It's The Economy, Stupid!

The proposed RMNP-Estes Park Shuttle is another example of how the Town works against its businesses. When was a citizens committee or a business committee formed to approve this stupid idea? The Town seems to feel that their best friends are the Y and RMNP, while neither of them pays any tax to the local economy. On the one hand they punish out of town businesses by attempting to charge them a tax of 2% on gross sales for joining the CVB, but give services to the Y and RMNP for nothing. Businesses and locals and visitors have for years complained about the lack of parking. The Town fear is that any new parking spots will go to waste in January. Businesses, on the other hand, want visitors in the peak season to be able to find parking, have a pleasant time shopping, and enjoy their Estes Park experience.

One of the many complaints about the Town plan is that visitors using the Town/Park shuttle will take up valuable parking spots in Town, spend the day in the Park, and not spend any money locally. That should be pretty obvious. For some reason the Town sees it differently. How could that possibly be? Wouldn’t it be better to have Town/Park collaboration on activities for visitors that would bring tourists to Estes Park? That should be the focus. After all, park visits over the past 3 years are down 10%. That is both significant and alarming. What is being done to turn that around? Marsh/Pickering make grand statements that this is just a blip, but it is a major shift in behavior and is continuing its decline again this year. It appears that it is only affecting Estes Park, because at the same time overall Colorado visitation rose 5% last year alone. (Verified in a recent Longwoods study)

Where have our marketing efforts gone while Colorado resident visitors have dropped to 26% from the usual 32%? Into magazines that no one reads just as they have done for over 15 years. Why? Because it is easy and no one has been challenging them. We all need to challenge them because they are failing! They claim that visits are down because of road construction on Hwy’s 34 & 36. Not true. As if those Kansas and Texas visitors hit the road repair after a 10 hour drive and turn around and go home, never finishing the final leg of their trip to Estes Park. These are just lame excuses by a department of incompetents. Our $1 million, $2 million or whatever million they are claiming to use for marketing these days is being very poorly spent. It’s the economy, stupid! Our economy and you are failing us.

Now, the Park; with huge increases in funding due to recent gate increases, the Park has done some major facility improvements, especially in restrooms and roads. However, when is the last time you saw a Ranger in the Park? What happened to the Ranger led hikes, interpretation etc. Many visitors have suggested that the Park gives the impression that the only thing wrong with the Park is the visitors. They would rather there were no visitors so they could conduct endless studies on tree frogs and the like without all of the visitor distractions. Or perhaps they’ll conduct another (the 4th or 5th) 5 year study on elk. What they have caused with this attitude is a further decline in visitors to the Park, now below 2,784,000 and still dropping. The Park may have lost its luster which has greatly affected visits to Estes Park. This should be a wake up call that if they continue to eliminate visitor services such as interpretive hikes, fight with the horse stables and take away the ski areas, they will get the desired drop in the pesky visitors, and at the same time lose HUGE gate receipts. You can’t have it both ways. A drop of nearly 300,000 visitors over the past 3 years is a drop as much as $12,000,000 (200K to 300K for 3 years). Is the answer really to turn Estes Park into the Rocky Mountain National Park parking lot? No, and we should demand that it not happen.

Redundancy, Again!

Sure it’s been said before, but who’s listening? Have you noticed that whoever is talking about the marketing dollars in Estes Park uses different numbers? Paul Fishman used numbers supplied by the CVB in his presentation on Tuesday last, but when Pickering gave numbers they were different. Of course Pickering doesn’t tell the truth, but really this should be pretty easy, even for him. As a follow-up, Repola states completely different numbers in the EP Lampoon. Lisa Pogue, the Lampoon writer states that the Town budget allocation is $2.3 million to marketing this fiscal year. The CVB claims to have spent $662,594 on media purchases and some amount on other things, like the never to be discussed $600,000 in salaries. Now it isn’t Lisa’s fault, she’s just reporting the facts as she knows them. Where did the rest of the money go and how much is there really? Perhaps they spent a goodly amount on the vacation planner they claim was downloaded 59,000 times. Funny, they don’t have a vacation planner – yet another lie.

