I will reach my fifth year as a homeowner and active resident in Dillon in 2025. I was initially attracted to the area for its natural beauty, quality of life and accessibility to Denver. I love the community and the people, so much so, that my husband and I sold our IT business in Denver in 2023 and retired full time to this area.

I immediately became involved in the community. As the Vice President of the Corinthian Hill Property Owners Association, I worked closely with Summit Fire & EMS and Summit Tree Service to achieve, in 2024, the first “Firewise USA” certification in Dillon.

I not only developed a five-year plan to reduce wildfire risk in the Corinthian Hill community through resident engagement, but I also brought back over $22,000 of Summit County tax dollars to our neighborhood and reduced rising homeowner insurance premiums as well as personal state taxes since fire mitigation costs are tax deductible. With the recent Los Angeles and Marshall fires, I believe it is important for Dillon to take steps to reduce wildfire risks at the local level.

As a candidate for Town Council, I am committed to transparency and community collaboration regarding revitalization of the downtown Dillon corridor. My first goal is to spearhead a realistic master revitalization plan for downtown Dillon by creating a committee of diverse community stakeholders — made up of new and long-term residents, town staff, local business owners and developers — to secure their input, concerns, vision and buy-in.

My second priority is to ensure fiscal responsibility within the town. I have an Master of Business Administration in finance, and as chief financial officer and chief operating officer for the small businesses that I owned and managed, I am qualified to understand and protect the financial health and success of our town. 

Raising taxes on homeowners every year cannot be the only solution to increasing the town’s revenue and balancing the budget. There must be a delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation. That balance requires growth to increase town revenues. Many residents talk about creating more affordable housing, but this is only a dream without revenue growth.

Lastly, I would like to focus on expanding FireWire certification across as many subdivisions within Dillon as possible for both the increased safety and improved insurability of the residents.

During this divisive time, I believe the Dillon community can at least agree on taking steps to:

• Reduce the risk of wildfire damage to the town
• Develop a master revitalization plan that not only prioritizes multiuse facilities, but serves the needs of our local businesses, residents and visitors
• Create rational affordable housing solutions
• Promote local culture and business development
• And prioritize quality of life and safety

I will bridge divides and restore trust — no politics, just common-sense solutions. For example, the demographics of Dillon is skewing older. Let’s talk about more services, housing and opportunities for this growing, affluent segment.

I pledge to be accessible, listen to your concerns, and be accountable for the decisions that impact our lives. Let’s not make short-sighted financial decisions that decrease revenues and harm the financial viability of the town.

Some examples?

• Uptown 240: This is perfect example of where local does not trump development and financing experience
• Short-term rentals: Increasing the short-term rental fees (to owners and renters) in 2022 actually reduced tax revenues by $200,000 annually in just two years because we are no longer competitive with surrounding towns. Increasing fees looked good on paper, but long-term revenues have already fallen 33%.
• Affordable housing: The Town Council is discussing affordable housing mandates without providing a clear financial picture for developers. Developers are in business to make money. Dillon should not create uncertainty and discourage housing investments when the town needs more affordable housing and the residents have voiced that as a priority.

We are fortunate to have two developers that want to work with the town. Let’s make it a win-win for all and create a dynamic core that ensures the financial future of the town without giving away the power of the residents.

We can build a stronger Dillon together. I am asking for your vote on March 4. The mail-in ballot will ask voters if each council member should be recalled. Regardless of whether you vote “yes” or “no” for recalling each council member, please vote for me as a potential replacement candidate because “the right Pillow makes all the difference!”

Please contact claudiapillow@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Claudia Pillow is a candidate running to replace any Dillon Town Council members are recalled after 17 voters triggered a special election seeking to remove three members of the council. More information on the election can be found at SummitDaily.com/dillon-recall-election.