Recent forums to introduce the public to the City Council candidates have been helpful. All four are eager to be elected and have me convinced that many city issues are likely be challenges, no matter who does the job. Only one candidate, though – David McHenry – is up to speed in figuring out how to address these challenges.
I know that McHenry will not fail to do his homework and that he won’t simply accept the word of staff, consultants and commissions as absolute truth. He’s already shown this community that he’s not one to blindly drink the Kool-Aid.
McHenry is the only candidate questioning whether the sewer plant should be moved, suggesting that remodel costs to keep it at Santa Rita may not be as definitive as we think.
The incumbents appear confident that only they know what’s best. Over the last couple of years, I’ve watched some of our council cast votes with “my hands are tied” resignation that makes me wonder why they are so powerless against so much; such as when Dick White cast the deciding vote for the significant height variance for the new proposed downtown hotel despite the council refusing other, much more reasonable requests for variances.
I’ve seen how often they underestimate or simply discount the will of the people, despite many instances of clear and unanimous opposition – whether the issue has to do with hotel, vacation rentals or parking meters.
McHenry is not a newcomer to the scene. He’s just been on the wrong side of dais. I know he is ready to step up on behalf of the community; to truly represent the residents of Durango.
I hope you’ll join me in voting for him.
Andrew Aitken
Durango
