From the Styx by Peggy Tibbetts

If you’re interested in Amazon’s Kindle ebook reader, I got one and I review it at Advice from a Caterpillar.

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#10 – There are 4 Trustee positions open and only 3 other candidates running, so I think I have a pretty good chance of winning.

#9 – Silt needs affordable housing.

#8 – Silt needs a grocery store.

#7 – Silt needs a bank.

#6 – Silt needs a humane animal shelter.

#5 – Our animal control ordinances need to be revised and updated.

#4 – Board meetings should be webcast live and available as podcasts on Silt’s website.

#3 – To restore the damage done to Silt’s reputation by Dave Moore, and help make our town more attractive to commercial development.

#2 – To protect and preserve River Park in its natural state and keep it open to dogs off leash.

And the #1 reason why I’m running for Trustee – Tod and Rick need my help to get all this done!

Okay so I’m irreverent and maybe even a little snarky. But I’m harmless.

I know the rules and plan to abide by them. I have no previous political experience, which is probably a good thing.  I did write an ordinance last year and with the help of 82 voters’ signatures on the petition, I helped the people pass an ordinance to designate River Park as a rest area where dogs may be walked off-leash. I know how town government works. I’ve studied the Silt Home Rule Charter. I know the issues and believe in doing what’s best for the town, not my own special interests. Actually I have no special interests. I’m not affiliated with any business or organization. I don’t even go to church. I am simply a professional author/editor who cares about the future of Silt.

During the past year, I have met hundreds of Silt voters. They have described the issues that are important to them – most of which are on the list above. I think it’s important for Trustees to remember they represent the people – not themselves or their business interests.

A voter asked me these questions:

“Isn’t it against the rules for a husband and wife to serve on the Board?”

No.

“But won’t you and Tod be violating the whole open meetings thing if you talk about town business?”

No. Two Board members can talk about town business in private. Three or more Board members cannot.

“Will you always vote the same way Tod votes?”

I doubt it. We don’t always agree on everything.

“Okay, so maybe it’s not against the rules for a husband and wife to serve on the Board, but is it a good idea?”

I don’t know. We’ll soon find out. Can this marriage be saved? Stay tuned …

To those who object to me serving on the Board with Tod, I say you had your chance. In fact, you can still pick up a Trustee packet from Sheila at the Town Hall and get 25 signatures by 4:00 p.m. on February 29 – that’s tomorrow. Make this a 5 person race and knock me out of the running.

Do I hear crickets chirping? Thought so.

You see, that’s the problem. Nobody else wants to run. But I don’t want to see the remaining Board members appoint someone after the election. And I want to get things done for Silt. So you’re stuck with me.

BTW, the other 3 candidates for Trustee are Bobby Hays, Joe Sos, and Ernie Fernandez.

I look forward to serving the voters of Silt. I like them. I think we’re good peeps. 

** MARCH 4 UPDATE **
With the addition of Nicky Leigh, we now have a total of 5 candidates running for the 4 Trustee positions. I still have a pretty good chance.

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We have an important opportunity to have our voices heard.  We can make calls and write letters of support for the appointment of COGCC Commissioners Tresi Houpt and Rich Alward.  Commissioner Houpt (D) represents Glenwood Springs and serves as the local government appointee to the COGCC.  Commissioner Alward (D) represents Grand Junction, and represents soil conservation and reclamation.  As you know, these appointments represent the reduction of influence that oil and gas held within the COGCC.  This is the last chance for oil and gas to reclaim their majority within the COGCC, DON’T let it happen! 

The very important hearing comes before the State Senate Agricultural Committee at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 26, 2008, in the House Committee Room 107, in the State Capitol basement.  You can make a difference by supporting the appointees through calling, or writing letters to members of the State Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee.

The hearing will also cover the appointments of:

Commissioner Rich Alward (Grand Junction)(D) — soil conservation/reclamation
Commissioner Tom Compton (Durango)(R) — agriculture/mineral owner
Commissioner Mark Cutright (Aurora)(R) — oil and gas/petroleum engineer/geologist
Commissioner Michael Dowling (Denver)(U) — wildlife/environmental protection
Commissioner Joshua Epel (Greenwood Villiage)(D) — oil and gas industry

For more info, go to the Colorado State Legislature’s website.

