Editor’s note: This is the seventh of eight installments of Q&As with Rifle City Council candidates. More Q&As will appear in Friday’s edition of the Post Independent.

Rifle resident Rick Steffen is among the new candidates seeking a seat on City Council, running against incumbents Michael Clancy, Clint Hostettler and Alicia Gresley, as well as fellow challengers Aaron Cumming, Scott Marsh, Jonathan Rice and Ryan Fideldy for one of five open seats.

Q: What made you run for Rifle City Council?

A: I’ve lived in Rifle since 1989, raised my family here and built my businesses here. This community has given me a lot, and I want to make sure it stays a place where families and businesses can thrive. What made me run is simple: We need leaders who focus on solutions, not politics.

Rifle is facing big decisions with housing, growth and affordability, and those choices affect all of us. My time on the Planning and Zoning Commission showed me how important it is to plan ahead, not just react after the fact. I want to bring that same practical, forward-looking approach to the council.

At the end of the day, I’m running because I care about this community and believe I can help steer Rifle in a direction that protects what makes it special while preparing for what’s ahead.

Q: Tell us about your background and why you think you are a good fit for the council. What is something you want the community to know about you?

A: I have more than 40 years of experience in construction and general contracting, and today I own SMR Inspection Services. My wife, Robin, and I also run The Rough Bar & Grill. Between those two roles, I see both the challenges of small business and the practical side of building and infrastructure.

On top of that, I serve on Rifle’s Planning and Zoning Commission, which gives me a clear view of how growth decisions play out across the community. That mix of experience is why I believe I’m a good fit for council. One thing people should know about me is that I’m direct, honest and solution oriented. I don’t play politics. I listen, I work hard and I focus on common-sense decisions that put people first.

Q: If elected, what is something that you are most focused on to help improve the city?

A: My top priority is making sure Rifle grows in a smart, balanced way. Growth is already happening, and we can either guide it or get run over by it. To me, that means creating more housing options that working families can afford, investing in infrastructure like roads and utilities, and making sure police and emergency services keep pace.

At the same time, I don’t want Rifle to lose its small-town feel. We can welcome new opportunities while still protecting what makes this community unique — our outdoor access, our character and our sense of connection to one another. I believe the council’s job is to plan ahead and make sure growth works for us, not against us. With the right leadership, we can keep Rifle affordable and family-friendly while building a stronger future.

Q: What do you think is the biggest problem Rifle is facing?

A: The biggest challenge right now is keeping Rifle affordable while managing growth. Housing costs have gone up sharply, and it’s becoming harder for people who work here — teachers, police officers, service workers — to actually live here. At the same time, our infrastructure is aging and needs investment to keep up with demand. If we don’t get ahead of these issues, Rifle risks becoming unaffordable and stretched too thin.

The way forward is to take a balanced approach: encourage a variety of housing, support local businesses, strengthen our infrastructure and make sure city government is transparent with taxpayers. People need to know their money is being spent wisely. Growth doesn’t have to mean losing our identity. If we plan it right, we can make Rifle a place where the next generation wants to stay, live and work.

Q: Rifle recently approved higher pay for city employees and police officers. Do you think increasing wages will help retain staff, and how would you balance that with the city’s budget and taxpayer concerns?

A: Yes, I think competitive pay is necessary if we want to keep good people, especially in critical roles like police officers. When we lose trained employees, the costs of hiring and training replacements are higher than simply paying them fairly to begin with. That said, we also need to be disciplined with the budget. I believe core services — public safety, water, sewer and roads — must always come first.

As Rifle grows, new development should cover its fair share so existing taxpayers don’t bear the full load. Communication is key: Residents deserve to know why wage increases are needed and how the city plans to pay for them. Supporting city employees and respecting taxpayers aren’t opposites; they go hand in hand when the city is transparent, disciplined and forward-thinking.