Hagan: Send me to Denver

MONTROSE — Montrose City Councilor Noelle Hagan made no promises in her congressional-run pitch to Delta County residents Saturday.

Hagan told a crowd of about 20 that she avoids pledging promises because she knows, especially from working in local government, that nothing can be accomplished without building relationships with others who can help.

Hagan is running as the Democratic candidate for House District 58 against Republican candidate Scott Tipton, a Cortez businessman. The seat is currently held by Rep. Ray Rose, R-Montrose.

The 58th District runs from Delta County down south through Montrose, Ouray, Dolores and Montezuma counties.

“I do believe the 58th has not had strong representation in Denver,” said Hagan, a Montrose resident of nearly 18 years. She said citizens need to understand the lens from which their representatives look through; she counts motherhood and non-profit work as part of her lens.

Dozens of people showed up to hear Hagan’s position and share theirs on issues ranging from economy to education.

Hotchkiss resident Edwina Eastman raised concerns about protection of the district’s watersheds, particularly in light of booming energy development. “If we don’t have good water, we have nothing,” said Eastman.

Charles Klaseen, of Crawford, was among residents that talked about dilemmas facing the agricultural community.

“We have a real challenge of keeping ranchers and farmers on the land,” he said. Land is cleared for farming yet no one can make a living of it. Many end up subdividing their lots and selling them. “That’s not an answer,” said Klaseen, advocating the need for policies protecting the country’s agriculture industry.

As she listened to concerns and complaints, Hagan told the crowd that she tries to evaluate the costs and benefits of measures. Nothing is easy or clear-cut, she said.

Hagan cited as some of her proudest political accomplishments pushing for taxpayer protections, supporting Montrose’s downtown area and co-founding a charter school for teen parents. Issues important to her include water, energy and agricultural issues.

“We’ve not done a good job of connecting the dots for people on the importance of agriculture,” said Hagan.

In terms of energy, she said she’s particularly interested in conservation, cutting down consumption while looking at renewable energy resources.

Hagan has served on the Montrose City Council for eight years, including two terms as mayor. She graduated from Regis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

Contact Lisa Huynh at lisah@montrosepress.com