Of course we shouldn’t be too harsh. These are big numbers and it’s hard to keep them all straight. Repola is surely challenged by them, unless they include his bloated salary. Let’s see, he says that there is $1.6 million coming from the General Fund to support tourism, plus $6.675 million to support tourism services. These dollars are used to keep the downtown properly maintained, as though they wouldn’t do it if there weren’t tourists here. Hell, they don’t do it very well now. Did you hear the one about the dog poop on the sidewalk? Doylen said –“…whose dog was that we need to ticket them!” Of course that’s the answer; don’t bother to clean the poop off the sidewalk.

One hundred years from now we will be gone and there will be all new people. Will those Estesparkians be living under Home Rule? We can decide. Let’s say yes.

Let's Take a Survey on Home Rule!

Only 3 questions folks and it's anonymous. Just click on the hot link below. Will we have Home Rule? Survey results will be posted.

http://surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=895281239672

Surprise for All - Civility

It turned out to be a good discussion from the citizens side last night. It was, as predicted, a civil presentation by some very concerned citizens. What was interesting was the presentation by the town staff. It would be typical of anyone in any business to glorify their activities, that's just the reality. Nothing new there to think about. What was missing from that very lengthy discussion from the entire staff was the goals and objectives. They said what they did, but not what they were trying to accomplish. The citizens wished to hear what was being done to lengthen the season, bring more people here, changes in marketing practices to keep up with current marketing trends, etc. None of that was discussed. What was discussed was the town repeating practices they have embraced for over 15 years. Same magazine ads, same placement, same-old, same-old. Paul Fishman reported his findings that the practices the Town implements are not supported in today's world. In fact, they are outdated. This from the highly recognised Longwoods Visitor study.

There are clearly differences of opinion here and the bottom line may eventually be that the Town won't be in the marketing business. Not only is it illegal (against Statutory Law), but they aren't competent. They did point out that they have a staff requiring over $600,000 in salaries and benefits to place about $650,000 in ads, and visitations and sales tax dollars are down. They claim that is true throughout the country, but in fact that isn't true. It isn't even true in the state.

Isn't it interesting that Marsh and Pickering quote different numbers for differing circumstances. Last night they talk about $650K in ads, but on other occasions they say their budget is between $2.3 and $4 million. What is the truth and where does the money go?

One final word on busses. The marketing department said they were attracting bus tours. In talking to several resort owners it was discovered that the Town arranges for the tours to be housed at the YMCA, and out of town non tax paying business, and the bus drivers are asked to park off the Y property and stay in town. That isn't always the case, but more often that not. So much for treating the CVB Stakeholders better than out of town businesses.

Fireworks in the Works

The word on the street, the one that matters, says that business owners are sick and tired of not being heard. They are mad about loss of income and lower pedestrian traffic. This amounts to lower sales and affects the Town coffers as well. The more the Town controls, the worse things get. That is just a fact. Does anyone wonder why the Town doesn’t have time to spruce up downtown, merge the sewer plants that would ultimately save us all money, and fix the downtown flooding problem with just a little rain? What about a parking structure, not sexy enough? Parking structures pay for themselves with increased spending. That doesn’t take much brain power (sorry, forgot who we’re dealing with). They are too busy meddling in marketing and crushing businesses. Did you know that it costs nearly 10 times more in Estes Park to buy a business license than in Fort Collins? That’s another scam the Town put together to raise more money. Who does it hurt? It hurts the business community of course. The very people they should embrace. But, that’s another story.

The fact is that the business community has finally had enough and rumor has it that they will be stating their complaints at Tuesday’s Town meeting. Now, turn on the TV and get the popcorn ready. Here are a few items to look for at this meeting.

