I am Josh Samuel — a longtime, full-time resident of Dillon. My goal is to have a successful recall and be elected to Town Council. I want this opportunity so I can work transparently and collaboratively with the community to rebuild our town core based upon our master plan and walkability plan. 

In doing so, we can bring new developments that will strengthen our town’s financial position. Careful planning can address current parking issues related to the marina and amphitheater, as well as address blight, workforce housing, urban sprawl and other issues associated with growth.

As a long-time local, I can relate to the town’s needs and support positive development. I am not swayed by big developers. I have patience — this is not a fire sale.

I oppose the misuse of metro districts. At times they can be a bad deal. In our town’s case, Dillon will be giving up 50% of future sales and lodging tax revenues, property owners (including workforce housing) within the district could be paying huge additional property taxes to support the metro district. Portions of taxes that would have gone to the school district, fire and EMS and other Summit County services could be diverted to support this metro district. Metro district boards can be a good tool, but they also have a history in Colorado of leading good towns down bad paths.

Dillon has a special appeal — as a small town in what is rapidly becoming a big county. I would like to work to keep this character. In my opinion, development that alters our town’s character is not in our best interest. The town of Dillon’s character has been part of our community for decades.

There is no need to gamble our town’s future revenue. Instead, we need to ensure its future success. Please listen to or read the recent CBS investigation into the largest development in Castle Rock still owing more than a billion in debt to its metro district developers after 40 years of paying to the developer. This article was just released on Feb. 13, 2025.

Please consider that our current Town Council has been under duress, rushing through approvals of the metro district, and the result has been dysfunction leading to lack of due diligence, lack of community input and hasty decisions.

We want to include input from residents, visitors, commercial, town management and real estate interests. We should not disrespect anyone that takes the time to address the Dillon Town Council. Town meetings should have conduct that does not degrade into personal attacks.

My thoughts are for the good of the town — not just good for me. My opinions are unbiased and not personal. The future of the town in years to come is clearly my best interest. Please consider that due diligence, listening and engaging with our community leads to best outcomes that benefit all.

The town of Dillon is a rare diamond. Over the last year, we have seen other local developers submit proposals more in line with our community, and they have been stymied by this Town Council. Why is this happening? Why is the current Town Council rushing through the metro district projects while not keeping development in character with the uniqueness of our community? 

I, as a council member, will work for developments that strengthen our town. I will recognize, appreciate, and review all proposals that come to our town. With community input, we will decide what is best for our town.

Here’s a bit more about me. I am a 25-year property owner in Dillon. For the last 3.5 years I have been president of the Board of Directors of Corinthian Hill Homeowners Association (located in Dillon). As president, I brought together a community that has battled internally for years through listening and engaging with a diverse group of homeowners. This has yielded better decisions, quarterly newsletters, neighborhood picnics and community ski days. I am a business owner of 46 years (Recycled Audio), serving Colorado selling vintage audio equipment. I volunteered with Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrol for 17 years, including being the ski and toboggan coordinator. I had the honor in 2021 of representing Dillon and the state of Colorado at the U.S. Open Chess Championships National Tournament of Senior State Champions finishing 18th out of the 50 states. Locally, I mentor students and young adults at chess in our Summit County schools. 

I hope you vote “yes” to recall all three current Town Council members and that you vote for me to replace them. 

Josh Samuel 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.