action Team. "This debate gives voters an opportunity to hear from both candidates, ask questions about the issues that matter to them, and make an informed choice about who they want representing District 3."
Event Details
What: Chaffee County Commissioner District 3 Candidate Debate
When: Monday, October 12, 2026
Doors Open and Refreshments: 5:00 p.m.
Debate: 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Where: SteamPlant Event Center, Salida, Colorado
Admission: Free and open to the public
Candidates: PT Wood (D), incumbent; Toby Taylor (R), challenger
Moderator: Dan R, Heart of the Rockies Radio
Media Contact:
Averi Schaubman, AVI Group Leader
303-906-2472