Common Sense
Leadership
for Teller County
Woodland Park Landmark
Historic Cowhand Building
Help Put Dave
on the Ballot
We need your help to get Dave Paul on the ballot! This is our first step to ensuring common sense leadership for Teller County.
Sign the Petition: Petitions are available during business hours at the Historic Cowhand in downtown Woodland Park.
Deep Roots,
Proven Integrity
Teller County is my home. I’ve raised my kids here, cultivated friendships, built businesses and am proud and happy to be part of a community that cares for our surroundings and each other. If you’ve been here for a while, I suspect that, like me, you have noticed a change in our community and really, our entire state. That change has not been for the better. A lot of it is driven by our state and local governments, and my desire to represent the people of Teller County is anchored in my clear understanding of the problems we face, and the efforts needed to fix them. In my prior work as a Commissioner, I learned one very important lesson, “if you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the menu,” and I am fully committed to being your voice at that table!
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Join the Campaign
in Real-Time
Don't miss a single update from the trail. Follow Dave for live event coverage, community discussions, and real-time updates on his vision for Teller County.
A Vision for Teller County
My plan is simple: keep our community safe, watch over your tax dollars, and protect the rural way of life we all love.
Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency
I believe county government should live within its means, just like the rest of us. I am committed to making sure every dollar is accounted for and spent where it matters most.
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Zero-Based Budgeting: Every tax dollar must be justified from the ground up each year to eliminate wasteful spending.
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Transparent Audits: Continuing and publicizing regular, independent fiscal reviews to maintain absolute public trust in county finances.
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Keeping Us Debt-Free: Having previously led the effort to wipe out Teller County's debt, and earmarking sufficient funds for the county to pay cash for the new Sheriff's Office Building, I will ensure we continue to build for the future with cash we’ve saved—not loans we can’t afford.
Keeping Our Community Safe
As a former Fire District President, I know that safety in our mountains is about more than just response times—it's about staying ahead of the risks before they start.
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Law Enforcement: Ensuring the Sheriff's office has the proper equipment and training to keep response times low and our communities safe.
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Emergency Management, Fire and EMT Support: I have years of experience handling coordinated responses to emergencies, including mobilizing county assets to complement state, federal and local fire and ambulance services. With my experience, Teller County will continue to produce exceptional results.
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Robust Attention to Public Works: We all know that along with the dangers of criminal activity and wildland fires, navigating our many miles of rural roads, particularly during snow and ice events, can be deadly. Emphasizing proper maintenance and appropriate funding of our public works departments will always be a priority for me.
Protecting the Land We Love
Protecting our mountains means finding the right balance between a growing community and the wild spaces we call home. I am committed to keeping Teller County feeling like Teller County.
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Wildlife & Habitat: Protecting the Colorado rural wildlife and migration corridors that define our unique mountain environment.
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Forest Health: Promoting active forest management and integrated fire-mitigation initiatives to protect our community assets. Incorporate robust private property mitigation opportunities with chipping equipment and slash/mulch sites.
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Ranching Heritage: Standing firm for property and water rights to ensure our local ranching families can continue their legacy. I will also fully support 4-H to insure future generations will continue to live the Western experience.
Defending Our Way of Life
Teller County decisions should be made in Teller County—not in Denver. I am a fearless advocate for local control and constitutional principles.
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2nd Amendment Sanctuary: Upholding Teller County’s status as a sanctuary for law-abiding gun owners against unconstitutional state mandates.
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Fighting State Mandates: Resisting ridiculous policies from Denver that threaten our local businesses, water rights, land use and energy. Especially the "unfunded mandates" that continue to erode our freedoms.
A Record of Results
Dave combines thirty years of small business experience with a record of getting the job done for the public. He doesn't just hold meetings; he gets results.
Elected Leadership
Directly Accountable to the People
Teller County Commissioner
Dave served two consecutive terms as Teller County Commissioner (2011–2019), providing eight years of dedicated public service. During this time, he was twice elected by his peers to lead as Chairman of the Board for three of those years (2013–2014 and 2017), maintaining complete oversight of all county budgets, policies, and finances.
