A third generation Colorado native, I am passionate about Glenwood Springs, the town I have called home for 46 years! Born in Leadville at 10,200 feet the Colorado lifestyle is an integral part of who I am.

Some of my first memories are of hot summer days at the Glenwood Hot Springs, playing in the park behind the old Chamber building at 11th and Grand and summer evenings at the drive-in theater in West Glenwood. What great memories!

I graduated from Glenwood Springs High School in 1972 and received a degree in Journalism with a minor in Business Administration from what is now Adams State University. When I thought of raising a family, there was no place I would have rather been than Glenwood Springs — so I returned in 1978.

I developed a close connection with the business community of Glenwood Springs while working in advertising for what was then known as the Glenwood Post in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. That commitment to our local businesses continues today.

After the birth of my youngest son, I transitioned into healthcare, eventually working as the director of Patient Financial Services at Valley View Hospital. From there, my next move was into government. I served as Glenwood Springs Deputy City Clerk for about three and a half years.

Sadly, my mother developed Alzheimer’s disease. I made the choice to start a small business doing transcription that would allow me a flexible schedule to care for her.

When she entered Heritage Park Care Center, I was offered a job as their Business Office Manager, which I jumped at to be able to remain close to my mother. After her passing, I was offered a position in the Budget and Finance Department at Central Services at Colorado Mountain College, where I remain today.

After returning to work in Glenwood I knew I wanted to give back to Glenwood, a community that has given so much. In 2009 I applied and was appointed to three City boards and commissions; Financial Advisory Board, Victims’ and Law Enforcement Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission. I have been Chairman of the Planning Commission since 2011. In 2013 I was also appointed to the Transportation Commission.

In 2013 I rekindled my passion for writing and began a blog, Our Town- Glenwood Springs. My goal was to offer another alternative to present information and to encourage dialog affecting Glenwood Springs. As a result, I was asked to be a columnist for an on-line planning magazine, PlannersWeb.com. I was also invited to write a monthly column, Perspective, for the Glenwood Post Independent.

I have taken part in two Community Development Academies offered by the Sonoran Institute, one that was focused on Glenwood Springs and another that involved leadership from Aspen to Parachute. A small group continued on and formed Partners4Glenwood, to encourage more discussion and dialog on issues in Glenwood Springs.I am a graduate of the 2015 class of Roaring Fork Leadership.

I was thrilled to be elected to City Council, as an at-large representative in April 2015.  My term is for four years, and as an “at-large” member, I represent all of Glenwood Springs, not any particular ward.

I am married to Gene Trauger and my family includes son Andrew Shivley, an Architectural/Electrical Engineer in Dallas, his wife Kate and daughters MacKenzie & Natalie; son Tade Shivley, a Police Officer for the town of Carbondale and his wife Monica; and stepson Doug Trauger, a Firefighter and Paramedic for Glenwood Springs, his wife Iryna and son Dominick. We also have two dogs and four birds.