Cuchara, Colorado, is not a town with a mayor, a city council, or a town hall. It is an unincorporated mountain community that relies on Huerfano County for governance, services, and long-term planning. For many residents and cabin owners, that structure can feel distant or even confusing, yet it quietly shapes nearly every aspect of life in Cuchara and Pinehaven.
In this December 17, 2025 video interview, Gene Roncone sits down with Huerfano County Commissioner Jim Chamberlain to explore how county governance intersects with life in District 2. Their conversation ranges from the unique culture of Cuchara and Pinehaven to the district’s greatest needs, emerging threats, and enduring strengths. Just as importantly, Jim shares his perspective on how local residents, especially those in Pinehaven, can move from concern to contribution and become part of the solution to the challenges facing the community.
Jim Chamberlain has deep roots in Huerfano County and brings a lifetime of public service to his role as District 2 Commissioner. His background includes nearly two decades in local law enforcement, culminating in his service as Chief of Police in Walsenburg, along with more than 25 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. His military career included multiple overseas deployments following 9/11. Sworn into office in January 2025, Commissioner Chamberlain now helps guide county operations, infrastructure planning, and asset management.
This interview is structured as an interactive conversation built around eight guiding questions:
1. What three priorities do you most hope to influence or accomplish in District 2?
2. How would you describe the culture of District 2?
3. What are the district’s greatest unmet needs?
4. What three threats or challenges does Huerfano County face right now?
5. What do you see as District 2’s greatest strengths?
6. In what ways has District 2 changed over the past five years?
7. What needs do local organizations most often feel unequipped to address?
8. How can the Pinehaven community make a meaningful, positive contribution to District 2?
Commissioner Chamberlain can be contacted by email at jchamberlain@huerfano.us.
For readers who want a deeper foundation on how Cuchara and Pinehaven is governed as an unincorporated community, this interview pairs well with Journal 47: Understanding Cuchara’s Governance, available at this link.
Together, these two pieces offer a clearer picture of how county governance works and how engaged residents can help shape the future of Cuchara and Pinehaven.
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