Born and raised on a ranch in Garfield County, Democratic nominee for Colorado Senate District 5 Cole Buerger describes himself as “not your typical politician,” and “a generalist, not a specialist.” Buerger is a small business owner residing in Glenwood Springs, and he serves on the boards of the Middle Colorado Watershed Council and the Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Senate District 5 (SD5) covers a lot of diverse and rural areas. How do you plan to balance the needs of agricultural communities with the demands of growing resort economies?
I think the needs of agricultural and resort communities are intimately intertwined. The first thing any elected official has to do is show up and listen to the voices in any given community. I’ve been doing that since I got into the race last August. My background growing up on a ranch in Garfield County and serving on local boards gives me a deep understanding of rural challenges. Representation starts with showing up and taking the voices and concerns of our communities to the capitol.
What specific policies would you advocate for to make housing more affordable in SD5?
At the end of the day, we know this is a supply and demand problem. We need to really focus on the supply side of housing by reforming regulations like construction defects laws, because those make affordable housing less attractive to builders. Streamlining state funding to communities with fewer strings attached is another thing that could help speed up projects. I would like to see Colorado utilize public-private partnerships to help get more affordable housing on the market.
What is your approach to protecting Western Slope water rights, and how would you collaborate with other legislators on this issue?
We know that water is the lifeblood of Western Colorado. At large, I think we protect it by keeping it in its basins and safeguarding water rights. Prior appropriation is key. I’ll collaborate with legislators like Senator Dylan Roberts, who has done great work on water issues. This is not a partisan issue — protecting water benefits everyone.
How do you plan to address rural Colorado healthcare?
We need more healthcare facilities in rural areas and better ways to attract and retain healthcare workers. Helping small businesses create risk-insurance pools can reduce healthcare costs and improve access. Housing plays a part here too.
If elected, how do you plan to work across the aisle?
A lot of issues here on the Western Slope aren’t political. As a small business owner with deep roots in the community, I don’t see the world ideologically. I’ve always believed in representing my community’s values, even if it means pushing back against my party. We have to work together to represent the Western Slope.
What are your priorities in terms of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability?
We should protect habitats, watersheds and forests, while encouraging responsible growth. I support initiatives like capping methane emissions and old wells, expanding public transit and reducing the environmental impact of development. There’s no single solution, but we can move the needle with smart, innovative policies.
What is your position on reproductive rights?
I respect differing views but believe that the government shouldn’t dictate personal decisions. For me, it’s about freedom — the right to make decisions about one’s own body without interference from the government.
What are your plans for economic diversification?
We need to empower entrepreneurs by reducing regulatory burdens and offering grants or tax breaks to help new businesses. Partnering with local colleges and universities can also help.
How do you plan to leverage political and working relationships to help effectively represent the district’s constituents?
I think strong relationships are key to being an effective legislator. Many of my endorsements come from people I’ve met on the campaign trail. I plan to maintain those connections and seek constant input from local leaders to ensure our communities are represented in legislation.