Residents asking all to CARE about local attitudes
Group advocates positive dialogue
By Lisa Pogue
It’s not a political thing and it’s not a religious thing. It’s about acceptance and civility — two vitals that some Estes Park residents say anger and divisiveness have nearly stamped out.
A new committee is challenging locals to reinvent negative attitudes, spread respect and promote honoring diversity. An Estes CARES (Care, Acceptance, Respect, Encourage and Support) kickoff event is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. in downtown Bond Park.
The Common Good Committee invites residents to write messages relaying their view of a harmonious Estes Park on colored ribbons that will remain tied to a Bond Park tree for a month. The gathering includes music, speakers and group discussions.
“We want to see a time when seething anger, blatant bitterness, cutting and contentious words and actions, and vicious name-calling give way to mutual respect and the wholesome acceptance of diversity,” committee chair Earl Matson said.
In the interest of creating mature, open-minded conversations on public issues, organizers hope the Estes CARES movement will spur local government, church and civic groups to run with the idea and talk about ways to build a supportive community.
The grassroots Common Good Committee originated with the Estes Valley Community Service Coalition, a monthly roundtable of area non-profits, and formed as a non-membership-based group to birth the “invitation to conversation” in Estes Park.
“We want to make sure it’s clear that we’re not discouraging discourse, it’s healthy to disagree,” said Chuck Levine, committee member and Town trustee.
“We want to relay the message that it’s important to listen and to hear other’s point of view and appreciate our differences,” Matson added.
The Town Board of Trustees approved the event in August, unanimously backing the idea.
“I love this concept,” said Mayor Pro Tem Sue Doylen. “Sometimes someone’s words can move mountains and maybe even people’s actions.”
At the August meeting, Matson shared a quote by Bill Moyers, stating, “the American eagle, in order to fly, must have a ‘right wing’ and a ‘left wing.’”
The comment was received with concerted nods.
“This is a concern in Estes Park and a concern in our nation,” Mayor John Baudek said. “We need to change the ‘I’m right and you’re wrong’ way of thinking.”
Buttons, resources and literature will be available at the Sept. 21 ceremony. The committee plans to record messages inscribed on ribbons for future reflection.
Estes Parkian
As you all know from time to time we will copy a story from the local Rag that we find to be of local political interest to make our point. This Trail article is such a political manipulation.
I am a reasonable God fearing, politically savvy person. When a group of politicians claim their support and involvement is not political - I am….. skeptical.
When one is dealing with arrogant elected public officials, that have routinely violated the law as planned, thought out and implemented strategies - how does a community reverse that trend? When elected leaders routinely corrupt all those around them, in order to function, what is a community to do? Now I’m not for name calling, but how does one describe an elected official that sexually abuses children, public officials that steal from our children, corrupt officials that profit and benefit at everyone else’s expense?
A group hug is semi-therapeutic agreed, but we are on a mission to clean up this town’s corruption and will refer to any legal device necessary to reach our goal. It will be helpful if you view the Estes Parkian as a professional hostage negotiator and must service that goal as top priority. We intend to free up Town Hall from corruption and how can one do that until we all understand the problem and address it as a community? Like the drug problem around town - ignoring it will not make it go away. We must take it on - head on.
Seething anger? Damn right I am angry; at the corruption, pedophiles, drugs and thieves. That kind of passive - aggressive tactic is ugly politics, if you do not agree with me - then you are an angry person. I am angry at people that sexually abuse children and steal public money. I have compassion for the victims, not the victimizers. I personally am angry when I am lied to and deceived - when indifference and apathy over shadow good sense and action for the public good.
After the Rodney King Coalition “Can’t We All Just Get Along” finishes meeting and hug’n it out in Bond Park, please explain the following:
Why people can deal drugs in Estes Park, in the open and nothing is done?
Why have we spent millions developing low income housing in the zoned downtown business district?
Why wouldn’t the mayor and Sue Doylen and the rest of the trustees “Hug It Out” with the Chamber of Commerce over the past five years?
Where does all our money go? Why will you not do business in the public eye? Why do you allow your employees to deceive us with made up data?
I find it very disturbing when three elected trustees promote the political position that - it’s not right or wrong - it’s a matter of getting along. John, Sue and Chuck, you asked for the job of oversight of the towns operation - it is not an easy job, but it is the job. You do not have the luxury of being wrong - you must always be right, fair and honest. You can hire the finest legal minds and administrators available, you can generally take as much time as you need, you have all the resources at your command - you cannot be wrong, because when you are wrong, as you frequently are, it cost us all a lot of unnecessary millions.
John C. is still a Butt Kisser
David H. is …….#@$%ing crazy
Mike Smith better not show his face around here
Sue Doylen is…… (Over the past 3 1/2 years, approx. 31 checks payable to: “Master Graphics Printing” for services totaling $ 14,220.99 worth of business with the Town of Estes Park, that’s business moxey) gone.
Theodore Roosevelt “Speak softly and carry a big stick”.
The Estes Parkian
