JASON HILTERBRAN FOR FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Fremont County is rural, geographically large, wildfire-prone, and heavily dependent on volunteer and understaffed, underpaid first-responders and law enforcement.  Fremont County’s first responders deserve fair pay, real support, and leadership that will fight for them. As a former firefighter, I know firsthand the sacrifices required to protect our communities. I will advocate for competitive wages, improved retention, and career opportunities that keep experienced law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS professionals serving Fremont County. I believe strong public safety starts with valuing the men and women who answer the call—and will work to ensure they have the resources, respect, and support they’ve earned. 

I am a steadfast defender of Constitutional rights and local control, including & especially the Second Amendment and the freedoms that define Fremont County’s outdoor way of life. As a lifelong outdoorsman, hunter, and former first responder with decades of firearm safety experience, I understand that responsible gun ownership, hunting access, and public safety go hand in hand.  I support Colorado Parks & Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and responsible land management that protects access for hunters, sportsmen, and families, while opposing legislative overreach that targets lawful gun owners and small businesses instead of addressing real crime.  

Recent state actions, including measures like SB-003 and expanded training mandates, risk infringing on constitutional freedoms without improving public safety. Fremont County needs leadership that knows firearms, respects hunters, and understands that more laws limiting lawful access do not stop crime. I will fight to protect Second Amendment rights, preserve outdoor access, and ensure Fremont County stands up for its citizens—not against them. 

 Keeping Fremont County safe is a fundamental responsibility of county government. I believe in supporting law enforcement, enforcing the law consistently, and holding repeat offenders accountable so families, businesses, and visitors can feel secure in our communities. At the same time, homelessness is a complex issue that requires practical, local solutions—not policies that enable crime or disorder. As county commissioner, I will support coordination between law enforcement, mental health services, veterans’ resources, and workforce programs to help individuals move toward stability and employment. The county can play a role by improving collaboration among agencies, supporting transitional solutions that emphasize accountability, and ensuring public spaces remain safe and accessible. We can be compassionate without sacrificing safety, and we can pursue solutions that protect taxpayers while restoring order, dignity, and opportunity across Fremont County. 

Reliable roads and infrastructure are essential to daily life in Fremont County—for families, farmers, businesses, emergency services, and the visitors who support our economy. I believe maintaining and improving our rural roads requires honest budgeting, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and actively pursuing outside funding opportunities whenever possible to reduce the burden on local residents. I support long-term infrastructure planning that goes beyond short-term fixes and focuses on durable solutions that will serve Fremont County not just today, but for our children and grandchildren. Infrastructure decisions impact safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life, and I am committed to thoughtful planning, transparency, and investments that keep our county connected and moving forward. 

Long before coal, mines, and industry shaped parts of Fremont County, agriculture reigned as the backbone of our community. It was farmers, ranchers, and homesteading families along the Arkansas River and throughout the valley who built this county—working the land, stewarding water rights, and passing down a way of life rooted in independence, responsibility, and respect for the land. I believe preserving Fremont County’s rural and agricultural heritage means protecting working lands, defending private property rights, and ensuring county policies support generational farms and ranches—not regulate them out of existence. I support fair treatment for agricultural producers, respect for established water rights, and thoughtful growth that honors the people who built this county and continue to sustain it today. I am committed to preserving agriculture and rural living not as relics of the past, but as essential pillars of Fremont County’s future. 

 I believe county government should be open, accessible, and accountable to the people it serves. Too often, residents feel decisions are made behind closed doors or without clear explanation. As county commissioner, I will prioritize transparency by communicating openly about county decisions, budgets, and long-term plans, and by making information easier for the public to understand and access. I believe in listening to residents, encouraging public input, and treating citizens with respect—because county government works best when people know what’s happening, why decisions are made, and how their voices are heard. Fremont County deserves leadership that is honest, responsive, and accountable, and I am committed to earning and keeping the public’s trust.  Tangible, trackable, transparent local government working for the people is my goal.

 A strong Fremont County economy depends on supporting the businesses, farmers, and workers who already call this place home—while responsibly embracing innovation that fits our rural character. I support cutting red tape, strengthening small businesses, and expanding job opportunities through practical, locally driven solutions. I believe rural communities and agricultural producers deserve better access to modern tools, broadband, and technology that improve efficiency, water use, safety, and long-term sustainability. I support continued collaboration with organizations  and businesses to foster workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business-friendly growth. By encouraging innovation that serves farmers, ranchers, trades, and small businesses—and by pursuing partnerships, grants, and regional opportunities—I will work to ensure Fremont County grows smarter, stronger, and more resilient without sacrificing its rural way of life. 

Fremont County is a unique place, and people don’t come here by accident—they come because of what makes our community special. Visitors are drawn to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, the antiques and history of Florence, community traditions like Penrose Apple Days, the Blossom Festival in Cañon City, and the many events and small businesses that give our county its character. I believe the county’s role is not to fund attractions, but to support them through thoughtful policies that reward hard work, reduce unnecessary barriers, and allow local businesses and events to thrive. When tourism businesses succeed, our entire community benefits—from jobs and local sales to stronger infrastructure and public services. I see real opportunity in using tourism impacts wisely, encouraging new attractions that fit our county’s character, and ensuring Fremont County remains welcoming, vibrant, and economically strong for residents and visitors alike.