Mayor’s Message: Share alike

Let’s start with what we all agree on. If we’re all part of a huge Venn diagram, where do we all overlap? We’ll call it the “Zen of Venn.”

There are plenty of differences in opinions on many topics. There’s a lot of division out there. So, what do we all have in common? 

We all need air, water, food, shelter, security, and social connection, all of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs items.  

We love our children and want them to succeed. 

We want our families to be healthy, strong, and safe, and to have a comfortable life. 

Most of us would love to be rich, but most of us are not.

I wish it were true that “all you need is love,” but our social system is set up so that most of us need funds to survive and, hopefully, to thrive.  

We want our air and water to be plentiful and clean. Most of us want to connect with others, and we need connection from others.  

Then there’s life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Good ol’ America. I want you to have those things. 

Most of us have a belief system, and we allow others to have theirs. This works if no one attacks, insults, or persecutes others because of different belief systems. 

We’re all human beings. What does it take to be a human being? We must have awareness of our impact on others. It’s the universal golden rule. We’re certainly aware of the impact others have on us, but it must go both ways. 

Do we agree that Estes is beautiful? There are plenty of fine vistas. There are lots of pretty houses and neighborhoods. There are industrial spots that are not the most aesthetic, but they’re industrial. There are beautiful lodges, quaint shops, and the theater. 

Some yards and driveways are not very picturesque. When I walk or drive around town, I see a predominance of beauty, but also some dilapidation, and a good number of debris piles and litter. 

So, it’s not universally beautiful, but I’d say most views are beautiful. Do we overlap with that assessment? 

Have we kept the “quality” of Estes? Wow, that’s even tougher than “beauty.” There must be 10,000 different definitions of the quality that makes Estes what it is. I think that the quality of Estes means staying harmonious with the natural environment, with the trees and wildlife and rivers, and being kind to each other. 

So, let’s hold steady so that those who follow us can share this beautiful spot. 

Now, we must hold onto all that we share, all those overlaps, when we disagree. We need to remember those touchstones of commonality. As soon as we put a wall between us and those who disagree with us, we’ve denied collaboration. 

OK, now, I should explain the picture you see with this article. Town Administrator Machalek and I hosted sixth graders in the town board room. We received several thank-you notes from the students. A lot of them added art. This picture, which is apparently a likeness of the Powerpuff Girls’ mayor, is a most excellent drawing by one of the young ladies in that class. I really like it. 

It was an excellent session with lots of questions and input for us. Several kids mentioned interest in being a trustee or mayor in the future. One thought that being the mayor was too much work, and that maybe being a doctor was easier. As my friends in radiology say, I find that humerus. 

I have faith in the future when I talk with groups of students. The future has a strong chance of being in good hands as our students move into the world and become leaders. 

I think it’s important that I tell you how I interact with students. When I speak with them, whether seniors, sixth-graders, or kindergartners, I do not attempt to direct or influence their views on national (or other) politics. I do try to give them the facts about how the Town of Estes Park government operates, the duties of the staff and trustees, what is important for a mayor to be good at (listening to everyone!), and those types of items. 

I will not attempt to push, pull, or influence the kids toward a certain part of the partisan political spectrum. Let them learn how to collect and coalesce information and how to listen to and ask for opinions, advice, and guidance. Let them make their own decisions based on their access to the best and broadest information. We should not indoctrinate students. 

In the end, they must follow their own road. Let’s hope we’ve given them the tools to make good decisions and to lead well. If their Venn diagram includes keeping the beauty and quality of Estes, then we taught them well.