1. Town people will be polite and state their concerns
2. Baudek will get mad and shake his finger (he hates confrontation)
3. Repola will turn red and try to defend a nonsensical position that will make people laugh at him. He will be even angrier and may even become threatening. Of course he will be wrong in his position and will later (out of the camera’s eye) apologize. He really is a joke.
4. Pickering, if he is there, will tell lies and blame all of the conditions on the businesses. He will never accept responsibility for anything.
5. Wayne Newsome won’t say anything because he doesn’t know anything.
6. Doylen will defend the Town for no particular reason other than they can do no wrong.
7. Lori Jeffery-Clark will finally get up her dander and stop spouting the party line and agree that changes should be made, including ridding the Town of Pickering and Marsh. Then Baudek will really blow! Let’s not forget that he and Repola used to carry guns.
8. Chuck Levine will ask the audience what they want to hear and then he’ll say that.
9. Bill Pinkham will tell us of the problems with a shortage of gasoline because of the expansion of the industrial complex in China.
10. Richard Homeier is the wild card. He has a great head on his shoulders but is so interested in being a “team player” that he could go either way.

Isn’t it interesting that none of them have any interest in the CITIZENS!

Print this list out and keep it by the TV. Sadly, 90% of these predictions will be true. You heard it here first.

Popcorn ready? Enjoy the show.

Cleary Not Seeing Clearly

Jimbo, whoa boy. This isn’t about taxes, never was. The town has far too much money to spend (around 30 million) and citizens need only to find a better way to follow the money that is spent, you know, to get a handle on it? For you to even suggest it is about taxes shows you haven’t paid attention to the debate. The Charter doesn’t establish new taxes, it allows citizens to monitor and approve/disapprove any suggested tax increases. What this is about is taking control of how our town operates. Today the Town folks have unlimited check writing ability. You know, kinda like Kaestendick had at the school district? Is that what we really want? It really doesn’t make any sense. Our current government doesn’t come up with any new ideas as to how money is spent or even collected. They leave that to the employees. The staff comes up with the ideas, such as the recent controversy about accommodation zoning, and the Town rubber stamps it. Why? Because the Trustees and Baudeck don’t act like responsible officials. For them it isn’t about how better to budget, it’s how do we get more money. You say it is easy, just vote them out. Well, that’s a good idea, but the apathy in this town is the one big failure we have. People don’t get involved and don’t vote. Folks, it’s going to cost you, and not in the supposed tax increases, unless of course businesses continue to fail and all the retirees have to make up the difference. Oh, so sad. You deserve it if you are not willing to step up and vote for Home Rule.

Also, just to Clearify it for you Jim, the so called burden of proof is on the Town. They are the one’s that passed the emergency ordinance to support Home Rule. Where is their argument? All they have done to support it is have a bunch of inadequate Trustees and their friends run for the commission. There are real citizens willing to put the time and effort into this process. Give them a chance. The worst that can happen is you can vote down the proposed charter.

Entitlement for Oldtimers

Let us clear up another issue. It has been said, by those “in the know” that if you’d been here as long as so-and-so you’d realize how things are done in Estes Park. If you are part of the Town, First National Bank or belong to the Mercedes Band (we know who you are), you are entitled to special privilege. The Estesparkian is a little tired of them versus us. If they had been here as long as the Estesparkian, they should give this old Estesparkian special privilege. But, alas, no special privileges here. No Mercedes in the garage no suck up to the Town figureheads, just an honest citizen trying to get by.

It is important to think of yourself just as important as the next guy. When you vote, and you really should, you get the same vote as your neighbor. What you need to do if you want to be equal with everyone else is to vote for Home Rule and ask your neighbors to do the same. Be sure to select non Town candidates. Your neighbors will do just fine. They love Estes Park as much as we all do and will make this a better place. Go with your best feelings.

Don’t Misunderstand the Home Rule Issue

At the recent meeting of candidates there seemed to be a few misunderstandings of the issues facing voters this August 2. The first is, the effect on the Town. Home Rule will give the Town more possibilities than they have now. They could ask the voters to allow marketing districts, fire districts, etc. This doesn’t mean that the voters would approve, just that you would have the right to choose. Jeff Barker was wrong to say that the State took any power away from the voters. In fact, the Town never had the powers they asked for because Gov. Owens vetoed the bill. And to think Barker was once a trustee that should know better. The Estesparkian almost broke the TV when that came up. Where the Town has more possibilities, the voters will have more rights to choose. You see, power to the people.

