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

Scott Marsh is among the new contenders hoping to help shape Rifle’s next chapter. He’s running in a crowded city council race that features five open seats — a result of Mayor Sean Strode and Councilor Joe Carpenter’s departures and the expiration of terms for incumbents Alicia Gresley and Clint Hostettler. Councilor Michael Clancy, appointed in 2024 following Brian Condie’s resignation, is running for his first full term as well. Other candidates include Rick Steffan, Jonathan Rice, Aaron Cumming, and Ryan Fideldy.

Q: What made you run for Rifle City Council?

A: I decided to run for City Council because I have always enjoyed serving the community. We have a great community, and I want to help shape how it grows. I know there are challenges with affordable housing in the valley, and I want to help develop solutions. I think the city of Rifle is doing a great job with its parks and recreation. Looking at the Comprehensive Plan, several issues have been identified that will need to be addressed soon, and I want to be involved in that process. My primary goal is to serve the public interest, improve the community, and keep it a place where people want to raise their families. This is our home — our community.

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 lived in Rifle since 1992 and joined the Rifle Volunteer Fire Department in 1994, serving for just over 10 years and meeting many great friends while serving the community. I retired from the Colorado Department of Transportation in 2021 and later worked for Rio Blanco County as the Road and Bridge Director for four years before returning to Rifle to take the same position for Garfield County. I believe my experience managing large budgets, grants and projects could be a benefit to the city. I also want people to know that I have an amazing family and love spending time with them. One of our favorite things to do is camp at Trapper’s Lake with our kids and grandkids — there’s no cell service, so it’s all about quality time together.

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

A: I believe I can bring different perspectives and outside-the-box ideas to help with projects and infrastructure — that’s what I’ve been involved with throughout my career. I think we should stay open to ideas from everyone to help improve how we operate.

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

A: Funding and infrastructure are going to be major challenges in the future. With federal and state funding decreasing, the city’s resources will likely be affected as well. Our infrastructure is not keeping up with growth — traffic is getting worse every year. It’s crucial to continue pursuing as many grants as possible to offset funding shortages and maintain or improve existing infrastructure. Attainable housing also remains a significant concern across the valley, and finding solutions will be another key challenge for City Council.

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: I do believe pay increases that keep up with market rates will help the city retain employees. The Police Department, for example, was about to lose a few officers to other departments, but the raises encouraged them to stay. Everyone is trying to support their families, and with the rising cost of living in the valley, competitive wages are important for retention. The city’s performance-based raise system also helps by rewarding top performers with higher pay, which reduces turnover and keeps talent within the organization.