The incumbent Woodland Park school board directors running for re-election originally campaigned as conservatives. With the election coming up in November, it might be informative to reflect on how their record reflects conservative values.

A few of the principal conservative values are individual freedom, respect for the law, government transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Sadly, our current school board has attempted to silence dissenting voices though gag orders and banishment from public meetings. Decisions have been made and policies drafted without the opportunity for public input. These and other actions by the Board have led to a number of lawsuits being brought against the district. Defending against these lawsuits is an unnecessary distraction from the vital business of the school board, and a significant drain on the limited financial resources of the district. The Board’s disregard for peoples’ rights to free speech, lack of transparency, and financial irresponsibility are contrary to conservative values.

It is time to put an end to the controversies generated by the school board’s actions and restore the community’s trust. We have an opportunity in the next election to bring responsibility, respect, and rational decision making back to the school board. Keegan Barkley, Seth Bryant, and Mike Knott exemplify our community values and will put the needs of our students and families first. Please join me in voting for them this November.

Lindsay Breyer, Divide

wrote to the Editor last week? Are we merely providing a physical location because Propromotions need a place to hold the rally, or does City Council have a hard list of benefits for the residents that MUST be achieved? What exactly are the goals and objectives behind our special events and who are the beneficiaries?

I contacted Jim Wear before the rally and asked him to give a shoutout to those who cannot attend because they are holding down our retail fort. So are we holding events for the entertainment of our residents, to help perpetuate retail sale, promote our city, our because Jim needs a home city?

I ask each of you to contact your City Councilperson of choice and ask for hard numbers of sales generated and expenses incurred for each event we host. Is the city measuring the benefits of special events because if not, you cannot improve what you do not measure. If we cannot quantify a substantial benefit for our retailers and sales tax generation for the inconveniences residents incur during an event, then Ms. Jabaay is correct.

But if we can quantify a financial benefit to tax generation…..the question then is….. whatcha gonna spend that money on? Might I suggest quality of life improvements for the residents to help offset the impacts of special events.

Donnie Beson, Woodland Park