Here is a terrific example of how well the folks are doing in catalyzing the entrenched Valley politics of the past into a more balanced voice of all our social communities.
It could be said that the folks have 'literally been held hostage' to that very powerful social and economic class that have run most of our local governments and business communities for the past decade or more.
The past three years have seen a rising up of the more 'common man' with an emphasis on that movement taking hold in the past year or so.
We have sat major change into our county commissioners spanning the Roaring Fork Valley and both sides of the I-70 corridor. Same on our City Council and Trustee seats. Volunteer boards now hold voice of the citizens and not just powerful business people who focus on individual bottom lines. We have a lot of activism going on out here and the emotions, including anger, are at times palpable.
It is a very good feeling to watch the earlier stages of this movement to balance now be at a point where our new leadership is slowly starting to empower the folks.
A very special thank you to Glenwood Springs City Councilmen Todd Leahy, Mike Gamba and Ted Edmonds for voicing on behalf of what is actually the majority out here. When you count the shadows too.
Let's take a look at some excerpts from John Stroud's reporting:
“I think it is important for us to chime in on all issues that impact the community, and this is one of them,” Steckler said. “If it fails, there will be all sorts of impacts in terms of maintaining strong schools. It's part of our leadership responsibility to discuss such matters.”
"Added McKinney, “The people of this community deserve to know where we stand, and I think that's very important.”
"Opponents of the measure say local taxpayers deserve a break, and that the school district should have to adjust its budget accordingly with the downturn in the economy."
“Every community has different politics, and we have to respect those individual barometers,” he said. (Matt Hamilton)"
“It's not appropriate for us to advise citizens how to vote on something that's not directly part of city government,” Councilman Ted Edmonds said at the Thursday evening City Council meeting."
“There are a lot of reasons to support the tax, and I've heard a lot of arguments on the other side,” said Councilman Mike Gamba. “But it isn't our place to advise citizens how to vote.”
Now, let's see what the 'kids' have to say.
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"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."