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

Michael Clancy, who was appointed to fill Brian Condie’s seat after his departure in September 2024, is running for his first term this November. He joins incumbents Clint Hostettler and Alicia Gresley and new candidates Scott Marsh, Jonathan Rice, Rick Steffen, Ryan Fideldy and Aaron Cumming on the ballot.

Q: What made you run for Rifle City Council?

A: I’m running for City Council because Rifle is at a turning point that requires clear vision, strong leadership and a proactive approach to economic development. We have a proud history built on hard work and resilience, and I want to help shape a future that honors those roots while positioning our city for long-term prosperity.

This isn’t about politics — it’s about stewardship. We need leaders who understand Rifle and how growth happens, who can guide investment into the right places and who can build the kind of local economy that supports families, small businesses and future generations. I believe I can help the city make thoughtful decisions today that lay the foundation for a vibrant, resilient economy tomorrow.

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: My family’s roots in Rifle go back generations — in fact, four generations of us live here today. My mother taught at Colorado Mountain College for decades, and my father worked across the valley in construction. After leaving Colorado in 2004 to complete my education in Idaho, I returned in 2018 and moved my business here because I believe deeply in this community and the unique opportunities this valley offers.

I’ve spent my career helping communities and companies plan for growth — aligning public priorities with private investment and translating big-picture goals into practical, results-oriented strategies. I’m also proud to have participated in many local initiatives over the years, from sponsoring our local 5K series to the Rifle Creek Watershed Restoration initiative, a collaborative project led by the Middle Colorado Watershed Council to restore and protect one of our most vital natural resources. As a business owner and community advocate, I understand the importance of policies that foster economic opportunity while preserving what makes Rifle special.

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

A: My top priority is building a stronger economic foundation for Rifle — one that supports local businesses, attracts new employers and keeps our workforce and families here. That starts with smart, intentional growth: planning infrastructure that unlocks new opportunities, zoning and development strategies that encourage investment, and partnerships that bring new industries into our local economy.
We can’t afford to simply hope that growth happens in a way that benefits our community — we have to guide it. That means being proactive about business retention and expansion, creating conditions for housing and workforce development, and ensuring that Rifle is positioned as a competitive, attractive place to invest and build a future.

Q: What do you think is the biggest problem Rifle is facing?
A: Our biggest challenge — and our biggest opportunity — is transitioning from a reactive approach to growth to a strategic one. Right now, we face pressures on housing, workforce retention and infrastructure. While these challenges may be rooted in macroeconomic trends, they are felt very locally. With the right policies and investments, we can channel that momentum into sustainable economic development that broadens our tax base, supports local businesses and creates career-path jobs for residents.

If we don’t plan carefully, we risk losing the character and affordability that make Rifle special. But if we lead with a vision — one that balances tradition with innovation — we can grow in a way that strengthens our economy and preserves what we value most about this community.

Q: Recently, Rifle City Council approved a higher pay structure for city employees, including police officers, to be included in the 2025-26 budget. Do you think increasing wages will help retain staff, and how would you balance that with the city’s budget and taxpayer concerns?

A: Competitive compensation, in response to national inflationary pressure, is essential if we want to build and retain the workforce our city depends on — from public safety to planning, utilities and beyond.

But we should also view this through an economic lens: strong public services are part of the business environment that attracts employers and investment. A safe, well-managed and responsive city is a more competitive city. My decision to support this pay structure was based on the need to support our public safety officers. It was also informed by an economic study and a review of regional wages.

At the same time, fiscal responsibility is nonnegotiable. Balancing those priorities means pursuing a budget strategy that grows our revenue base through smart economic development, not simply raising costs. By expanding our tax base through strategic growth — supporting small businesses, attracting new investment and planning for long-term revenue — we can afford to pay competitive wages while keeping taxpayer burdens in check.