No surprises

Those who follow Town business, including Board meetings and various other forums and published articles and such, likely have a fair idea of my stance on many issues. It also may be apparent which causes I tend to support. I’ll give a recap of things of which I’m generally in favor. That doesn’t mean that I’d always vote for things in these categories, but it does mean that I’m likely to advocate for them.

Also, it’s important to note that these are just my opinions. These are not representative of the Town Board as a unit.

I’ve been very supportive of those groups who provide human services to our community. Harmony Foundation, Estes Dementia Day Services, the Bridge of Estes, EVICS, Good Samaritan, and Estes Valley Crisis Advocates all help in the areas where help is most needed. The Market at Crossroads Assistance Ministry  — our local food bank  — is a great operation.

Visit Estes Park is moving in good directions, with CEO Sarah Leonard bringing a new level of outreach to the community. I’ve worked to help them transition to a different board and advisory committee, but also supported their destination stewardship efforts, year-round events, and the pre-Sundance work.

I was very much in favor of the Fall River Village deal in 2024. In public hearings, I’ve spoken in favor about the Housing Authority finding ways to optimize their ability to provide affordable workforce housing at FRV, which will involve sale of some of the higher-end units. That also goes to their other efforts. I don’t follow their lead blindly, but I know how critical and complete their work is.

I’ve been very supportive of Rocky Mountain National Park and its policies, even timed entry, which I do think helps us avoid the fate of Yosemite and Yellowstone and others who ended that type of program.

I believe that the new police/safety station is more than essential. In addition to having components scattered about at different places in town, the current police office at Town Hall reminds me of our overtaxed post office. Both have operations that are far beyond the original usage. Their space is woefully short, and it makes retention of evidence and management of alleged criminals very challenging.

I also think the new facility will help with the recruitment of officers and staff. To say the EPPD doesn’t need the new space is, well, not accurate.

I’ve interacted with the school system whenever I could, because the kids are the future, and I always learn anytime I’m involved in school programs and job fairs and more. I also interact with Eagle Rock, which is a remarkable advanced cultural and education institution up there off Dry Gulch.

I’m in favor of new, creative concepts that give Estes Park additional dimensions. Despite the great challenges, I favored the Cleave Street renovation. The Stanley Chocolate Factory is exceedingly popular for visitors and for events, and the carousel certainly adds a whole new element of fun. For 150 years, we’ve been a town that people visit for the natural surroundings – and we’re spicing it and evolving it in new directions.

I’m in favor of tweaks to ordinances that can assist businesses. I am a supporter of paid parking. I’ve been very active in helping the exchange visitors’ support program get off the ground.

There are many more things that I support – and many that I don’t. The mayor’s office has a voice, whoever is in it, and I use that to amplify messages of which I approve. I use the office to listen, hear, and see what improvements I can make to our world.

I hope this gives a good recap of some of the things I favor. Next column, I’ll talk about our “cornerstone” lodges, like The Stanley, Elkhorn, Taharaa, Mary’s Lake, and Crags, and give some insights there. We’re living in a time of renovation and rebuilding.

One other word on last week’s column about “relentless optimism”. To clarify, I’m very aware of the dark side of humanity. Very. I know that many operate from a very different core, sometimes with anger or bitterness, sometimes with depression, sometimes with hatred. There are terrible, inhumane things done by people every day. There have been and will be terrible things done by Estes Park residents or visitors.

There are diseases that cripple or kill; many minds sadly deteriorate as they age. Cancer is one of the most insidious diseases. I am acutely aware of its path to debilitation and death. Support the Bridge of Estes!

My point is that bringing positivism to the table is a good thing, it gives one the opportunity to operate from a “sunny” starting point, to try to do good works, to try to steer negative forces in positive ways, to try to serve our citizens and visitors and all. It does not mean that our eyes and mind are closed to the horror that some people wreak on others.

Estes, you are an incredible town. Thank you for letting me serve.