It seems time once again to highlight a few issues that have been discussed in the past but haven’t received any definitive result. It is unfortunate that in this town there are two types of people; those that think whatever the town does is good, shows progress and we’re so lucky. There is another camp that feels that the town breaks lots of rules, if not laws, and they feel helpless, over taxed and disappointed. Sadly, the second camp is also made up of those that apparently don’t vote. If they did, they would make changes.
There is a third camp that is just funny. These are the folks that live out of town but want all the amenities that the town offers (water, sewer etc.) and feel slighted that they can’t vote. Those people aren’t even amusing. Hey, you don’t live here so you can’t vote. When you moved here from Dallas they took your voting privileges away because you don’t live there. Same deal folks. If you don’t live in the town, you can’t vote in the town. So, sit down and be quiet. If you want the vote, then annex into town and bring your community up to town standards and vote to your hearts content. But, no, you don’t want to do that so get over it.
Now, to the voters of Estes Park; Those with short memories, or no more memory at all, this is maybe new (again) to you, but worth a review.
1. The fire district was voted down – Here we go again. Probably if you are in town you won’t get to vote on this, which means that the out of towner’s will have seats on the district board, which is a local town board, and will sway opinion over the fire district. A way for out of towner’s to vote in town. What legal opinion thought that up?
2. The trails (sidewalks) are built with your money in someone else’s community. Why is that possible and what are you doing about it?
3. The town wants to buy, or put money into, Hermit Park. That’s your money being spent out of town. Why is that allowed and why isn’t there a public outcry about it?
4. The school board wants $21 million dollars and has no experience in spending it, although certain administration and staff have been known to steal effectively, with never a public accounting by the school board, and that seems to be ok. You were dumb enough to vote for the hospital bond, are you still voting to waste you money? Oh, well; $150 on a $300K house for the hospital, another $150 for the schools, another $150 for the fire district, and another $150 for the county. Spend away suckers. For you that think this is anti growth, think of it as fiscal responsibility. In addition, that will make it even more impossible for a young family to live here, put their kids in school here and hold a job here. Ah well, only in America.
5. Lots of money has been raised for a performance center and the town has always backed down because they can.
6. Merchants, for years, have complained about the craft fairs and out of town vendors selling merchandise without business licenses or a way to insure they pay tax. That goes unchallenged.
7. The town wants Wilderness designation for the national park, but has no idea what effect it might have on our community. Boy, that’s clear thinking and good planning. Yet the citizens join the rally like lemmings.
Now for the action-
1. Are you registered to vote?
2. Do you really educate yourselves on the issues?
3. Will you commit to actually vote? 85% or more don’t vote so that’s a fair question.
4. Will you ask your friends and neighbors about the issues and discuss them?
Isn’t it time you accepted some responsibility for the community in which you live?
5. Will you call a trustee and hold them accountable? They are as uninformed as you are, it would shock you.
6. Those that want more money for schools so the kiddies won’t be ignorant, lead by example. Fight for the community that you want.
Amen
