VOTE Carlin For Mayor
Hi, I’m Carlin Walsh
Buena Vista has been home for most of my life. I am a multi-generational rural Coloradan. Rural life is really all I know. It is where I grew up, built a career, and now get to raise my own family.
I have spent my career building businesses and creating jobs here in Chaffee County. I’ve had the chance to build strong teams, create new opportunities, and grow alongside this community.
For more than a decade, I have served local and statewide organizations. I have learned how to bring different perspectives to the same table and find common ground. That work has also given me firsthand experience with local government on business, land use, water, and infrastructure.
Why I’m Running
This community helped raise me, is helping raise my kids, and continues to support my family. I believe there comes a time when it is your turn to give something back.
For me, running for mayor is less about wanting to hold office and more about doing my part. Around here, helping your neighbors and being part of the community matter. I care about where Buena Vista is headed, and I believe I have experience that can help.
I hope you will join me at an upcoming meet and greet.
What Matters
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Preparing for Buena Vista’s next 50 years starts with water and land. Once they are gone, we do not get them back. We need to protect what we have and secure what Buena Vista will need. This means working with our regional partners and thinking ahead.
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Tourism is an important part of Buena Vista, but we can’t depend on one industry. We need a more diverse economy with good jobs and more choices for work year-round. We should support the businesses already here while making room for new ones. Commercial and industrial land is part of that. It can strengthen our economy while being thoughtful about our limited water.
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One of the things that makes Buena Vista special is our close-knit community and the different perspectives and beliefs within it. We can protect the look and feel of our home without overregulating. Property rights matter, and our codes should be reasonable and limited to what is necessary.
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We need more housing, and not just high-density or multi-family housing. We need single-family homes too. We should remove unnecessary barriers and create incentives that help families afford a home instead of putting more restrictions on the property itself.
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We should be open for business. That does not mean saying yes to every project. It means doing our due diligence and working with people in good faith. We should make it easier to bring opportunities to Buena Vista. When something benefits our town, we should know how to say yes.
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Everything we want to do costs money, both now and down the road. We need to be honest about the full cost and what we can afford, not just what it takes to build something. Grants can help, but they do not cover the bills that come later. I would rather strengthen our local economy than ask residents to pay more.
“I want Buena Vista to remain a place where people can live year-round, raise a family, build a business, make a future, and grow old.”
Experience I Bring
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I co-founded Elevation Beer Company from the ground up and have been part of its leadership for more than a decade. I later bought Colorado Central Telecom and led it through major changes, including its transition to Aristata Communications and eventual sale. I know what it takes to build something new and lead an existing organization through change. Leadership also comes with responsibility. I have employed people, built teams, managed budgets, and planned for the long term. I know what it means to make tough decisions when other people are counting on you.
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For years, I have worked directly with town, county, and state government. I have sat down with elected officials and staff to work through land use, utilities, broadband, infrastructure, and regulations. I have spoken up for Colorado businesses and Chaffee County at the State Capitol. I have been an active voice in community conversations and worked on local issues here at home. I have been on both sides of the table. I know how much these decisions can affect people, families, businesses, and our community.
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Across all of this work, bringing people together has been a big part of what I do. I have built teams in my businesses and led boards and organizations. I have brought people to the same table who do not always agree or want the same thing. I have helped people work together through change and uncertainty. I have learned how to listen, work through complicated issues, find common ground, and keep things moving.
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Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation
Board member since 2013
Former Vice Chair · Current ChairmanColorado Brewers Guild
Chairman since 2022 -
University of Colorado Denver
Master of Business Administration Emphasis in Finance & EconomicsRegis University
Bachelor's in NursingAims Community College
Fire Science
Meet & Greet
Stop by and say hello. I am hosting a few casual meet and greets around Buena Vista where we can get to know each other, talk about what matters to you, and the future of our town. All are welcome.
September 14
4:00-5:30 PM
Deerhammer
Swing by before the Community Dinner
September 23
4:00-7:00 PM
CKS River Supply
Come by for a bit to get to know each other
October 14
5:30-7:00 PM
The View Cafe
Drop in anytime for casual conversation
Other Events
September 24
LWV Mayor & Trustee Candidate Forum
5: 30 PM - Doors, 6:00- 8:00 PM - Event
Buena Vista Community Center
(Pinon Room)
October 8
Chaffee Patriots Candidate Forum
6:30-8:00 PM
American Legion Post 55
October 15
Ark Valley Voice Midterm Election Candidate Forum
6:30-8:30 PM
Chaffee County Public Safety Complex
Have A Question, Idea Or Something On Your Mind?
Good conversations start with listening. I’m always interested in hearing what matters to people in our community. Reach out to talk or find a way to get involved.
Use the form below, email me at carlinformayor@gmail.com, or
call me at 719-398-1807.
Make Your Voice Heard
Local elections matter. Make sure you are registered to vote and that your voter registration reflects your current address. In Colorado, you can register to vote or update your address through Election Day, November 3.