Mayoral candidates Paula Brown, who is the incumbent, and Brad Miller responded to questions last week about issues and challenges pertaining to Nucla. Topics were taken from readership who responded to a community engagement post on Facebook. Their responses follow, and voters will decide April 7.
How will you promote transparency of the town board's work?
Brown: I’ll make sure everyone knows what’s happening at Town Hall. Meeting agendas will be posted ahead of time, minutes kept simple and clear, and everyone’s welcome to share their thoughts. No secrets — just open doors and honest conversations. Ethical standards matter, so business will be conducted openly and fairly, with clear info about board actions. Public participation is encouraged, and records are available to access online or by CORA request, so you’re never left in the dark.
Miller: … The first step is to increase the town’s communication through existing platforms, including the local newspaper and the community Facebook message board. One challenge I have observed … residents often have to search multiple sources to find information. Agendas are posted on the town website, meetings are available on YouTube, and additional details sometimes require an in-person visit to town hall. … I plan to share meeting agendas in a clear, easy-to-understand format on both the Facebook message board and in the newspaper … The second step would be to evaluate moving the regular town meeting time from Wednesday at 7 p.m. to a more convenient time later in the week, such as Friday. … Finally, I would establish a weekly opportunity for residents to meet with me in a public setting, similar to a “Coffee with the Commissioners” …
How would you help attract revenue and new businesses?
Brown: I’ll support commercial property designation to protect business spaces and keep our economy growing. Teaming up with regional partners for funding, like the Main Street Revitalization project, is key. Listening to local owners about their needs and continuing to work with our economic development partners, like West End Economic Development Corporation, with regular conversations at board meetings. Together, we’ll make Nucla a welcoming spot for new ventures and jobs.
Miller: I plan to work closely with the Nucla–Naturita Chamber of Commerce to strengthen and promote our existing businesses while identifying opportunities for growth. Supporting the success of established businesses is a critical first step, as thriving local enterprises create jobs, generate revenue and contribute to the overall vitality of the community. … I intend to build stronger regional partnerships by reaching out to the chambers of commerce in Montrose, Grand Junction, Delta and Cortez, which represent larger population centers with valuable economic connections. By moving away from an isolationist approach and instead collaborating with neighboring communities, we can expand our visibility, attract tourism, and encourage both economic and population growth. Promoting our current festivals and community events within these surrounding areas will help draw new visitors, showcase what our town has to offer, and potentially convert visitors into repeat tourists, residents, or investors.
What can be done about vacant houses just sitting?
Brown: The West End Vision Project opened the door to many of these conversations and provides us tools for continued conversations and possible solutions. We have started real talks about housing and neglected properties, considering policies to limit short-term housing and address run-down homes. Solutions will come from community input — maybe incentives for renovations or new ideas for repurposing spaces. Open discussion and involvement are essential.
Miller: My solution to addressing the issue of vacant homes is closely connected to my broader plan for attracting new businesses to the town. Economic growth and business development naturally create increased demand for housing, which in turn provides property owners with stronger incentives to sell or rent currently vacant homes. As the local economy begins to expand, we can expect renewed interest in residential properties, encouraging investment in renovations, property improvements, and redevelopment. This process will likely lead to an increase in remodeling projects, as well as the demolition and reconstruction of homes that are beyond repair … Organizing a community beautification initiative that brings together volunteers to clean up abandoned or neglected properties can significantly improve neighborhood appearance and morale. Such efforts demonstrate collective responsibility, encourage resident involvement, and create a more welcoming environment for potential investors, new residents, and business owners.
How will you work toward uniting the community, in light of the divide that appears to exist?
Brown: Unity starts with respect. Every voice will be heard, meetings kept civil, and I’ll lead by example — no shouting, just neighbors working things out. We might not always agree, but we’ll always listen and treat each other with fairness, focusing on preserving and protecting the town’s future.
Miller: Transparency and clear lines of communication must serve as the cornerstone for strengthening trust and unity within the community. Residents are more likely to feel engaged and supportive of local initiatives when they are informed about decisions, understand the reasoning behind them, and have opportunities to provide meaningful input. Establishing consistent communication channels, such as public forums, regular updates, and accessible leadership outreach, can help ensure that community members feel heard and valued. … Maintaining a visible and approachable presence within the community is essential for bridging the gap between residents and local leadership. When leaders actively participate in community events, attend local gatherings, and make themselves available for conversation, it fosters stronger relationships and mutual respect. Organizing community-building events, such as volunteer projects, town meetings, and neighborhood activities, can further promote collaboration and shared purpose.
What can we do about town streets and potholes?
Brown: Infrastructure repairs will be prioritized based on urgency and funding. Once water and sewer projects are done, street repairs move up the list. We’ll keep discussing street and pothole concerns at board meetings and keep the public informed. Public Works is testing a new product for potholes, hoping for a better short-term fix. … We’ll keep setting and achieving goals for infrastructure, economic development, and community health. The board’s procedures will be used to propose new initiatives, debate solutions, and adopt ordinances as needed. Ethical conduct and transparency will be upheld, and community engagement encouraged to identify and address new issues. If you’ve got an idea or concern, I’m always open to chat.
Miller: Fill the existing potholes using cold patch material … it will help improve safety for drivers and pedestrians and prevent further deterioration until more permanent repairs can be completed. … It would be beneficial for the town to partner with the local Road and Bridge department to gain educational insight and professional recommendations regarding the most effective long-term solutions. Their expertise can help ensure that future decisions are both cost-effective and structurally sound. Furthermore, the town should actively pursue grant opportunities and develop a financial plan to repair necessary infrastructure beneath the road. Addressing foundational issues such as drainage, base materials, and underground utilities is critical before any complete repaving project can be undertaken. By prioritizing these underlying repairs first, the town can avoid repeated damage and ensure that future road investments are durable, sustainable, and fiscally responsible for the community.
