Town of Palisade Clerk's Office

Each term will be for four (4) years:

     VOTE FOR NO MORE THAN THREE (3) TRUSTEES

Candidates will be listed in the order they will appear on the ballot. The order will be chosen by a random lot draw on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 4:00 pm at Town Hall. Either the candidate or a representative appointed by the candidate may be present; however, neither is required.

All information below has been provided by the candidates

Justin Martin

Justin Martin is a 44-year-old Western Colorado business owner and community organizer who lives in Palisade, Colorado, where he has been a resident for the past four years. 

A graduate of Palisade High School, Justin left the valley after graduation to attend college and build life experience before choosing to return home. Coming back to Palisade was intentional - a decision rooted in wanting to invest his time, energy, and work into the town that shaped him. 

As a Western Colorado business owner, Justin believes a strong community starts with a healthy, resilient local economy. He understands that Palisade's identity is deeply tied to its agricultural roots, and that measured, thoughtful growth and tourism must be managed in ways that support farmers, protect small-town character, and strengthen-not strain-local infrastructure and quality of life. 

Justin's public service has grown out of community organizing, including work with Indivisible, where he has helped bring neighbors together, listen across differences, and focus on practical solutions. He has never held elected office and sees that as a strength - he brings an outsider's perspective, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to transparency and collaboration. 

Justin is driven by the belief that local leadership should be accessible, thoughtful, and accountable, and that good decisions come from engaging the people most affected by them. He is focused on preserving what makes Palisade special while ensuring the town grows in a deliberate, sustainable way that benefits residents today and future generations. 

JoAnn Rasmussen

Occupation: Volunteer

Length of Time as a Town Resident: Almost 5 years

Previous Political Experience: JoAnn Rasmussen served on a public charter School Board in Jefferson County for six years. She was elected to two 3-year terms and served one year as Secretary and shadow to the President and five years as President of the Board. This nonpartisan School Board experience involved public policy, budgeting, strategic planning, governance, and community leadership. 

Other: JoAnn Rasmussen volunteers with various organizations around Palisade and the Grand Valley. She also serves as Chair of the Palisade Historical Society and is the Vice President of the Mesa County Historical Society. These nonprofit affiliations are listed for identification purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.

In addition to being an appointee to the Town of Palisade's Tourism Advisory Commission, JoAnn has extensive executive board experience and enjoys engaging with the community, researching, and problem solving. She looks forward to serving the residents of the Town of Palisade in a greater capacity. 

Amy Gekas

Occupation: Market manager - sales division

Length of Time as a Town Resident: Raised just outside of Palisade city limits, 9 years at current residence.

Previous Political Experience: Currently serving second term on the Palisade Planning Commission as Chair.

Other: PHS graduate, class of 2011. Proud 2x graduate of CMU: Bachelor of Arts, Political Science 2015 - Associate of Applied Science, Viticulture and Enology 2018.

Brandon M. Burke

Occupation: District Manager/ Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District

Length of Time as a Town Resident: 6 years at current residence

Previous Political Experience: Current Vice Chair/ Palisade Planning Commission Previous Planning Commissioner Palisade Planning Commission.

Other: Palisade Highschool Graduate Class of 2000

Stan Harbaugh

Occupation: Retired

Length of Time as a Town Resident: 9 1/25 Years

Previous Political Experience: 1 Term on the Planning Commission - TOP 

1 Term on the Board of Trustees - TOP

Other: 

• Russell, Ks to Boulder, CO 1967 

• Boulder, CO to Longmont, CO 1976

1. Owned two travel agencies

2. member of the Chamber for many years

■  Chairman Transportation Advisory Committee

■  Founder of The Ambassador Club

3. Jaycees for many years, President of the largest chapter in the state

4. Chartering Vice-President of the Skyline Kiwanis

5. Board member of the Longmont branch of the Boulder county March of Dimes

6. Strong supporter of the Economic Development Association of Longmont

7. Sold agencies and commuted out of town for 15 years

Now we come to Palisade:

• Longmont, Co to Palisade, CO 2016

1. couple of years getting my house in shape and settling down

2. had put my ti1ne into service organizations

3. Volunteered for the Planning Commission 2018

4. Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission

5. Elected to first term on Board of Trustees 2022

Why do I want to serve on the Board of Trustees?

• I have the time and energy to invest into making my hometown better.

• Businesses and Palisade must grow with our help by making smart decisions.

• Palisade needs a Community Center. Without a community center there is no community.

• It is important that we do more for our senior citizens.

• We need to assure the safety of the kids on the streets and give them places to play safely.

• We need to make sure that traffic does not get uncontrollable.

• We need to make sure that we do not lose the small town feel and character we all enjoy by living in Palisade.

David William Edwards

Occupation: Retired

Length of Time as a Town Resident: 2008 - 2026

Previous Political Experience: Served eight years as Trustee and Mayor Pro-Tem of the Town of Palisade

Other: 

Candidate for Palisade Town Trustee: Dave Edwards

Preserving our heritage. Powering our future.

