This spring, while our mountains are being torched before our eyes, behind closed doors in Durango our civil liberties and the future of our town’s prosperity are quietly being consumed by our elected city officials and paid city leaders.
First, in a sharp and undemocratic action, the City Council reduced speaking time at our city meetings. Second, the city is now attempting to move our homeless population to live atop the remnants of a potentially radioactive patch of dirt on the north side of Smelter Mountain.
Without notice or public input, our new mayor and her councilors reduced the speaking time from five to three minutes for any member of the public who wishes to address them at our meetings. Five minutes has been the allotted time for as long as anyone can remember. In contrast, a developmental entity can speak as long as they desire. In the name of expediency, our councilors no longer have the patience to hear out their constituents.
Assistant City Manager Kevin Hall, we have one request: Test the site.
Do not expose our underserved population to the ills of radioactivity. Do not expose the citizens of Durango to liability by not doing so. This is your duty. Let’s not allow our city officials, be they elected or paid, to trample on our civil liberties and future prosperity. Speak up now and demand the leadership we deserve.
Blake Fredrickson
Durango
