Fellow folks who care about Wheat Ridge, I just want to take a moment and thank you all. I havent been very engaged in this forum and cant guarantee to stay engaged (I have a two-month-old baby and a two-year old, so my time seems to evaporate), but would like to share some good feelings for you all. I feel really blessed to have chosen to make Wheat Ridge my home nearly 10 years ago. I have met truly wonderful and caring people that make this a special community. And good and wonderful people may not agree on every little thing (like say how far apart curbs should be on a particular street). For my part, let me say that while I may disagree with some folks on some things, it does not mean they have lost my respect nor that I have forgotten they are good and decent people. And it usually doesnt mean we disagree on all things. Lets not forget most of us are passionate because we believe Wheat Ridge is a special place, some have lived been here 80 years and some have been here 80 days, and that connection to the community is strong for many of us. It has been my experience that the elected officials and candidates for office in Wheat Ridge are earnest, motivated to help and accessible. I have invited in those knocking at my door and had good conversations. When we first moved here I called up my city councilperson Wanda Sang and she met me at Dairy Queen for some ice cream and conversation. I dont think that kind of access to elected officials happens everywhere and not in all surrounding cities. In that same Dairy Queen conversation, Wanda turned me on to a new non-profit called Wheat Ridge 2020 and recommended me for membership. It was a great way to meet people in my community, gave me a place to volunteer my skills and eventually turned into a job. It is my privilege to work with many of the businesses across our city and most of those on 38th Avenue. Businesses find unique ways to partner with our community events whether that is advertising a car show, offering free air to pump up bike tires or offering seating for a parade or race. While we all have our own preferences in what attracts us to visit or patronize a business, I have found that all the business owners are very proud of what they contribute to the community. And no matter what business, I can depend on personal service. Like insisting on coming over to my house to install my recently repaired window screens because he could see I was clearly 8 months pregnant and shouldnt be getting up on a ladder. And I am grateful for a city that includes opportunity to be involved in the process. I know not everyone feels like they are informed of everything, but in general, I feel city hall welcomes our presence. While it can be disappointing when the majority does not side with my thoughts, at least that opportunity was there to be heard. And again, while I may not agree with someone in one meeting, I may be cheering them on in another. And after the meeting, someone like Jim Meeker just might be brushing the snow off my car when Im the last one out to the parking lot. In my years as a volunteer, then staff member and now director of Wheat Ridge 2020, there have been hundreds of board members, committee members and volunteers contributing vast hours in support of our broad mission to advance Wheat Ridge as a vibrant and sustainable community. You will not see unanimity from our diverse former board members, current board members and volunteers on all aspects of all issues. We are diverse and therein lies some of our beauty and strength. Similarly, we engage in forums like this because we care about our community. And whether or not you agree with me on which way to vote, I do hope you vote, I do hope you show up and I do hope you continue to feel Wheat Ridge is a special place. Thank you all for caring.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 00:36:55 +0000
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