I tell people all the time, “I don’t politic.” What does that mean? To me, it means trying to keep my own opinions to myself most of the time. It is often impossible for people to separate out the newspaper from me. Yet, here I am with a voice. A voice full of historical knowledge of our area, our schools, our town, our county, our community. I like to think, sometimes, that it’s an important voice. So, sometimes, it’s hard not to politic.
Sometimes I simply have to say, “I’d vote for this person, if I could vote.” Or even, “I feel this way about this situation.” Right now I am trying very hard not to politic, but here goes. Because something has to be said, even in a vague reference.
If I could vote in the Nederland election, I would vote for the most qualified candidates. And those candidates may have lived here for a year, or twenty years. They may have kids in the schools, work in our local businesses or live out here in Gilpin, like we do (which means we can’t vote in town, but we can participate in local government in other ways). Those candidates speak up for what they believe. Those candidates are entrenched in the community in some way. In my own book, those candidates are not politicians. They are neighbors, friends, thoughtful citizens that are concerned enough about something happening in their community, they are running for election on a town board. Those are the people I would vote for.
But there is more to it than that, isn’t there? I hear all the time, “Vote for the best candidate, don’t vote against a candidate.” But I would vote against a candidate. I’m being honest here. I would vote against someone that does not have ideas that line up with mine. Ideas that don’t represent my own (personal) vision of Nederland. Ideas that are truly representative of someone or something else, not the actual candidate. I wouldn’t vote for them. Because I care about the future of the community. The place I have lived in or near for almost 4 decades.
It doesn’t happen often, but I feel at a for words this week. I guess overall, I have read so much sad news within our community. From deaths, to guns, to businesses closing. Then I remind myself to also weigh in the positive, happy news. The news that sports are starting, celebrations are happening, artists and murals, bridges, new businesses, Lou Bunch Days, positive community events that offer a taste of our past, a glimpse of the present and hope for the future.
Now a quick plug about our online subscriptions. Online subscriptions are currently just $40 per year. That’s less than $1 per week. Subscribe online here: https://www.themtnear.com/register/ summer-special-1-year-online-for-40/. And, if you are already a print subscriber to The Mountain-Ear, email me and I will get you set up for an online subscription (free for current subscribers). If you’re not a subscriber, I’ll get you set up for a FREE 100 day trial. The Mountain-Ear is working hard to get you your news. And, we don’t want you to miss a thing!
And again, friends, in case you’re thinking of eating out… check out this link for info about local establishments (UPDATED JULY 15, 2022). We cover the entire Peak to Peak region with a bit of information on where to be and what to see! If your listing needs to be updated, email us at info@themountainear.com and we’ll take care of that before our next print of this local list (and we update online weekly). Here is the link: https:// www.themtnear.com/articles/peak-to- peak-dining-drinks-and-entertainment/. We continue to be the ONLY print publication that shares this full list, and we keep it online and updated year-round for you.
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The Mountain-Ear is YOUR community newspaper, covering all of the news you love in the entire Peak to Peak region, since 1977. As always, my door is open (in Nederland and Black Hawk), my phone is on and my email gets checked regularly. Contact me at info@themountainear.com or call 303-810-5409.