With a heart for service and a mind for fiscal responsibility, I am honored to run for Town Trustee. My mission is to ensure Palisade remains the welcoming, vibrant, and agriculturally rich home we all love, while continuing to build the modern infrastructure and revenue streams that keep us thriving.

Strategic Growth. Agricultural Heritage. Proven Results.

As your Trustee and former Palisade Mayor Pro Tem, I have used my background as a CFO and CPA to ensure Palisade is growing smart. My leadership focuses on two pillars: aggressive economic development that builds our tax base and permanent agricultural preservation that protects our soul.

💰 Driving Economic Development & Revenue

I believe in proactive governance that creates revenue without burdening residents. My past tenure was defined by identifying and securing high-impact economic drivers:

• Tax Revenue Innovation: Championed the introduction of retail marijuana sales, which have successfully generated millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to fund vital town services.
• Commercial Investment: Secured major retail investments from Golden Gate Petroleum and Dollar General, expanding our local tax base and services.
• Tourism as Industry: Directed the successful transfer of the Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Festival to town sponsorship and developed the Palisade Plunge, creating year-round economic activity for our local businesses.
• Future Palisade/Cameo Vision: I am a key advocate for formalizing the incorporation of the Cameo Shooting Sports and Education Complex into the Town of Palisade.  While the Town owns this land, bringing it within official town boundaries would unlock significant sales tax potential and give Palisade planning jurisdiction over a facility already attracting world-class events.
• By incorporation of the Cameo Shooting Sports and Educational Complex into Palisade, we can help enhance the offerings at Cameo, such as school activities and competitions, while capturing opportunities for Palisade businesses.

🍑 Protecting Our Agricultural Legacy

Economic growth must never come at the expense of our heritage. I have prioritized preserving the “Fruitlands” that define Palisade:

• Land Trust Partnership: Increased town contributions to the Colorado West Land Trust, helping to permanently conserve vital peach orchards and vineyards through easements that prevent subdivision and manage development.
• Industry Support: Expanded support for the Colorado Mountain Winefest, ensuring our local growers and vintners remain the centerpiece of the regional economy.
• Water & Infrastructure: Served four years as President of the 5-2-1 Drainage Authority and later served as President of Palisade Irrigation Pipes & Laterals to ensure that the water infrastructure supporting our crops and town greenspace remains modern and efficient.

My Pledge:

I will continue to leverage my financial expertise to keep Palisade fiscally sound, while using every tool at our disposal—from annexation to conservation easements—to protect the unique rural character of our home.

My vision for economic diversification and agricultural stability:

To maximize our assets and to protect our fields, a strategic approach is needed to move Palisade from a "seasonal destination" to a vibrant, year-round economy. This involves leveraging unique town-owned assets to generate consistent revenue, ensuring that modern services and agricultural heritage can be sustained.

📈 Economic Leadership: Proven Revenue & Future Potential

Palisade can achieve greater fiscal self-sufficiency by developing year-round economic engines.

• The Marijuana Success Story: Establishing retail marijuana sales in Palisade has proven to be a significant revenue source, generating substantial sales tax that supports local infrastructure such as streets, the gym, and the fire and emergency services.
• The Cameo Opportunity: The Cameo Shooting Sports and Education Complex is an asset with significant potential, but it is not currently formally incorporated into the Town of Palisade. 

By incorporating Cameo into the Town of Palisade, the town can:

• Capture significant Sales Taxes: Bringing current and future retail sales at Cameo into the town's tax base.
• Fill our lodging & restaurants year-round: While seasonal events are important, promoting Cameo more actively can help balance the visitor economy. 

Cameo already draws visitors who contribute to regional spending. By promoting Cameo as a central town asset and benefit, it can become a consistent draw that supports overnight stays and restaurant income during slower periods.

• Support Recreational Activities: Highlighting the facility can attract enthusiasts who value safety and education in recreational shooting.
• Encourage Sports Shooting and Archery educational and competition activities among area schools at Cameo.

 🍑 Agricultural Preservation: Protecting the Fruitlands

We must preserve and encourage our agricultural heritage.

• Permanent Conservation: Continuing to support initiatives that secure conservation easements can help protect peach orchards and vineyards from development.
• Water Security: Modernized water infrastructure is essential for maintaining the agricultural legacy of the area. Palisade’s Cabin Reservoir needs significant repair and updating to preserve the town’s water supply.
• The Zebra mussel poses a significant and imminent threat to our agriculture. As it invades our irrigation systems, it could become an endemic condition. In any case that might arise with regard to Zebra Mussels, we need to actively work with our partners to eliminate them or mitigate their effects . 

