Two members were appointed June 21 to Cottonwood City Council to fill vacancies left by resigned members Jesse Dowling, Timothy Elinski and Randy Garrison.
Linda Norman and Kyla Allen both have experience in Cottonwood’s municipal government. Norman was a council member from 2005 to 2013 before losing her reelection bid. She also serves as a board member and treasurer of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce. Allen is a former city employee.
Both Norman and Allen will serve until January 2019. One council seat will remain vacant until the results of this election cycle come in.
Allen’s interview was featured in the July 6 edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
On July 7, Norman sat down to discuss her appointment by the council.
Norman insisted that she has no agenda coming in to serve on the council — just “to see us move forward as a community with smart growth.”
Smart growth is a term Norman used often, and explained that the philosophy concerns not only increasing population but providing jobs for all demographics. High school-aged children, in particular, need employment opportunities.
“All of our kids are leaving,” Norman said, but added that the situation is far from grim where the economy is concerned.
According to Norman, when she and her family arrived in 1985 there were more empty buildings in Old Town than occupied buildings. Even six years ago, she said she could not have envisioned the renaissance that would occur in Cottonwood’s downtown — a makeover due in large part to the wine industry.
“If someone had said then, ‘I’m going to grow grapes and make money’ …. It just didn’t seem like the right area to do that,” Norman said. “But now, we’re a growing community, and the economy is great.”
At the same time, Norman sees areas for further growth. The transit system, which has worked well for so many who cannot transport themselves, could be expanded to include more areas. “We’ve got so many citizens who can’t get around.”
Norman added that convenient and affordable transportation does more than move people from one place to another. It helps people access health care and employment, moving the economy in the right direction.
Norman praised the council for its application process, which she said was conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.
As for running for reelection in 2018, Norman said she has no plans but may consider it when the time comes.
“I’m not one to sit around the house and watch TV all the time,” she said with a smile.
