Anxious for a response from our state rep

[John Meissner]

You were recently quoted in the Estes Valley Voice as being against these ballot issues.

I was interested in learning if you were approached by our local newspapers with a request to weigh in, or if you weighed in of your own accord.

Ballot initiative 300 passed, Ballot initiative 301 failed.  I think 300 was actually a "send a message" vote, despite concerns raised that it may be in violation of state or federal law, from those residents who are tired of having their opinions dismissed by members of the town board who they feel don't represent them, and whatever "political machine" gets ginned up around election time in Estes Park to try to keep them in their place.  

It probably didn't help that the Chamber of Commerce and local developers and realtors, among others, banded together on short notice to call these proposals crazy and a waste of time.  The perception, right or wrong, is that the town is ruled/decisions made by an oligarchy of wealthy or "powerful" or "connected" individuals, often folks who just arrived in Estes Park, over-represented on certain boards.  Again, apologies for saying "respectfully" when I don't really mean it, but your weighing in on an issue that might have been interpreted as "another outsider telling us to eat our vegetables" might have been detrimental to your cause. if you really had skin in the game.

I don't know your political persuasion, don't really care.  Estes Park has problems, problems with treatment and housing of J-1 workers, violation of election laws during elections conducted by local boards other than the town clerk, entrenched racism dating back to the time when people could add restrictive covenants to deeds, and too few talented or qualified people making decisions for those who they deem unqualified, to name just a few, and any time I raise these concerns with Joe Neguse or our current Secretary of State, who was raised in Estes Park, I get nothing except empty promises to look into it if they are campaigning, followed by not looking into it in any serious way followed by emails asking for contributions.

I'm done wasting my breath - the only reason I'm writing to you is if you really want to get the full spectrum of opinions of people in Estes Park you claim or hope to represent, you ought not to rely on a few opinions from a few self-appointed experts and busybodies.  I could name names, but I'm guessing you already primarily rely on them anyway.

Thanks.  

[Mark Igel]

John,

I appreciate your perspective, and I hope that you don't disengage. I agree with the sentiment that question 300 represents more than the language included on the ballot question. The Trustee Talk prior to the election that you and I both attended also highlighted the message that constituents are not feeling heard or represented by the elected representatives or staff at local, state and federal levels of government. I empathize with that concern. As a Trustee, I am listening and voting after balancing public sentiment (that I am aware of) and the technical side of questions that come before the board for votes. I will continue on that track and consider the message sent in this election as we discuss and decide issues. 

Mark Igel, Trustee

Town of Estes Park  |  PO Box 1200  |  Estes Park, Colorado 80517

www.estes.org
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