My involvement in community organizations shows my commitment to serve our area where and when needed:

I have served as a member and for four years as President of Grand Valley Interfaith Network; as a member and as President for two years with Friends of the Mesa County Library; I served as a volunteer for ten years and as a board member for six years with Catholic Outreach; I was a member of the Colorado Municipal League for eight years and served as an officer of CML for three years.

I was a member of 5-2-1 Stormwater Authority for eight years and served as President for four years; I served many years as President of Palisade Irrigation Pipes & Laterals; I am a member of Congregation Ohr Shalom and served as President for one year and for many years as a service leader.  I have also worked in the 2010 and 2020 censuses and also as a poll worker for many years. 

🏛️ Professional Credentials

My credentials reflect my expertise in financial management and municipal governance that are relevant for addressing my economic and preservation goals.

My experience as a Chief Financial Officer with relevant professional designations (CPA, CMA, and CIA), legal background (JD and LLM), and experience as a Trustee and Mayor Pro Tem are valuable in accomplishing these goals. 

🏛️ Professional Financial & Legal Leadership

• Former Chief Financial Officer for major healthcare organizations; expert in large-scale budgeting and fiscal auditing.
• CPA, CIA (Internal Auditor), and CMA (Management Accountant).
• Legal: Juris Doctor (JD) and LLM (cum laude), providing a rigorous understanding of municipal law and land use.
• Global Perspective: Multilingual (French, German, Spanish, KiSwahili, Hebrew) with deep experience in North America, Europe, and Africa.

________________________________________

My goal is to transition Palisade into a vibrant, year-round economy where revenue from various sectors supports the preservation of its rural character.

________________________________________
 

Ed Seymour

Ed Seymour and his family moved to Palisade five years ago when his career brought them back to the Western Slope. Since arriving, Ed and his wife, Kristen, have become active members of the downtown business community, opening and operating Harlow Lifestyle and Gift and the West Slope Mercantile in Palisade.  Along with two busy children, one a current student at Palisade High School and the other a Palisade High graduate who is now a sophomore at Fort Lewis College.

Ed served on the Palisade Planning Commission for four years and, in January 2026, was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Palisade Board of Trustees. Through these roles, he has worked closely with residents, town staff, and fellow commission/board members on issues related to planning, growth, and the long-term health of the community.

Originally from a small town in northern New York, Ed studied business at Western State in Gunnison. Over the years, life and work have taken Ed and Kristen to several rural communities across the western United States. In each place they have lived, they have made it a priority to be involved and support their communities, serving with nonprofit organizations, committees, and local boards. These experiences have shaped Ed’s practical, community-centered approach to leadership.

Ed is guided by the values of community, progress, and heritage - values he believes are deeply reflected in the Town of Palisade. With broad experience in business and nonprofit organizations, along with a practical understanding of budgeting, planning, collaboration, and compromise, Ed is committed to thoughtful, responsible governance and hopes to continue serving the community as a member of the Palisade Board of Trustees.

Important Dates

January 6          First day to circulate nomination petitions

January 26         Last day to circulate nomination petitions, signed affidavit of circulator, and acceptance of nomination due in Town Clerk’s office by 4:30 pm; Candidates must file Candidate Affidavit/Fair Campaign Practices Act with Town Clerk. 

February 2        Last day nomination petitions may be amended to correct or replace signatures

February 2         Last day candidates may withdraw from the nomination

February 5         Drawing by lot to determine the order of candidates listed on the ballot: 4:00 pm at Town Hall. Either the candidate or a representative appointed by the candidate may be present; however, neither is required.

February 6         First FCPA Report due

February 26      Candidate Form (Hosted by the Palisade Chamber of Commerce) 6:00 pm at the Palisade High School Auditorium (3679 G Road) – Not required, but HIGHLY recommended to participate

March 5             Candidate Meet & Greet (Hosted by the Town of Palisade) 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm at the Palisade Gymnasium (711 Iowa Avenue) – Not required, but HIGHLY recommended to participate

March 6             Second FCPA Report due

March 18           Last day for filing an affidavit of intent to be a write-in candidate

March 23           Third FCPA Report due

April 7        Election Day

April 17            Last day for Clerk to certify election results

April 28           New Trustees will be sworn into office at the regularly scheduled meeting beginning at 6:00 pm at the Palisade Civic Center 341 W 7^th Street, Palisade, CO 81526.

May 7              Final FCPA Report due
 

NOTE: These dates are determined according to the Municipal Election Code. Failure to meet a deadline could result in enforcement action and the imposition of fines (CRS 1-45-111.5). If you are unclear on a deadline, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (970) 464-5602. 

Colorado Municipal Candidate Guide

Click Here to View the Colorado Municipal Candidate's Guide

Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) Info and Forms

FCPA General Info

FCPA Campaign & Political Finance Manual

Form: Non-Receipt of Contributions Non-Expenditure of Funds

Form: Statement of Personal Expenditures

For all other FCPA forms, please contact the Town Clerk at (970) 464-5602 or kfrasier@townofpalisade.org