Two Pitkin County Democratic co-chair hopefuls announced

Two candidates have been announced for potential co-chairs of the Pitkin County Democratic Party as its current chair is set to retire later this week.

The two candidates intending to take over for Betty Wallach, Pitkin County Democratic chair since February 2023, are Sharon Caulfied and Bebe Severe. Their nominations are expected to take place during a reorganization event slated for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Aspen Police Department community room.

Caulfield is a semi-retired regulatory attorney and Old Snowmass resident, according to her bio. Her primary clients were rural hospitals in Colorado, and she said in a Monday email that she is a “firm respecter of the Rule of Law and effective local, state and national governments.”

“I have brought that approach to my efforts as the County Counsel for the Pitco Dems, as a Precinct Organizer, and through my participation in Farmers’ Market and Blue Card outreach,” she said. She is also involved in the Snowmass Capitol Creek Caucus. “In my other interests, I love river rafting, choir singing, and travel, and I value my membership in St. Peter’s of the Valley Episcopal Church in Basalt.”

Severe, originally from California, is a single working mother with over 30 years spent in hospitality management and more than 15 years of highly accoladed federal service, according to her bio. The Aspen resident and current hospital worker also has doctorate’s degrees in educational law and policy; master’s degrees in legal studies and business administration, graduating in the first seat; a graduate certificate in strategic global communications and a bachelor’s in aviation and professional piloting, graduating as the class salutatorian.

In addition to electing new chairs, the party’s first and second vice-chairs, treasurer and secretary have given notice that they will stand for re-election during Thursday’s event.