Candidates for two county commissioner seats and a state representative position will take questions from the home-building industry on Thursday.
The Home Builders Association of Southwest Colorado is hosting the candidates’ forum to talk about issues such as building codes, the skilled labor shortage and affordable housing, said Ryan Voegeli, vice president of the association’s board.
The industry representatives are curious about possible regulations that might increase the cost of construction, Voegeli said.
“If you can’t build it affordably, you are not going to be able to sell it affordably,” he said.
State Rep. J. Paul Brown, a Republican, and Democrat Barbara McLachlan are vying for state House District 59, and both are scheduled to attend.
The association is expecting La Plata County District 3 candidates, County Commissioner Julie Westendorff, a Democrat, and her challenger Kayla Patterson, a Republican. La Plata County District 2 candidate Lyle McKnight also plans to attend. His opponent County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt will be represented by Josh Joswick, a former county commissioner, because she cannot be present.
The home builders are interested in ways local governments could help retain skilled electricians, plumbers and other workers from the oil industry to help meet the demand for labor, Voegeli said.
Requirements to install fire-suppression sprinklers and other building regulations also are likely topics of discussion.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
If you go
The Home Builders Association of Southwest Colorado’s candidate forum will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Henry Strater Theatre.
Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers and those who buy a ticket at the door.
