Marsha Porter-Norton 

La Plata County Commissioner

District 2

 

​Proven Leadership for

Healthier Communities and a Strong Economy​​

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My Priorities and Plans     

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​Our county is a great place to live. I am working to make it even better and to create healthier communities and a strong economy - for all. La Plata County faces big challenges: growth, a changing economy, drought and climate change, out-of-reach housing prices, and the need for provision of services that are ever-changing.  

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Since being elected, I have been tackling these challenges by rolling up my sleeves and getting things done for everyone. Please refer to the "Accomplishments" button. I will continue to work for the priorities listed below.  ​​​​​

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Grow an Economy that works for Everyone

Together, we need to grow and bring good jobs to La Plata County to improve quality of life and create healthier communities for all.

 

My plan is to: 

• Ensure that revenue from the successful "1A" 2025 ballot campaign is used wisely and as promised.

• Continue to improve County land use planning processes.

• Be a champion for infrastructure. County roads and bridges are the county’s largest asset. We must work to continually improve them, ensure adequate maintenance and take on new projects that are needed. 

• Link job growth to action on affordable/workforce housing and availability of childcare -- necessary components of a truly healthy community.  

• Support development where infrastructure exists. 

• Implement policies where "new growth pays its own way."  

• Keep the Durango-La Plata County Airport vibrant and growing by backing current upgrades and expansion plans. 

• Advocate that partners and other governments continue to expand broadband to the rural areas of the county. 

• Find barriers for small business development growth and work to overcome them with pragmatic solutions. 

• Maintain close ties with organizations already working hard: La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Region 9 Economic Development District, Local First, and the Regional Housing Alliance, others. 

 

Ensure and Provide Core, Excellent County Services

The County provides a long list of necessary and mandated services for residents.   I will work for services that meet the evolving needs of a growing county.  

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My plan is to:      

• Ensure that revenue from the successful "1A" 2025 campaign is used wisely and as promised.

• Continue, within available revenue,  to make investments in the County employees who deliver services day- to-day by keeping wages and benefits fair and competitive, and paying a livable wage.

• Ensure that the new County Strategic Plan framework is implemented and that annual goals are tied to success measurements. 

• See the 2024 Fairgrounds Master Plan through making targeted improvements that benefit all users.   

• Continually look for creative, cutting-edge and cost effective ways to deliver services. Businesses and households generally have to closely monitor their checkbooks and cut costs when necessary. Government is no different. 

• Manage La Plata County's budget with transparency, public engagement and common sense.  

• Keep a focus on maintaining the County's 24 properties making annual investments to a new "Maintenance Fund."  

 

Ensure more Affordable and Workforce Housing

Many young people, families, and seniors on fixed incomes are now priced out. This lack of affordable and workforce housing is impacting all sectors. We can and should do more.

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My plan is to:

• Continue to serve on the Board of the Regional Housing Alliance (RHA); work with all partners to carry out the RHA Strategic Plan and Workforce Housing Strategy. 

• Support targeted County investments in affordable and workforce housing projects. 

• Continue to leverage newly available Lodger's Taxes to strategic housing investments including in the RHA and other groups.    

• Improve the land use code to streamline below market housing programs and projects. 

• Implement the County’s housing policies passed in 2022. 

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Increase Safety in the Face of Climate Change  

Southwest Colorado is getting hotter and drier. We need to continue the good works happening and increase our capacity to respond to droughts, wildfires and flooding.

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My plan is to:

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• Determine paths for the County to address climate resiliency through public health, emergency response, wildfire preparedness, resource conservation (water and energy), etc.  

• Continue to implement the Wildfire and Watershed Protection Fund (WWPF), a project I spear-headed with the City of Durango and Durango Fire; ensure funding for the WWPF is reliable so that residents can access resources to help with mitigation.

• Continue the work of the 2021- appointed Wildfire Advisory Board including their facilitation of the mandated Statewide WUI Code.  

• Continue the cutting-edge emergency management planning and action already done by the County (i.e., annual county-wide drills, mitigation, hazard planning, etc.).   

• Track on actions in the county-wide CWPP (Community Wildfire Protection Plan); ensure timely updates to this multi-jurisdictional, action plan.    

• Consider out-of-the-box collaborative solutions working alongside partners such as the Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative, Four Rivers Collaborative, BLM, CPW, USFS, Wildfire Adapted Partnership, and others

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Be a model for Modern/Clean Energy on the Western Slope 

We must protect important conservation, wildlife, neighborhood and air and water values in energy development. This county can and should be a model for renewables on the Western Slope.            

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My vision is to:

• Celebrate being an an "anchor tenant” in LPEA’s solar garden.     

• Continue to be a leader on the Western Slope for the protective, balanced oil and gas regulations instituted in 2023.

• Advocate to the State of Colorado to deploy as many resources as possible to plug and clean up orphaned and abandoned wells here in this county. 

• Continue to collaborate with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe regarding oil and gas development  

• Develop pragmatic steps for addressing clean energy, conservation and sustainability throughout County Government.   

• Work to responsibly assess and potentially permit renewable energy facilities where appropriate balancing the many interests: neighborhoods, water, wildfire risk, visual impacts, wildlife impacts, etc.

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Take care of Land, Air and Water and Balance Interests/Needs

Private and public lands are valued by all and used in myriad ways. We all want clean air and water.

 

I will work to:

• Continually improve the County Land Use Code and planning systems.

• Update the County's 2017 Comprehensive Plan in a timely manner, as well as District Plans.  

• Speak up for conservation goals in State and Federal projects, policies and/or rules that have an impact on water, land and air quality. Advocate for Public Lands. 

• Keep strong relationships with the San Juan National Forest, Tres Rios BLM, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the State of Colorado among many other land, air and water management entities.

 

Be a Voice for Public Health, Youth and Families, and Seniors

I care deeply for the health and well-being youth, families and seniors so I will:

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• Ensure that revenue from the successful "1A" 2025 ballot is used wisely and as promised. 

• Support the county-department-led Public Health. 

• Deploy Lodger's Tax funding directed to child care and housing based on successful ballot in 2024 election. 

• Be a continued  leader and voice in the work done by SWORD (SouthWEST Opioid Response District) to bring more substance abuse services to the region.   

• Support the County Sheriff Department’s co-responder program (where Sheriff’s Deputies and mental health professionals jointly respond to appropriate calls).  

• Find ways to keep the La Plata County Senior Center and senior programming strong.

• Find reasonable paths to support the many nonprofits working on these issues.  

• Serve as Vice Chair of the Colorado Counties, Inc. Steering Committee for Health and Human Services. 

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Excellent Government for All

We are living in a time when trust in the national government is low but people still believe (mostly) in the power and promise of local governments to improve their lives. I will continue to serve everyone, build trust, speak up for democracy and bring residents’ concerns to other levels of government through legislative activities. 

 

So, I will:

• Take stands on issues where the Federal Government and current Administration are  doing things or proposing things that are against counties' interests; cost local taxpayers' money; harm essential services the County is responsible for; erode democracy; or appear to not follow or abide by the rule of law. 

• Support our County Clerk and her staff, all election volunteers regardless of their political affiliation.  

• Keep building trust with constituents by continuing “Office Hours” and “On the Road” sessions, etc. 

• Step up strides in County Government so it truly demonstrate values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Oversee the process of County staff and departments articulating performance goals and metrics for success. 

• Be a robust voice in legislative activities via Colorado Counties, Inc., Counties and Commissioners Acting Together, the National Association of Counties and Club 20. 

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