There are six trustees running for a seat on the Nucla Town Board in the municipal election April 7. The Forum asked all six candidates why they felt compelled to serve on the board, what strengths and gifts they bring, how they plan to engage community and what three issues they were eager to get to work on. This story focuses on the responses of Joseph Hittenger, Ailene Smith and Aimee Tooker. Next week’s continuation will focus on responses from Wayne Ament, Darla Joseph and James Pierce.
Joseph Hittinger
Hittinger said he believes that local government is where we have the greatest opportunity to impact people’s daily lives.
“I am running because Nucla is at a crossroads with businesses leaving and the population continuing to decrease,” he said. “I have lived here for three years, I attended as many town board meetings as I could in the first two years of living here and I have taken up the vacated trustee seat. I want to ensure that the decisions we make today protect the character of this community, while encouraging manageable and sustained growth.”
Hittinger’s professional background as a small business owner and as a realtor has equipped him with the ability to multitask, work on complex budgets and envision the necessary steps for a brighter future.
“Beyond my professional skills, my greatest strengths are critical and analytical thinking, active listening and transparency in communication,” he said.
His said his job as a trustee and as a citizen is to lead by example.
“I strive to help people see that a little bit of time and effort can make a big difference in this community, whether that is volunteering your time, picking up that piece of trash you find on your daily walk or simply checking in on your neighbor,” he said.
He said a town cannot function without a solid foundation.
“I will continue to work on updating our aging infrastructure, water, sewer, roads, and advocate for a balanced approach to development that invites new business and citizens, while preserving Nucla's personality and the current laid-back way of life,” he said.
Ailene Smith
Smith said Nucla is more than her address; it’s her family’s story.
“My children grew up here, my grandchildren are growing up here, and I’m investing in its future through my business,” she said. “I care deeply about this town and believe in helping keep our Main Street and local economy strong. I’ve seen its challenges, but I believe its best days are ahead if we work together.”
She said as a small business owner, she brings practical experience, attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
“I listen, ask questions, and believe in fair, thoughtful decisions,” she said. “I believe in honesty, accountability, and showing up prepared to do the work.”
Smith said she will be accessible and approachable and will listen to residents and their concerns.
“This community deserves thoughtful, steady leadership,” she said. “My goal is to help protect what makes Nucla special, while planning responsibly for its future. I’m eager to support local businesses, improve infrastructure, and help ensure Nucla remains strong for future generations.”
Smith said Nucla has given so much to her family.
“And I would be honored to give back through service,” she said.
Aimee Tooker
Tooker said she brings a variety of unique, sustainable ideas and wants to help restore a spirit of cooperation.
“My husband and I have been actively involved in property development on Main Street, contributing to the town's growth and revitalization,” she said. “Growing up, I often heard stories about the bustling and vibrant West End, and those stories and my memories inspire me to do more and support economic growth and prosperity.”
She brings 16 years of service from Colorado Cooperative Company (CCC) and five years on the Southwest Basin Roundtable. She’s also involved with the Public Lands and the Natural Resources Committee, plus serves as a Club 20 director.
“Throughout 2024, I worked to involve the towns in land management decisions as both cooperating agencies and coordinating partners,” she said. “Nucla is now able to provide valuable input, along with data and research as a cooperating agent. The Town of Nucla is also able to work with the Bureau of Land Management to coordinate local strategies into local land management decisions and policies.”
She believes Water Days is Nucla’s most important event of the year.
“It unites individuals from the West End and beyond, functioning as a central ‘nucleus’ of the CCC’s commitment to the generational cooperative values,” she said.
She’s available and accessible in her Main Street businesses.
“I do now, and will more often as a Nucla board trustee, engage in meetings and activities hosted by nonprofits, clubs and boards so I can listen, learn and better understand what the community needs,” she said.
She’s ready to go to work on marketing, housing and infrastructure.
