Ellen T. Turner
Occupation:
Retired Financial Director
How long have you lived in Palisade:
Since May 1, 2016
Are you willing to commit to attending a majority of the Town Board meetings, missing meetings only in extreme cases?
I will fulfill my obligation to attend all meetings except for extreme cases.
Are you ready to put the time in to read and understand the packets prior to meetings and doing the other work that a Board member should do?
I am ready to commit all necessary time and effort to read and understand the Board packets prior to meetings and to perform other functions required of a Board member.
How many Town Board meetings have you attended to date?
I have attended every Board and Planning Commission meeting since the end of August 2019.
What do you think are the big issues Palisade is presently facing?
Three main issues facing Palisade are: (1) maintenance and improvement of town infrastructure, (2) managing growth within the town limits, and (3) sustainability for the businesses (which includes retail, ranches, farms, orchards and vineyards) and the schools in town.
How are you presently involved in the community of Palisade?
My community involvement includes using local tradespeople for all home improvements (which in my case has been substantial), watching out for my older neighbors and occasional volunteer work once a week at the high school.
What would you do to promote economic development in Palisade?
Promotion of economic development of Palisade is a tricky issue. The residents of Palisade want the town to retain its “small-town” feeling. Growth in the valley and Palisade, in particular, is inevitable. That being said the residents are concerned with the manner of probable expansion-sustaining businesses, the size of subdivisions that may be proposed, schools, traffic, crime, etc.
One suggestion to address these concerns might be to partner with a “sister” town in Colorado with Palisade’s approximate population that has been successful with the same issues facing this town. CMU can also be a resource for ideas.
What intrigues you about Palisade’s history? How does it apply to Palisade’s future?
Palisade’s history includes the mining and agriculture industries. While mining is no longer an economic engine, the town has made huge strides in promoting “agri-tourism” and outdoor activities including enjoying our vineyards, hiking and biking. There has been tremendous growth with our seasonal festivals and farmer’s markets. I do NOT wish for Palisade to lose its identity.
What would you do to guide/direct it?
To help guide us into the future I would be very involved in updating the Comprehensive Town Plan which will be constructed within the coming year.