His leadership extended to critical community functions, including membership on the Board of Health, Board of Social Services, and Board of Equalization. Elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014 without opposition, Dave's tenure was marked by a high level of community trust and a focus on transparency and accountability.
Testifying at the State Capitol
It is often said that at the Capital, Teller County punches above its weight, and Dave kept up that tradition while serving as a Commissioner and beyond. He testified dozens of times at House and Senate committee hearings, and more importantly cultivated relationships with bill sponsors and Legislative Leadership.
Regardless of party, if a bill sponsor was proposing a new law that would directly impact Teller County, Dave was there to provide support or offer alternatives that ultimately worked to the benefit of his constituency.
Among his victories were Tax Increment Finance (TIF) modifications that broadened voter control of Urban Renewal Authorities, a pilot program for Pikes Peak Workforce Center that funded dedicated job training and placement for Veterans, and local control in Cripple Creek and Gilpin County for statewide online gambling.
His five years on the Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI) Board placed him on multiple steering committees for the National Association of Counties (NACo) allowing him to further the interests of Colorado and Teller County at the federal level.
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) which helps defray the cost to counties of maintaining emergency services in federally controlled areas (50% of Teller County) and limiting regulation of natural resources, were consistently items of discussion.
Northeast Teller County Fire Protection District (NETCO)
As Director and Board President, Dave was elected simultaneously with the approval of a mill levy increase to expand the primary station on Evergreen Heights Drive in Woodland Park.
He was deeply involved in the design and execution of the facility expansion and rehabilitation of the existing building. Dave coordinated maneuvering the department from primarily volunteers to a full professional career staff, and even served as acting Administrative Chief following an unexpected retirement.
Strategic Appointments
Specialized Regional Leadership
Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI)
As Foundation President (2017-18), Dave managed the $1.3M annual budget and the Grant Street facility in Denver. He led the Colorado Caucus at the NACO Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, representing Teller County on the national stage, and he was privileged to convene the first-ever Colorado Commissioners Conference at the White House.
He was responsible for managing executive, legislative, and training staff while hosting major conferences for over 400 attendees from across the state.
Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments
As Director for the Development Corporation, Dave managed the Business Loan Fund (BLF) portfolio, providing critical financing for businesses across Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, and Teller counties. He also served as the Enterprise Zone Administrator under the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). In addition, he was elevated to Executive Director in early 2025 when the organization was in jeopardy due to years of failed leadership and fiscal mismanagement. Less than a year into his tenure, the "COG" has drastically cut expenses, produced an accurate budget, delinquent audits are underway and the primary programs, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Women Infants and Children (WIC), Head Start and multiple Housing programs including Section 8 and Self-Help, are fully operational and thriving.
Judicial Performance
Commissioner (2019–2025)
Appointed by House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, and re-appointed by the late Hugh McKean, for the Fourth Judicial District. Commissioners conduct interviews, observe Judges on the bench, and analyze surveys and case work of County and District Court Judges for determining retention recommendations for reporting in the Blue Book.
Gaming Impact Grant
Committee Member (2012–2018)
Appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper to represent Teller and contiguous counties. Chaired by the Executive Director of DOLA, this committee distributed over $5 million in annual impact grants. Teller County applicants typically garnered over $2 million annually from this program during Dave's tenure.
Community Impact
Three Decades of Local Engagement
Civic Pride: Centennial Project
Pikes Peak Rotary Club
Community Service Director 1999-2003, Centennial President 2004-05 and coordinator of the Centennial Project, constructing the Rotary Terrace at the Woodland Park Public Library.
The Resource Exchange (TRE)
Board Director for the $40M non-profit serving regional disability communities. Member of the nominating and legislative committees, providing oversight for 300+ employees and the owned facility at 6385 Corporate Drive.
