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Aspen Public Radio's news coverage, interviews and public forums on the issues and the candidates of the 2016 elections in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Want to learn about everything that will be on your ballot this election? Click here.

Glenwood City Council race: Kathryn Trauger

Kathryn Trauger is running for an at-large seat on Glenwood Springs City Council. The long-time resident has made her opinions known on her blog. Now she wants a voice on city council. Aspen Public Radio’s Marci Krivonen reports.

A few years ago Trauger says she became discouraged with some things happening in city government.

"I was seeing a lot of misinformation and some things that were not communicated correctly, so I decided to start writing a blog."

Her blog “Our Town - Glenwood Springs” gave her a platform to sound off on topics like the Grand Avenue Bridge replacement. It’s the big issue that prompted her to run.

"I’m an absolute supporter of the new bridge. It’s still not a perfect design. I think some of the issues concern the roundabout area as we exit from the highway."

She thinks a good working relationship between the city and the Colorado Department of Transportation is crucial as bridge discussions continue.

A new bridge means Sixth Street, where the Hotel Colorado is located, may be redeveloped. Trauger sits on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. The group has discussed changes.

"We’re looking at that more as from the Hotel Colorado clear out to the Glenwood Caverns and really trying to make that (area) pedestrian friendly and tourist/arts oriented. That would be my vision," she says.

She supports a redevelopment plan for the “confluence area” put together by the non profit Sonoran Institute. The plan aims to connect the community to the river.

"(There's) lots of potential for commercial and mixed use. Housing is really critical and that would be a great area."

Outside of transportation issues, she wants more affordable housing. This could happen, she says, by partnering with business and local government.

"We need housing in this area. We need housing for our police officers, for firefighters, health care workers and for our teachers."

She says her work on local boards has prepared her for the job of serving on city council. Another challenger in the race, Kathy Williams, will be profiled tomorrow. Candidate Tony Hershey's interview can be found here.

Kathryn Trauger's entire interview:

kathryntraugertwoway.mp3