Soapbox

(The following is a letter that was sent to the 9-R School Board and copies to the Telegraph.)

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments for the future use of the 9-R Admin Building as the city of Durango considers its options. I grew up in Durango and was shaped by the education structures the community is fortunate to have. I became interested in the process of public policy- and decision-making in the city, which has resulted in a passion for lifelong learning as a planner. I understand the City’s need for updated infrastructure and the importance of prioritizing public health, safety and welfare in the community. That being said, I encourage you to carefully consider the legacy that you want to leave the future learners, professionals and families of Durango.

I strongly believe the Shaws’ history of civic involvement, sustainability, community-led creativity, activation of space and ability to maintain historic structures has benefited the community of Durango immeasurably. I advocate for their involvement with the future design and use of the 9-R Admin Building site. By activating and preserving this beautiful relic of Durango’s history, I believe the community (past, present and future) and its visitors will benefit. What the Shaws have proposed is an exciting opportunity that would otherwise not be possible to achieve without their leadership and drive to better this town.

One of Durango’s assets is its ability to carefully preserve the stories of its foundational past while sustainably planning for a future that will stand out and benefit the people that represent the city. Prioritizing our teachers, makers and future artists is one way that the city can continue this legacy and maintain its goals of sustainability, connectivity and mixed-use active spaces. My sister and I were both selected (in separate years) to have pieces of art hung in the 9-R Admin Building. This was the first opportunity I had to get to see and briefly experience the building; years later, the idea of teachers and leaders of our community having an opportunity to live in a building that has shaped the education systems of Durango is incredible. A creative opportunity to provide affordable deed-restricted housing is a responsibility that the community cannot continue to pass along; there needs to be a fundamental shift in how we consider the use of land including physical buildings and local housing.

Durango has immense assets and unique, creative partnerships that can locally address ongoing infrastructure, housing and employment projects. The Admin Building represents much more than a 4.3-acre parcel. The future use of this building sets the tone for how the character of Durango and its collaboration with stakeholders will evolve. Durango is unique, and I believe that the voices of the community hold a special place in the public process. I hope that 9-R takes its time in carefully considering the weight of this decision and the impact that it can have on the community at large. – Lily Oswald, Community Development Coordinator, City of Ouray

‘Patriotism’ and the flag

Regarding David Feela’s column in the July 8 issue, several times this year I have sat in traffic behind a tricked-out Jeep/truck/Hummer pasted with a decal mashup of The Punisher skull and a Blue Lives Matter flag. I’m sure it looks cool to the owner, but the irony is: The Punisher, a siren of vigilantism, is melded with an insignia of law and order. Dumb, I know, but there’s a greater force at play here besides lacking the general knowledge of the things you could have learned in school.

In second grade, we were taught how to handle and care for the flag, and a stint in Boy Scouts affirmed those traditions, as it did Mr. Feela, and I have become increasingly alarmed at the defamation of our flag. How have so many “patriots” become so distanced from the respect and honor our flag deserves? Guaranteed that awesome bald-eagle-on-the-star-spangled bought at Walmart wasn’t made in America.

– Jack Leggett, Durango

After the Rain

Once busy, Once obliviously driven, The rainbow chase Of ambitions and regret. All is quiet now! Reflection and hope And desperation; Mixed colors of despair. The moment holds The future, a heavy uncertainty. The past a framed rose. The path forward, A light of love Which transcends The dark and returns Us homeward!

– Burt Baldwin, Ignacio

“We’ll print damned-near anything”

The Telegraph prides itself on a liberal letters policy. We have only a few requests: letters must be limited to 750 words; and writers must “sign” letters using their real names and place of residence. Thank-you lists and personal attacks are unwelcome. Send your insights to: tele graph@durangotelegraph.com. Let the games begin ...

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