Jeff Chostner

Chostner to seek 2nd term

He is seeking re-election in District 3, which includes Pueblo West.

By MIKE SPENCE
The Pueblo West View

Jeff Chostner, one of two Pueblo County Commissioners who represent parts of Pueblo West, announced he will seek a second term on Jan. 8 during a campaign stop at the Pueblo West Library.

Chostner will be running for re-election in District 3. He won the seat in 2007.

Chostner said the commissioners have produced a lengthy list of accomplishments over the past three years, including building a new City-County Health Department building and providing $4 million to help bring the Vestas Wind Towers plant to Pueblo.

Those accomplishments have not come without a price, however. The ambitious agenda combined with the sudden downturn in the economy has meant the county is facing a significant budget deficit in 2010. The commissioners now must figure out a way to cut 10 percent in spending.

Chostner insisted he and his fellow commissioners can do that and still keep their voter-approved commitments to fund projects, one of which is $3.5 million in road improvements in Pueblo West.

"I hope that during the last four years I have earned your trust," said Chostner, a former Pueblo City Council member.

Chostner and the county have clashed with Pueblo West over the Southern Delivery System and the county's requirement that Pueblo West participate in the Pueblo Flow Management program. However, Chostner said he was confident the two sides will reach an agreement on the issue sometime this year.

One of the biggest challenges facing the county during the upcoming year and, perhaps, in future years, is the budget. Declining revenues have created a budget crunch and Chostner said he has warned the county that it has to fundamentally change the way it does business.

"We've got to make operations more efficient or figure out what programs are important and what programs are expendable, or we're going to have to cut staff," Chostner said.

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