The State Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources & Energy Committee contact info:

Sen. Jim Isgar, Chair, SD-6 (D):
Cap: 303-866-4884
Email: isgarsenate@frontier.net

Sen. Gail Schwartz, Vice Chair, SD-5 (D): 
Cap: 303-866-4871
Email: gail.schwartz.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Jack Taylor, SD-8 (R):
Cap: 303-866-5292
No email    

Sen. Greg Brophy, SD-1 (R): 
Cap: 303-866-6360
Email: greg@gregbrophy.net

Sen. Ted Harvey, SD-30 (R):
Cap: 303-866-4881 
Email: ted.harvey.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Dan Gibbs, SD-16 (D):
Cap: 303-866-4873 
Email: dan.gibbs.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Chris Romer, SD-32 (D):
Cap: 303-866-4852 
Email: chris.romer.senate@state.co.us

We can make a difference!

Western Colorado Congress — Grand Valley Citizens Alliance

At Monday’s Board meeting (2/11), during Board Comments, Dave brought up the fence issue (see Mayor Moore’s Current Permit Violations).

To recap, here’s an August 2007 photo of his illegal fence. To date, nothing has changed.

The fence is not on Center Townhomes (Dave’s) property. The fence is on someone else’s property. Dave did not obtain a permit to build the fence, and it violates the height requirement (a fence in Flying Eagle had to be shortened to meet this requirement in late 2002).  However he has not been cited.

At Monday’s meeting he asked the Board to vote to allow him to keep his fence. He said the fence has been there for 46 years. But I ask you. Look at the photo. Does that fence look 46 years old to you? Of course not. And that’s because he built the fence last year.

Then he went on about the need for a fence to keep weeds from blowing into the yards. But whether or not Center Townhomes needs a fence is not the issue. The fence violates the height requirement. He built it without a permit on his neighbor’s property.

Tod spoke up and told Dave he was appalled at what he was asking. He said the Board has no authority to allow that fence. He said the Board makes ordinances, and their job is to uphold them. He reminded Dave that citizens have been cited and made to tear down fences that were in violation of the fence ordinance.

Bobby Hays said he agreed with Tod and if the Mayor has an issue with his fence, rather than address it from the top down, he should go through the proper channels.

So there you go. I can’t tell you any better than Dave can show you how he views his position as Mayor. He does not believe the rules apply to him. He built a fence without a permit on his neighbor’s property and now he wants the Board to grant him permission after the fact. It’s hard to take him seriously sometimes.

Some folks might say that Silt is just a small town. What’s the big deal? The fence serves a purpose. It isn’t hurting anybody. Why can’t Dave leave it up? Okay. So if your neighbor decides to build a fence on your property without a permit, then that’s fine with you. I don’t think so.

Or some have asked what’s so wrong about Dave getting a few extra perks for being the Mayor? It’s not an easy job. The pay is lousy. Give him a break. It’s hard to get people to run for office. He’s nice enough to step up and serve the public, let him have his fence. So does everyone else on the Board get a pass on the rules, too? They also work hard and serve the public. What rules do they get to break? Or maybe some people think just the Mayor gets to break the rules – as long as nobody gets hurt and the town doesn’t get sued. If that’s the case, where do we draw the line?

Should we allow the Mayor to close off a public street without a permit, then make a mess and not clean it up?

Should we allow the Mayor to hold impromptu email meetings and private meetings with other Board members, without public scrutiny?

Should we allow the Mayor to interfere with town staff?

Should we allow the Mayor to lobby on behalf of his own construction company and vote on issues related to projects he will profit from?

The answer is as clear today as it was Monday night. No.

During the recall petition process, Dave admitted he had made what he termed “procedural mistakes”.  But on Monday night he didn’t admit he made a mistake. He didn’t say, “I made a mistake. I was wrong. I should be cited like any other citizen who builds a fence without a permit. I will take down the fence.” No. He asked the Board to let him have his fence.

Dave asked the other Board members to violate Silt’s Code of Ethics:

G. Equality of Treatment. No official or employee shall grant any special consideration, treatment or advantage to any person other than that which is available to every other person.

This is where we draw the line.

Vote YES to recall Dave Moore.

Vote for Rick Aluise for Mayor.

I really gotta hand it to Dave and The Paper for keeping the recall election alive and in the news. We couldn’t ask for better publicity – without lifting a finger or costing us a penny.

Silt mayor withdraws bid for commissioner
Moore says the recall he faces is the main reason
By Heidi Rice
 
SILT — Mayor Dave Moore announced Friday afternoon that he will not run for the Garfield County Board of Commissioners because of the recall election he faces in April.

