I have been heartbroken over the recall effort against County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt. I have lived in La Plata County for most of my life and have straddled the divisions between being a county resident and a member of many Durango communities.
I am embarrassed that I have old cars around my house…(anybody need an old Nissan truck?), but certainly don’t want anyone to tell me to get rid of them. I feel richer for living in a community that has differences of lifestyles, outlooks and perspectives.
I have known Gwen Lachelt for a long time and she also has straddled these divisions. She has also spent her whole working life in service of this community and this region.
The individuals arguing that she has deep pockets or is associated with some big agenda have not sat with Gwen in public meetings. Gwen has shown over and over her ability to listen, argue and compromise with community members, industry representatives and government agency people.
The fact there are individuals who have sat in those meetings who are still supporting this recall effort shows how little deference we now have for who we are as a collective.
How can we possibility have a working political system when we attack good people who have worked so hard for the community? How do we expect other good people to run whether they identify as red or blue?
I urge you to “Decline to Sign.”
Janine Fitzgerald
Bayfield
