Thea Chase
Occupation:
Business Owner, Economic and Business Development consulting
How long have you lived in Palisade?
Moved to EOM 1993 and into town limits in 1996. Have owned 3 homes inside town limits, total of 15 years within the town.
Why are you running for a position on the Town Board, or for Mayor?
I have served on the Town Council for the past 6 years, being appointed in 2014 and elected in 2016. Palisade has gone through many changes since I moved here with my family in 1993. As a community, we are faced with many changes ahead. It feels that Palisade is being “discovered”. Property values are increasing, tax receipts have gone up and local government has more resources to invest in Town infrastructure and amenities like parks and recreation. However, with more homes being built and increased tourism comes threats to the quaint character of our community and affordability for residents. It is a critical juncture and I believe my background on the Board, business and economic development expertise and passionate commitment to our quality of life provide me with an opportunity to serve Palisade effectively.
Are you willing to commit to attending a majority of the Town Board meetings, missing meetings only in extreme cases?
Yes.
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?
Absolutely. I spend numerous hours outside of formal meetings involved in community activities and send time to read and research issues as well as solicit opinions of residents.
How many Town Board meetings have you attended to date?
125+
What do you think are the big issues Palisade is presently facing?
Updating the Comprehensive plan; options for upgraded sewer service; preserving excellent water system; managing growth.
How are you presently involved in the community of Palisade?
Town Trustee past 6 years; Board representative Palisade Chamber of Commerce; founding committee member Palisade Art Vision committee (sculpture program).
What would you do to promote economic development in Palisade? Need to evaluate options for sustainable downtown and 6&50 retail districts. Buying local campaigns, supporting Chamber efforts to provide educational and networking opportunities for local businesses and tourism promotion are all examples of efforts underway, but there is more we can do. Additionally, supporting Palisade heritage industries and brand – fruit and wine are key priorities. I’d like to explore the feasibility of expanding the kitchen in the Veterans Memorial building to support more value-added agricultural businesses and connect to the Kitchen Incubator in GJ to provide direct services. I also believe our hemp growing and processing facilities and legal marijuana shops contribute economically and provide jobs. Helping to ensure they are able to operate in a safe and profitable manner while ensuring compliance with rules and regulations and recognizing any citizens concerns is an important obligation of the Town. There are many Palisade residents that work from home which creates an opportunity for a vibrant co-working space and/or other networking opportunities.
What intrigues you about Palisade’s history? How does it apply to Palisade’s future?
Palisade has a rich history and I am so excited about the Historical Society’s project for its first museum. My home was built in 1899 and I love the walk ability and character of our town. Certainly, Palisade has the opportunity to capitalize further on our history providing citizens and visitors with information and activities. I am very proud that the Town of Palisade stepped up to help the Historical Society with the Museum and annual operations.
What do you see in Palisade’s future? What would you do to guide/direct it?
Palisade is the gem of the western slope. With the fruit and wine heritage and Victorian charm we can build off of the foundation to bring the community together with more amenities for residents and a vibrant business community while being responsible stewards of water and sewer services, roads and sidewalks, public buildings, parks, emergency services, fire protection and public safety. As a resident of Palisade for 15 years and grand valley for close to 25 along with my expertise in economic and business development, I feel that I can provide leadership for balanced and smart development for our community preserving our character while enhancing opportunities for residents. I am proud to have the trust of the community as a Town Trustee for the past 6 years and look forward to serving an additional term.