Moore had previously indicated he might run against incumbent Republican commissioner John Martin for the District 2 seat. However, Moore also said that his candidacy was contingent upon whether a recall effort to remove him as mayor was successful in the town’s April 1 municipal election. If so, he said he would remove his hat from the ring of potential commissioner candidates.

Okay, so he removed his hat from the ring. Does that mean he thinks the recall was successful? I guess so. Hey I’m just going by what he said.

Moore now says he will not run for county commissioner because of the recall election, but at one time had entertained the thought of serving as both the mayor of Silt and as a county commissioner.

“I decided a couple of weeks ago when I saw this nightmare of a recall wasn’t going to go away,” Moore said Friday afternoon.

Why would he think the recall would go away? This just shows his disdain for the voters and the will of the people. Silt voters – 124 of them – signed the recall petition. Obviously he doesn’t trust the voters.

“Because of the recall, I feel the town needs me and I want to give my service to the town. I was hoping some good would come out of this and I would walk out with my head up. But it seems like there’s a small contingency out there who are making it difficult.”

Say what? If anyone has any idea what Dave means by this gibberish, please contact me. I don’t have a clue. Again, 124 signatures is not a small contingency but never mind cuz it sounds like he’s planning to walk out. So evidently he thinks he’s going to lose – er something.

Perhaps when Dave found out that Rick Aluise is running for Mayor, reality set in. He’s going to lose. Everyone knows that Rick is by far the best choice for Mayor. He’s more qualified than Dave. He has more experience than Dave. He knows the issues, he cares about the people, and he plays by the rules.

Mayor Aluise will restore Silt’s integrity. Mayor Aluise will step into office on Day 1 knowing all about the issues and how to get things done. Whenever Dave missteps or violates the rules he likes to say that he’s still new to this job and/or still learning the rules – or such and such. Well Mayor Aluise will not be new to the job, nor will he be a Mayor-in-training. He will hit the ground knowing his job and knowing the rules.

The recall effort was spearheaded by Silt mayor pro tem Tod Tibbetts last fall and a committee who claimed that Moore has violated numerous town and state statutes.

Um, we didn’t CLAIMED anything. We PROVED it. The investigation, the documents, the emails, the photos – they’re all here on this blog (see August and September 2007). In fact Dave’s illegal fence is still up. He was never cited, never fined, never ordered to remove it. Dave Moore does not believe the rules apply to him because he’s the Mayor. And apparently they don’t. But that’s all going to change on April 1.

So far, three candidates have taken out petitions to run for the mayor’s position should Moore be recalled, including former town trustee Doug Williams and former town administrator Rick Aluise. The third candidate has not turned in his petition and has asked not to be named as of yet.

The mayor candidate petitions must include 25 signatures from registered voters and be turned in to Silt Town Hall by Feb. 15.

On Monday, petitions will also be available for those interested in running for the four open town board seats in the April election, which are currently held by trustees Bobby Hays, Ron Morgan, Jim Voorheis and Joe Sos.

According to town clerk Sheila McIntyre, Hays and Sos have indicated they will seek re-election while Morgan will not and Voorheis is undecided.

Three of the positions are for four-year terms ending in 2012, with the fourth, currently held by Sos, ends in 2010. Petitioners must be at least 18 years of age, a minimum one-year resident of the town of Silt and a registered voter. Petitions must have valid signatures of 25 registered voters in the town of Silt.

Here’s my little rant for the day. This is a tight timetable. No doubt about it. I worry that it will discourage people from running for Trustee. 25 signatures in 18 days is not easy to achieve. This is a state statute. It favors the incumbents. It’s unfair to new candidates. Yes, it’s a good way to get out and meet the voters and let them know you’re running. It would be even better if prospective candidates had 30-45 days to accomplish that. But it’s not impossible. And it also means candidates don’t have to spend a lot of time campaigning.

Petitions should be turned in to Silt Town Hall, 231 No. 7th Street, by Feb. 29.

For more questions about taking out a petition, please call Sheila McIntyre at 876-2353.

Okay people. So here’s your chance. The race is on. It’s decision time. Let’s make some real change in town government. Run for office.

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Most people have never heard of LoVa (Lower Valley Trails Group). But yesterday was an historic day for the organization. Check this out: 

Lower Valley trail takes its first step in Glenwood Springs
By Phillip Yates

GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The first phase of a long-term goal to build a trail from Glenwood Springs to the Mesa-Garfield county line via Interstate 70 was officially inaugurated Tuesday.

