Who Is Tom McCracken?

Meet Tom McCracken…

Tom in a sports jacket in from of the Arkansa River.
Tom McCracken in a blue shirt and brown vest sitting on a rock with the Arkansas River in Salida.
Tom McCracken in blue shirt, brown vest, and a sports blazer with a white campaign hat in front of teh Arkansas River and foot bridge going over teh river in background in Buena Vista.

Tom McCracken, a five-year math teacher at Buena Vista High School and a retired school administrator in Missouri education, observes a need in this county to advocate for conservative ideals in the Chaffee County Commissioners Office, District 2.

His professional education background revealed much about collaboration, motivation, and developing group consensus dynamics and laid the foundation for qualifications and experience for this responsibility.

A photo of a patriotic Tom and Jayne McCracken. Who is Tom McCracken?
Tom and Jayne at McPhelemy Park in Buena Vista. the river and trees behind them.
Tom and his wife Jayne at McPhelemy Park in Buena Vista
Tom & Jayne on the ski Slopes with a chair lift behind them.
Tom & Jayne on the Slopes

Tom’s passion for the valley, other people, and nature, along with his career background, plays a pivotal role in listening to the community, addressing concerns, and getting the job done correctly.

Tom started coming to the Arkansas Valley in 1972, where, together with his father, he led school children in activities such as hiking, climbing fourteeners, and floating the Arkansas River before floating the Arkansas was a “thing.”  Decision-making, preparation, and group dynamics were constant considerations necessary to orchestrate these kinetic adventures safely throughout the Collegiate Peaks.

a picture of a chicken in the foreground, a building amd a Jeep in the background.
Two dogs relaxing on a deck. Cowboy and Daisy, Tom McCracken's pet dogs.
Cowboy & Daisy
Tom & Jayne’s Furry Friends
A group of chickens wandering in the yard near a plastic kiddie pool drinking water.
Chickens on the Homestead

Tom loves his family and our military. Tom has led expeditions of school children all over the country, including Washington DC tours, reservation restorations, and New York trips. He has cared for handicapped children as he floated them safely down the river. He has encouraged many youngsters as well as adults, getting them up fourteeners, rappelling, biking, rafting, and motorcycle touring.  He continues to lead many expeditions, including gardening clubs, river floats, church activities, and backpacking trips.

Tom and Jane McCracken dressed up at an event.
Tom and Jayne in a yard with trees and a white fence behind them.
Tom McCracken loves our military. Tom, Jayne, and a soldier in front of a large military truck.
Tom, his dad, and nephews on top of Mount Huron.
Tom on his motorcycle with the corner of a cabin, fence line, and trees and mountains behind them.
Tom and three boys ready to blow up a raft and flow down teh Arkansas River behind them.
Tom and Jayne overlooking a lake in the mountains.

Tom McCracken’s Bio Brief

Enjoying the Outdoors

  • Been traveling to Chaffee County since 1972
  • Floating the river from Granite to the Gorge, camping and floating on the river
  • Backpacking in this Wilderness Area
  • Summiting these 14ers         

Professional Career

  • Retired school administrator and teacher
  • 16 years in the classroom and 9 years in school administration
  • Retired Professional Real Estate Owner/Broker
  • I am currently serving this community as a Mathematics Teacher at Buena Vista High School

In the Community

  • Summer Staff at Young Life’s Frontier Ranch
  • Current President of subdivision HOA
  • Past President of Community Preparedness Resources, LLC
  • Community Organizer and Public Speaker

Education

  • Bachelor of Science,
  • Master of Science,
  • Educational Specialist – in education, mathematics, school administration, and superintendency.

Additional

  • Licensed shortwave radio operator: KVOGVC & WRYT757

Tom and his team are asking for your participation in the form of a contribution. Would you get behind Tom and his campaign for County Commissioner District #2 right here, where you live also?

Let’s make a difference in Chaffee County with the “People’s Advocate.”

Contribute to Tom McCracken for Chaffee County

This is a letter Tom wrote on June 24th that will give you
more insight into who he is from the desk of Tom McCracken.

As of our Colorado Primary, tomorrow, June 25, I am Tom McCracken, official Republican candidate for District 2 Chaffee County Commissioner.

I worked as a school teacher, administrator, and realtor but recently retired completely from education. I just finished my latest chapter teaching math at Buena Vista High School.

Understanding me is simple enough: I love my family, my faith, and my country. Like most of you, I never considered running for political office, but I was drawn in by the many challenges we face in Chaffee County.

Over six months into the process, I now realize political campaigns are like an extended obstacle course. Each new challenge energizes me. The variety of experiences constantly stretch me and mold me into a new shape. It sounds crazy, but I love it. Henry Ford said, ” Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.”

My goals? Make Chaffee County a better place to live. To have the Chaffee County government serve its intended functions, help you when needed, and otherwise stay out of your way.

A few specific goals to give you a flavor for where I stand:
  1. Reinstate a customer service mindset to all Chaffee County employees. The four-day work has been harmful in some departments. I will work to resume building inspections on Fridays, as a means to lower construction costs and enhance home affordability.
  2. Broker a deal to end government-mandated moratoriums on construction in Chaffee County. Who bans construction during a declared housing crisis?
  3. After decades of serving in public schools, I am wholeheartedly pro-education. Our children are our future. It is our responsibility to help them become well-adjusted and productive citizens and our public schools impact so many students.
  4. Constituents: I will not treat taxpayers like a nuisance. I commiserate when asked why the government constantly expands its powers and then demands we pay for things the people never authorized. To see our leaders grow the Land Code from 8,000 words to 26,000 words in the name of progress burdens our builders and developers with additional costs and stifles affordable housing in this valley
  5. Advocate for and protect our environmental resources. These features drew so many of us to this valley.

How can I get into position to achieve these goals? Colin Powell said: ” The best method for overcoming obstacles is the team method.” I currently enjoy a beautiful working relationship with Team McCracken. I am fortunate to lead this team of at least 50 dedicated volunteers from all over the county.

Together we organized a 160- person spaghetti/dessert fundraiser in March. Together we held a 180-person Armed Forces Day BBQ for veterans in May. Together, we’ve participated in multiple parades and rodeos, all applying the team model. People who’ve attended realized something different was happening.

In recent years, Conservatism fell out of favor in Chaffee County. We have all suffered as a result. But we are back, stronger and more determined than ever. Our singular drive occupies every action. Now, you, too, can help us restore common sense and integrity to Chaffee County!

Steps to restore balance to the County Commissioner’s Office:
  1. Donate if you can, up to $2850/person allowed in Colorado. Follow this secure link: DONATE
  2. Please join our team with time, treasure, and or talents. Forward to your friends and family. Share our website on your social media: https://tommccrackenforchaffeecounty.com/
  3. Register yourself or a friend to vote through the Secretary of State office: Register Info
  4. Sign up to receive emailed campaign updates through our periodic blog posts: BLOG on BlogSpot
  5. Reach out to participate at any upcoming events: Events

Most importantly, I believe that with a concerted team effort, we can regain the freedoms we have lost. Please lean into this important work and take a few steps to help us move the ball down the field.

Sincerely,

Tom McCracken