As to taxes, there is always the fear that taxes will go up, a long standing belief fostered by the Town over the past several years whenever the Home Rule issue came up. No one has suggested there should be a tax increase, with the exception that some have mentioned that there be a lodging tax, a tax only on visitors who stay here. This is not uncommon in the industry. Lodge owners would probably be in favor of this as they could collect the money they now spend out of net income from lodge guests. Of course it would still be up to voters to decide if they would approve it.

Afraid you’d have to keep voting? Votes probably wouldn’t come up that often, there aren’t that many issues. But really, it’s democracy in action. Embrace it!

Baudek Supports Trustees - Surprise, Surprise

Ok, if we’ve learned anything through the process of seeking candidates for Home Rule Charter Commission, it is the Trustees, along with Taylor, Barker and Blackhurst, aren’t sold on the Home Rule issue. They weren’t clear on that at the last meeting, even when asked specifically if they were for it. Taylor was the only honest candidate saying she wasn’t in favor of it. In past meetings, however, they were clearly not sure if it was a good idea. That is exactly why Jeff from Frederick said they shouldn’t be on the commission. The fact that they are on the Board doesn’t give them special insights, in fact it might prejudice them against any changes that might be suggested.

Baudek’s recent letter also took a dig at the Chamber, apparently because they are currently suing the Town. Is he implying that suing the Town is a bad thing? When board members and mayors feel so entitled that they don’t want dissent, it is time to question their honesty. It is interesting to watch the Town-Chamber issue. One would suppose that if the Chamber wins that suit that the next step would be to seek out those who were personally responsible for breaking the law and to hold them personally accountable.

Tourism Woes – Woe to Town

So Doylen and Baudek, bosom buddies, want us to believe that a woe here and a woe there don’t add up to much. They are doing what they can to help tourism. First of all, they have Marsh and Pickering who write their own performance criteria stating that what they are doing is just marvelous. In fact, what they do is obsolete. For years Pickering has failed in attracting visitors to the convention bureau, so he was given a raise and a promotion. No legitimate marketing firm would judge them as even competent. Other resort communities are doing better than we are because they are using innovative advertising, have better communication with their merchants and truly working to bring visitors to their communities. They don’t play the blame game, they work together.

Now, more personally, Doylen must think we're all idiots. She pulls the same stunt that Pickering and Marsh pull. Put the blame on the business owner. Certainly they could do better with different merchandise, better marketing, but to point the finger at them is nonsense. In addition, Newsome shows his ignorance by stating that it is the responsibility of the CVB to bring people into town, then to hand it off the Chamber to take it from there. Wayne, you moron, you control the visitor center! What would you opt that the Chamber do, stop traffic as it comes into town and point visitors to the attractions?

The bottom line is that the millions of dollars spent by the Town are not spent wisely. They repeat marketing practices long found obsolete. Many of these practices were put into effect prior to the internet. The only justification is made by the very people who employ these practices – Pickering and Marsh. They, along with the entire staff, must go. Estes Park doesn't need a marketing department, we need to select a marketing company on a bid basis from the mainstream. Make it competitive!

Estes Park Makes National News!

The recent National Geographic Traveler just wrote up favorite National Parks and the towns that one passes through to visit. Rocky Mountain National Park made the list. Too bad it was so negative. Here are some examples...
"Deep blue glacial lakes and majestic mountain views" in a "totally overstressed" park. "Traffic, condo developments, and noise around the sappy, touristy town of Estes Park lessen appeal."
Tom Pickering told one Estesparkian that he spoke with the magazine and they said they would never use the writer again, apologized... blah, blah.
The same enterprising Estesparkian called the magazine and they said... No way! Pickering never called and the writer has been on the staff since the 1970's so he wasn't going anywhere.
Tom Pickering is a liar.
Here's some more fact from that respected magazine, we all need to read this and act by ridding the Town of the current administration. Vote Home Rule, get a charter that is inclusive of public input, get rid of this lousy marketing department, and the $1.75 Million visitor center that no one voted on and start fixing the Town.
The exhaustive survey was conducted as follows:

››About the Survey

Evaluating an entire destination—both park and gateway—requires weighing such subtle issues as aesthetics and cultural integrity, as well as balancing good points against bad. Since simple numerical measures cannot do justice to the task, we turned to informed human judgment: a panel of some 300 well- traveled experts in a variety of fields—ecology, sustainable tourism, geography, park management and planning, travel writing and photography, historic preservation, indigenous cultures, archaeology.

