Shadduck-McNally announces reelection bid for Larimer County commissioner seat
Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally plans to seek reelection to a second term on the county's governing board.
Shadduck-McNally, a Democrat, was elected to her first four-year term in 2020, becoming the first woman to hold the District 3 seat that encompasses Loveland, Berthoud, Estes Park and the surrounding area.
She currently serves as chair of the Board of County Commissioners, a position that rotates among the three commissioners. Commissioner Kristin Stephens, whose term will also expire next year, said she will make a decision on a potential reelection campaign after the county adopts its budget in December.
Commissioner John Kefalas was elected to a second four-year term in 2022.
Born and raised in Northern Colorado, Shadduck-McNally lives with her family in unincorporated Larimer County. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado and a master's degree from the University of New Mexico.
Shadduck-McNally said she plans to continue pressing countywide issues such as human services, child care, mindful growth and development, environmental protection and attainable housing.
"Since being sworn into office, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to ensure that Larimer County residents have the services they need and that we, as a county, continue to lead as an example in the state of Colorado," Shadduck-McNally said.
She said she is especially proud of the county's purchase of Heaven's Door Ranch, a 1,547-acre parcel at the mouth of the Big Thompson Canyon along U.S. Highway 34 that will be preserved as open space. "It's a postcard viewshed," Shadduck-McNally said. "Growing up in Northern Colorado and driving to Estes Park, to know families and generations will have that viewshed warms my heart and makes me feel so fortunate. I cannot wait to transition this property into a public open space."
As commissioner, she supported the formation of the NoCo Community Fiber Alliance and efforts to secure a nearly $1 million grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to bolster the development of middle-mile fiber to Wellington and Masonville.
"Connection speeds in unincorporated Larimer County are slow and this grant will help build and deliver high-speed internet as the county collaborative network is built out," she said. "High speed internet is a public utility, not a privilege. It's as important as water and trash service that everyone should have equitable access to."
The election will be Nov. 5, 2024.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Shadduck-McNally will seek second term as Larimer County commissioner
