We love this place, Estes Park, Colorado. Some of us have known her all of our lives and some have just become familiar with her. The environment - location gets under your skin, many of us cannot get enough and are drawn back time and time again. Visitors all want a piece of Estes Park, some just a photo or trinket, others on a grander scale. Although indescribably beautiful in its setting, it is known for its disasters and kooks. If you want the attention of the world yell flood or fire and every news reporter in Colorado will be here. We have the Highlands Festival largest in North America and zero news coverage, but Estes got tons of air time for the trustee who wasn’t. (Now I understand we have a “trusted” public official who is stalking a local female and local officials will not enforce a Larimer County restraining order, sounds oddly familiar.)
What is it about Estes Park, where the people tolerate corruption in their public officials? The saddest part of this enigma is that it reflects on the character of the people that live here. Each and every citizen of Estes Park is responsible for the activities of elected official and town employees. The responsible supervisors of any community are the citizens of that community. The level of tolerance for corruption in any community is determined by the citizenry.
It is a lot like owning a pet, really.
There are responsible dog owners and than there are irresponsible dog owners. I have known professionals that are diligent in every aspect of their profession, but they are irresponsible pet owners. I know of homeless people that have dogs that are groomed and well mannered.
The people of Estes Park are irresponsible dog owners. They have allowed their town government to get way out of control. Picture the dog owner that allows their dog to roam the neighborhood without a leash and the dog damages everyone’s lawn, out of control. It’s the neighbor’s responsibility to clean up the mess. From time to time the dog bites someone and a law suite follows, which is privately and promptly paid off. The dog is spoiled and demanding, will not adhere to rules and if you attempt to chastise, it will bite the hand that feeds it.
Fellow Estes Parkians we have allowed town hall to roam undisciplined and off leash for years and it has cost us all untold amounts of money. Curb your dog or it’s off to the pound with the lot.
