Jack Gilbride
What brought you here?
My wife, Judy, and I were looking for a ski town that we could enjoy visiting on a regular basis. My faulty timing brought us here right after the mountain closed. There was nothing to do so we stopped at the school just to get some information. At that time, we had a son and a daughter in, or about to be in, high school. Soon the Superintendent asked us into her office. Then the high school Principal came in. Then the Athletic Director came in. We were very impressed with all of them. My wife spoke to the children and they were up for an adventure….. for a year. That was almost thirteen years ago.
What motivated you to run for Town Council?
This is our permanent, full-time home. I wanted to do whatever I could to help make it even better. During my time here, I had been active in the Telluride Venture Fund as Executive Advisor and a member of the Investment Committee and continue to support the work of the Telluride Foundation, and other charitable efforts, public service is also very important. I felt that if I had the opportunity to serve, I should. In addition to my six years on Town Council, serving on various committees, I have served on the State of Colorado Venture Capital Authority Board and currently serve as Vice Chair of the Colorado Flights Alliance Board.
Describe one of your goals and objectives for Mountain Village.
While we will always be a premier resort community first, we will all be better off if we can create more of a year-round economy. Creating more opportunities for individuals to have good paying, full-time employment and for shops and restaurants to be able to stay open year-round is important. A key part of achieving our larger goals is the creation of affordable housing. While we are making significant progress on our affordable housing goals with the large expansion of the Village Court Apartments, the Meadowlark project, our plans for the Illium property that we have under contract, and the land that we have purchased in Norwood, much still needs to be done to realize all these opportunities. We also made the necessary investments in hiring a Chief Technology Officer to oversee the installation of the necessary cyber security and fiber infrastructure that is critical to our current and future needs.
What challenges you most about being an elected official?
It was a new experience and environment for me, so I had a lot to learn. Fortunately, I joined a very active and productive Town Council that is supported by a very professional and responsive Town Staff, led by our Town Manager. So much help was available to get me initially through the new challenges and be able to contribute during the time that I have served.
Name a random fact about yourself.
When I sang in the Gramercy Boys Glee Club in the South Bronx, I was on several nationally televised quiz shows to raise money for the Boys Club.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Skiing, walking our silver Lab and Labradoodle, picnicking at Alta lakes and 4wheeling in our Jeep on the old mining roads. My wife and I recently took up golf…..I found out that I am not a “natural”.
What is the best way for your constituents to communicate with you?
Email is the best way.