2020–2025Pikes Peak Workforce (PPWFC)
Executive Board Chair overseeing a $7M budget and 70 employees. Navigated the complex federal transition from WIA to WIOA, establishing the center as an award-winning example for Colorado.
2013–2017Woodland West Water Users
Board President. Managed water rights, system maintenance, and delivery. Successfully perfected ownership of source water through land and water right acquisitions.
9 YEARS TOTALCTSI Workers Comp Board
Elected Director providing fiscal oversight of insurance operations, claims, training, and prudent investment of significant reserves within statutory requirements.
2012–2018Private Sector Success
Building Value in Teller County
CEO & Mortgage Loan Originator
Created this boutique mortgage brokerage to provide exceptional rates and terms for clients cultivated over 25 years in the profession. Licensed Realtor since 2023 to assist buyers and sellers with comprehensive expertise.
Mortgage Department Head
Led the Mortgage Department and served as a member of the Internal Loan Committee and management team for the bank's 33 employees. Contributed well over $1 million to the bank's bottom-line profit during this successful tenure.
President & CEO
Owned and operated a mortgage and insurance brokerage in Woodland Park across three decades, with strategic partnerships at Park State Bank (1999–2006) and Prudential Real Estate (2006–2010). Resigned as an agent for Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance to establish the Mortgage Department for PSB&T.
Branch AVP (Colorado Springs)
Managed an $18 million loan portfolio in Colorado Springs, supervising a team of seven employees. Earned membership in the President’s Association for achieving results in the top 10% of the entire company.
Corporate General Manager
Selected to open the new center-grill concept store at Broadway and Virginia in Denver, literally starting from a construction trailer in a vacant lot. Successfully operated the most profitable unit out of 48 corporate stores in the metro area, managing 45 employees.
General Manager
Managed all aspects of a large steak and seafood restaurant and night club operation in Aurora, Colorado, supervising 65 employees.
Sales Manager
Led an independent Medicare supplement insurance brokerage, supervising a support staff and a network of independent agents.
Multi-State Financial Management
Rapidly rose through management ranks across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. Managed a $3.5M portfolio in Lancaster, PA, a $10M portfolio as Branch AVP in Ellicott City, MD, and was recruited back to Colorado to lead a $6.5M portfolio in Lakewood.
Education & Credentials
Lehigh University: B.A. in Journalism, concentrations in History, Urban Studies, International Relations and Public Relations (1984)
Mercersburg Academy: Class of 1980
Leadership Program of the Rockies: Class of 2010
Community Roots
Teller County Resident since 1996
Twenty Years of
Grassroots Leadership
Dave’s leadership within the Teller County Republican Central Committee (TCRCC) isn't just about titles—it’s about a two-decade commitment to our shared principles.
Precinct & Community Leadership
Serving as a Precinct Co-Chair since 2006, Dave has been a consistent point of contact, ensuring conservative voices are heard and organized at every neighborhood level.
Internal Party Governance
As a veteran of the Executive Committee, he served as both Treasurer and Vice Chair, providing the fiscal accountability and steady leadership required to manage party resources effectively.
GOP Volunteer Core
Over three decades of dedication to candidate recruitment, voter registration drives, and grassroots mobilization initiatives that keep Teller County a stronghold for conservative values.
The "Big Tent" Legacy
From 2008 to 2021, Dave served as the primary fundraiser and event coordinator, founding and leading the Big Tent event. It grew into the most popular and successful tradition for Teller County Republicans, providing the vital resources needed to win local elections.
"I don't want your money, but I will take your time."
The big-money political machine wants your credit card number. Dave wants your Teller County Spirit. This campaign is built on the belief that neighbors talking to neighbors beats a million-dollar TV ad every single day.
"Real leadership doesn't come from a checkbook—it comes from showing up when it matters."
— Dave's Philosophy
Neighborhood Navigator
You're the "Boots on the Ground." Whether it's walking the neighborhoods of Woodland Park or Cripple Creek, your job is to talk to neighbors and leave them with a clear vision of common-sense leadership.
