Dear Editor,

As a resident of Nederland, I am writing to express my strong support for the upcoming special ballot measure to establish a childcare center on town land. This initiative is not just a matter of convenience but a crucial step towards supporting access to early childhood education as well as the economic success of our local families and community.

Recently, I had the pleasure of leading yoga story time at the Nederland Community Library, a hub of social support for young families. There, I met several Nederland parents who are deeply concerned about their childcare options in an area where little options exist. My conversations with them highlight a significant issue: many of these parents reside within the Nederland library district and within our local school district but, unfortunately, do not live within the town limits, rendering them unable to vote in favor of the childcare center. Their voices, while not directly heard in this Town ballot vote, reflect a profound need that spans beyond the borders of our town.

Nederland has a proud history of providing essential social services on town property which benefit a wider community beyond our town borders. The Nederland Community Center which houses a food pantry, senior services, a collective commercial kitchen, fitness facilities and classes, and our beloved Nederland Community Library which serves mountain residents all across the peak to peak region are just a few examples of how we, as a small town, have extended our resources to support those living outside our immediate town boundaries. These services have become vital lifelines for many, demonstrating our community’s collective commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

By advocating for this childcare center to move forward on Town land, we are continuing this tradition of service and support. As Maya Angelou once said, “I speak not for myself, but for those without voice… those who have fought for their rights… their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated.”

By voting in favor of the childcare center, we are choosing to be advocates for those who cannot vote themselves on this July’s ballot, ensuring that all families within our mountain community have access to the support and early childhood education they need to thrive.

I urge my fellow Nederland residents to VOTE YES in this month’s special ballot issue to allow a childcare center on town land. Let us continue to be a community that believes in standing together, supporting one another, and investing in the future of our children.

Angie Seavers

Nederland