A group of about 11 people — which included Garfield County commissioners John Martin and Trési Houpt and county, city and state personnel — broke ground on the new 650-foot South Canyon Trail in West Glenwood Springs.

It is a humble beginning for an ambitious trail out of Glenwood Springs and across much of Garfield County, said Larry Dragon, executive director of the Lower Valley Trails Group.

“This is a first step in a dream that is going to be the Lower Valley (LoVa) trail,” Dragon said. “The LoVa trail eventually will be a 47-mile trail starting from right here and heading 47 miles to the west all the way to the Mesa County line” …

LoVa Trails is an organization that is close to my heart. We have been members since its inception. Tod is a founding member and currently serves as Board Chairman. This group has been quietly working toward their goal of a trail system in Garfield County for 9 long years. Yesterday’s groundbreaking was a culmination of the diligence of a small group of dedicated people who deserve our admiration and thanks for their stick-to-it-tive-ness through the bleakest of times. It just goes to show that we can achieve their dreams in spite of enormous roadblocks.

Visit the LoVa Trails website. View the Master Plan map. Help make our dreams come true. Consider a donation toward the future of this awesome trail system:
Lower Valley Trails Group, 144 E. 3rd St., Rifle CO 81650

LoVa also supports other trail systems in the county. They supported the completion of the Rio Grande Trail from Glenwood Springs to Carbondale last summer. In December they presented the West Elk Multi-Use Club with a $647 grant to cover the cost of liability insurance needed to keep the 19-mile cross-country trail system open on the Flat Tops. The trailhead is located at Triangle Park on the Buford Road. We are also members of this fantastic club. If you haven’t discovered these trails, you are missing out. You can read more about them here: Multi-use club maintains Flat Tops trail network

To those of you in the energy industry who visit my blog, by underwriting the LoVa trail system or awarding them a big fat grant, you would go a long way toward sowing the seeds of goodwill with the people in Garfield County – just a thought.

We need a trail system in western Garfield County and we won’t give up until our trail dreams come true.

Thanks LoVa!

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Today Rick Aluise formally announced his candidacy for Mayor of Silt. He seeks to fill the vacancy if Mayor Moore is successfully recalled.

Rick served as Silt Town Administrator for six years. After he resigned in May 2007, he and his wife Janet opened Silt Discount Liquor. Both Rick and Janet are Silt natives, and currently have a home in Mesa View.

The Silt Recall Committee endorses Rick Aluise for Mayor because of his experience and expertise in dealing with town issues on a daily basis as Town Administrator. Rick also understands that the job of the Mayor is to conduct Town Board meetings and make legislative decisions as a member of the Board. He knows and understands state statutes and town ordinances and abides by them. In turn, Rick supports the Recall Committee’s call for open government, voter awareness, and citizen involvement in town government.

In the coming weeks I will present Rick’s view on some of the issues facing the town of Silt.

On April 1, we urge you to vote YES to recall Mayor Moore. Then vote for Rick Aluise for Mayor.

To all my readers who walk their dogs at River Park – aka Dogland – check your dogs for ticks.

What? Ticks in the dead of winter?

Sounds weird I know, but Sharon called me last night and told me she had found several ticks  – like 2 or 4 – on her dog Luke after she had taken her dogs to the park.

Why are there ticks at the park? Deer use the park in the early mornings to access the river. Birds and skunks can also carry ticks. So it’s the abundance of wildlife in the park that brings ticks, even in winter.

On January 16, Karen and Tony’s dog Lucky died from Lyme disease. Dr. Langegger diagnosed it, but it was too late, the antibiotic treatment didn’t work. The fact that Karen and Tony regularly walk their dogs at the park is worth noting. Update from Divide Creek Animal Hospital (Dr. Langegger): the Lyme disease test for Lucky was inconclusive.

I don’t think the presence of ticks or the risk of Lyme disease (or Rocky Mtn spotted tick fever) are reasons to panic or stop walking your dogs at the park. You just need to be aware.

Deer ticks are harder to find than regular wood ticks because they’re smaller. So you should also check for a red circle or rash on your dog’s skin.

For more information about deer ticks and Lyme disease in dogs (including symptoms to watch for in your dog) go here:

What Is Lyme Disease In Dogs?

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