- DOOR CANVASSING
- HANGING DOOR HANGERS
- TELLING THE TRUTH
The Petition Powerhouse
Before we can win, we have to get on the ballot. It's the ultimate gatekeeper role for our campaign. We need volunteers to help gather signatures.
- SIGNATURE DRIVES
- STOREFRONT GATHERING
- EVENT TABLING
Yard Sign Sentinel
A campaign lives or dies by its visibility. You'll be scouting high-traffic locations, securing permission from property owners, and making sure our signs stay standing through the Teller County wind.
- 4x8 SIGN PLACEMENT
- SITE SCOUTING
- MAINTENANCE CREW
The Truth-Teller (Digital)
Can you navigate a Facebook group without losing your mind? We need people to share our official updates, answer questions accurately, and keep the local digital conversation focused on the facts.
- SOCIAL SHARING
- COMMENT MONITORING
- MEME STRATEGY
Event Fuel Team
Host a "Meet Dave" coffee at your house or bring donuts to the canvassing crew. A hungry volunteer is a sad volunteer. Help us keep the energy high with local hospitality.
- COFFEE HOSTS
- FOOD LOGISTICS
- MEET-AND-GREETS
Whatever you're good at, we'll take it.
Have a specific skill we didn't mention? Graphic design? Data management? Good at making phone calls? Reach out.
Enlist in the CampaignButton not working? Email us directly at:
trustdavepaul@gmail.com
The Dave Paul Guarantee
We won't ask for a dime.
We will ask for a Tuesday.
"Your money is exactly that—yours. Dave respects your hard-earned dollar. Your time, however, is what’s going to win this race."
Make Your Voice Heard
Your vote is your voice in our community's future. Join us in bringing common-sense leadership back to Teller County.
"I am asking for your vote to preserve our heritage and protect our future."
Getting on the Primary Ballot is Job One!
Our campaign starts NOW, and in order to collect petition signatures or sign to show your support, you must be 18 years of age, and a registered Republican in Teller County. We have until March 15 to reach our goal of 750 signatures. Watch this site and our social media for locations and events where you can add your support.
If you are not registered, or have temporarily lost your enthusiasm for the GOP, you still have time to register as a Republican. 22 days after registration, you can legally sign the petition!
When to Vote
Republican Primary
The Real Race
In Teller County, the primary is everything. Ensure you are registered as a Republican or Unaffiliated to cast your ballot for Dave Paul and keep conservative leadership in the driver's seat.
General Election
The final election for Teller County Commissioner. This is the critical moment to secure Dave Paul’s seat on the Board of County Commissioners.
Note: Dates are subject to final certification by the Colorado Secretary of State.
How & Where
Automatic Mail Ballots
Colorado is a mail-ballot state. All active registered voters will automatically receive a ballot at their listed address starting 22 days before the election.
Drop Box Locations
24-hour drop boxes are available at the Woodland Park Motor Vehicle Office, the Teller County Courthouse in Cripple Creek, and the Divide Market.
Register to Vote
Register online at the Secretary of State's website or in-person at any Clerk and Recorder office. You can register up to and including Election Day.
Mile High Heart.
Orange & Blue
Soul.
Dave isn't just a Teller County leader—he's a diehard Coloradan who lives for the Centennial State's sunshine and traditions. Whether he's firing up the grill for a legendary tailgate or cheering on the Broncos, his Colorado spirit is the foundation of everything he does.
"My commitment to the Broncos began in 1998 when my number came up on the waiting list. Since then I've been proving my loyalty and raising a racket at every home regular season and playoff game except one, and Super Bowl 50!"
Memberships, Acknowledgements, Points of Pride
- Pikes Peak Rotarian of the Year 2001
- Teller County Cares Award 2005
- Rotary International President's Award 2006
- Life Member, York County Agricultural Society 2012
- Colorado Counties Inc. Presidents Award 2018
- Honored Inductee, Who's Who in America 2025
- And best of all, Married to my wonderful wife Marla for 30 years!
Marla — My wife