We asked panelists to evaluate just the places with which they were familiar, using six criteria weighted according to importance: environmental and ecological quality; social and cultural integrity; condition of any historic buildings and archaeological sites; aesthetic appeal; quality of tourism management; and the outlook for the future.

Experts first aired all points of view by filing comments about each park and gateway (anonymously, to ensure objectivity). In a version of a research tool called the Delphi technique, panelists then reviewed the comments and filed their stewardship scores.

The resulting Stewardship Index score, then, is an average of informed judgments about each place as a whole, taking into account its many faces. Like the cards that Olympic judges hold up, our experts' scores incorporate both measurable accomplishment and the intangibles of style, aesthetics, and culture. And like an athlete, each destination has a chance to improve.

To help, Traveler, the Center for Sustainable Destinations, and the Conservation Fund have assembled an online "Community Toolkit" of resources. If you live in a gateway town or visit one often, visit our Sustainable Destinations Resource Center.. found at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/

Now, the survey didn't leave us hanging, they actually give guidelines as to how to fix what is broken, with surveys, classes and numerous resources to find out how to fix our town. The current administration and staff defend their position by saying they have all the answers, they have been here awhile and anyone who questions them is just a whiner.
Here's some more of what they said about Estes Park. This, from 300 knowledgeable travel writers, based on their experience...

Rocky Mountain National Park, COLORADO
Score 56

"Attempts to better-manage traffic flow to and from Bear Lake are critical to protecting the high country landscape, but will quieter and less-polluting shuttles or masses of cars dominate the road after reconstruction? Estes Park, of course, continues to exemplify what gateway communities should avoid."

"Another crowded, well-loved park that tells the story of its physical grandeur with minor attention to the peoples who once inhabited it."

"Neighboring communities are becoming overcrowded and geared mainly to serving the tourist trade. This is robbing them of their authentic character."

"The National Parks Conservation Association's State of the Park assessment shows that the park's top predators are gone, which has led to very high elk populations and overgrazing of certain plant communities important to beaver and other species. Decades of fire suppression have caused a great increase in fuel loads. Nonnative species edge out many native species. Visibility in the park is somewhat impaired 90 percent of the time, although views still can be dramatic."

What has our idiot staff of so called experts done to fix these problems? Blame someone else! We need changes, and a good beginning is the following:
Citizens have begin the heritage segment by starting the Heritage Days Celebration, Saturday, August 27, 2005. This will be a day full of activities and education that will celebrate our Western Heritage. Congratulations to the organizers (not the Town) for making this happen. This is what we need more of. We need a marketing company that is educated in a changing society, not a staff of bloated liars who only care about covering their butt. The time is now. Get involved to make a better community.

Voice For The Candidates!

This publication is meant to inform fellow Estesparkians of what is going on in our hometown. Does it have a highly political slant, of course it does. That is because these are things that we can change. And, it is the “other side of the story,” we think the real story of our home town.

Along that line we are inviting candidates running for Charter Commission to comment to this post and give their positions as to why they want to be on the commission. We welcome their input and comments. However:

There Are Rules!

Until the Trail Lampoon invites every candidate that is running to share equal space with the space they have given John Baudek, neither he nor any other Town loyalist candidate will have their comment displayed. Not fair? It is the only fair solution. Don’t like it? Get your own blog.

As to the rest of you-

• Who? You must give your name and e-mail address
• What? What changes would you like to see?
• Where? Where do you see Estes Park in 5 years?
• When? When do you expect the Trail Lampoon will invite you to share space with the Mayor?
• Why? Why do you want to be on the commission?
• Words- Only 400 per post.

This message will, from time to time, be moved back to the top of the list so everyone will be sure to notice your credentials.

Enjoy!