The three candidates vying for seats in the upcoming Palmer Lake recall election drew a small but engaged crowd this week

Roger Moseley, John Marble and Beth Harris, each of whom are candidates for the Town of Palmer Lake’s Board of Trustees in its upcoming recall election on Sept. 9, outlined distinct visions for the town’s future while fielding pointed questions about finances, development and trust in local government at a Meet the Candidates event Aug. 27 at Palmer Lake Elementary School.

The format of the event was open questions taken from the audience of community members and voters in a town-hall style, 2-hour meeting.

Though audio issues made parts of the forum difficult at times, the event produced clear themes from both the audience and the candidates including concerns about transparency, preserving small-town character and how to manage Palmer Lake’s growth without losing its identity.

Questions about money surfaced repeatedly as residents sought clarity on whether the town is in financial jeopardy. Moseley noted the attendees voiced skepticism about how revenues are tracked and whether trustees have been forthcoming with information.

He argued the town is not broke but poorly managed, with too many funds funneled into a single account and professional service contracts allowed to balloon.

“I got some traction on enforcing the code and financial management,” Moseley said, adding stricter oversight would rebuild trust.

He acknowledged he could have better highlighted his knowledge of the town’s committees and commissions but said the current climate has kept his focus on the board of trustees and planning commission.

Moseley, who presently has a lawsuit filed against the town, said about 80% of the audience already knew about the case but treated it as off-limits during the forum. He credited residents with showing more maturity than the sitting board.

“We generated a lot of trust and confidence in the attendees, and in us for them, as well,” he said

Harris said residents’ questions showed unease about what she described as misleading claims that Palmer Lake is in dire financial straits. She argued the town’s finances are stable but that residents are right to worry about the future of their community’s character.

In particular, many residents expressed alarm over the proposed Buc-ee’s development and its potential impact on dark skies, wildlife and the town’s identity. Harris said residents questioned why most trustees, excluding Atis Jurka, appeared to support a project which contradicts the town’s master plan.

“People want to know how the board will regain their trust,” Harris said.

She emphasized her own understanding of the master plan and her ability to explain how large-scale development could irreversibly alter Palmer Lake. She positioned herself as someone who could reconnect with residents who feel intimidated by the current board.

“If there is one thing which marks the success of the event, it’s that we had more questions than time,” Harris said.

Marble focused on what he said was the most pressing concern raised which was residents feeling unheard. He said giving the master plan more authority would solve many problems, but above all, the community wants to be respected and included.

Marble said questions reflected a desire to see Palmer Lake improve in practical ways such as safety upgrades and new sidewalks without losing its culture or succumbing to outside development pressures. He called the evening a step toward healthier civic engagement.

“People want Palmer Lake to improve without major changes to who we are,” he said. “Our neighbors want a chance to be listened to, and contribute to our home. … This was a step in the right direction. It showed that people do care, and they deserve someone to hear them out. This is democracy manifest.”

While their emphasis varied, all three candidates cited the town’s master plan as a neglected but essential guide. Moseley pointed to finances and code enforcement, Harris to preserving small-town character and natural beauty, and Marble to listening and community voice.

Moseley said fellow candidate Harris stood out on the Master Plan and dark skies, while Marble distinguished himself on open dialogue. Harris praised both of her counterparts’ strengths, and told voters “You can’t make a wrong choice.”

The candidates agreed the forum’s greatest success was the quality of engagement from residents. Attendees listened patiently, asked thoughtful questions, and pressed for accountability, a tone the candidates said they hope will carry into future board meetings.