Jonathan Godes

“Throughout my years as mayor of Glenwood Springs and in regional leadership roles, I’ve learned that good public policy starts with good information. Science and evidence should guide our decisions, not politics or predetermined outcomes.

As county commissioner, I would strengthen partnerships with Colorado Mountain College, Colorado State University, state agencies, and local scientific experts to provide independent analysis on issues involving water resources, land use, wildfire mitigation, public health, and environmental protection.

I would also advocate for technical advisory committees and independent scientific review of major development proposals, particularly regarding water availability, traffic, wildlife impacts, and wildfire risks. Scientific findings should be publicly available and considered before decisions are made, not used afterward to justify decisions already reached.

During the Grizzly Creek Fire and subsequent debris flows, I saw firsthand how critical scientific expertise was in protecting our community’s water supply and infrastructure. That experience reinforced my belief that science isn’t just an academic exercise. It has real consequences for public safety, our economy, and our quality of life.

Elected officials don’t need to be scientists, but they need to listen to them, ask informed questions, and have the courage to change course when the evidence demands it.”

“Having grown up on a farm in rural Iowa, raising livestock through 4-H to help pay for college, I understand firsthand the challenges farmers and ranchers face. Agriculture isn’t just an economic sector; it’s part of our heritage, our communities, and our way of life.

As Garfield County Commissioner, protecting our water resources would be among my highest priorities. I would continue advocating for the protection of Western Slope water rights, including the Shoshone water rights, while supporting science-based conservation practices that help agricultural producers use water more efficiently without sacrificing productivity.

I would strengthen partnerships with CSU Extension, local conservation districts, and agricultural producers to expand access to research, technical assistance, and grants for improved irrigation technology, soil health, drought resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices. These investments can help reduce operating costs while protecting our natural resources.

I also believe farmers and ranchers must have a meaningful voice in county land-use and water policy decisions. We need to work hand and hand with them.

Ultimately, protecting agriculture means recognizing that healthy farms, healthy watersheds, and healthy communities are interconnected. My goal would be to use sound science, local knowledge, and practical partnerships to ensure agriculture remains viable for future generations.”

“I believe AI has tremendous potential, particularly in healthcare, scientific research, and education. But that doesn’t mean every community is the right place for a massive data center.

I’ve been pretty clear that I don’t believe large-scale data centers belong in Garfield County. We already face serious challenges with water availability, drought, and demands on our electrical grid. Adding facilities that require enormous amounts of electricity and potentially millions of gallons of water simply doesn’t make sense for our region.

As county commissioner, I would oppose these developments and work to ensure our land-use regulations protect our water resources and existing infrastructure.

I also believe Colorado needs to take a hard look at the true costs of data centers. How much water will they use? Where will the electricity come from? Who pays for the infrastructure upgrades? How many permanent jobs will they actually create? These questions need independent, science-based answers before projects are approved.

I’m not opposed to technological progress. Quite the opposite. But we shouldn’t confuse supporting innovation with giving every industry a blank check to use our natural resources.

There are places in Colorado where data centers may make sense. Garfield County, with our limited water resources and growing infrastructure demands, isn’t one of them.”

“Public health is something I’m personally passionate about. My wife has worked in public health for 20 years, and during my time as mayor of Glenwood Springs, I worked closely with local pediatricians, public health professionals, and our schools to address youth tobacco and vaping use. Together, we passed restrictions on flavored vaping products and increased taxes on tobacco products. Those decisions weren’t always politically easy, but they were grounded in science and focused on protecting our kids.

I believe prevention is one of the smartest investments government can make. Whether we’re talking about measles, tobacco use, mental health, or chronic disease, preventing problems before they become crises saves lives and taxpayer dollars.

As county commissioner, I would support our public health department in expanding access to vaccinations, preventive screenings, and reliable health information. I believe strongly in childhood immunizations and making sure families have access to accurate, science-based information from medical professionals they trust.

I would also prioritize partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to address emerging health threats, particularly in underserved areas of Garfield County.

Public health shouldn’t be a partisan issue. I’ve seen what happens when doctors, educators, and local government work together. We can make meaningful improvements in community health when we follow the evidence and aren’t afraid to lead.”

“I worry that we’ve gotten to a place where science has become political, and people sometimes choose which facts to believe based on their politics. That’s a real problem, especially when we’re dealing with things like public health, water, and climate change.

I think we need to spend less time teaching kids to memorize scientific facts and more time teaching them how to ask questions, evaluate information, and understand why evidence matters. And just as importantly, that it’s okay to change your mind when new information comes along.

Here in Garfield County, we have some pretty incredible opportunities to teach science outside the classroom. Our rivers, forests, geology, wildlife, and agricultural lands are all right here. I’d love to see more partnerships between our schools, Colorado Mountain College, local scientists, and organizations that can get kids outside and learning firsthand.

I also think we need to trust our teachers and give them the resources to make science interesting and relevant to everyday life.

County commissioners don’t set school curriculum, but we can help connect schools with community resources and support those partnerships.

At the end of the day, I don’t expect everyone to become a scientist. But I do think everyone should have the basic skills to recognize credible information, question what they’re told, and make decisions based on facts rather than fear or politics.”