City council moves forward despite aftershocks of Sept. 11

City council moves forward despite aftershocks of Sept. 11

October 11, 2001

Cortez City Council
Cheryl Baker

I am still not sleeping well at night. I can’t remember how long it took me to sleep peacefully again after JFK was assassinated, weeks for sure. I was about 12 years old and it rocked my world — now, once again, the events of Sept. 11 has left me in a state of shock. Our president has stated it is vital we all continue to move forward, that life must go on. Looking at our October city council calendar, I can say we are doing our part!

Seventeen days are marked for various board meetings, workshops, a Colorado Municipal League dinner in Pagosa Springs. Two nights devoted to non-profit contribution requests and another two nights for budget reviews with city staff. I think October is not just one of our busiest months, but the issues we look at are some of the most important. It is heartwarming to be a part of a municipality that feels a financial responsibility to donate annually to our local non-profits. Unfortunately, there is never enough money to grant all the requests.

Tuesday, Oct. 16, we will be meeting and interviewing the candidates for student representatives for city council as well as planning and zoning. This is a part of council that is really a joy. We have 10 juniors and seniors who have expressed an interest in serving as student representatives, and I want to sincerely thank each and every one of them for coming forward and showing interest in the workings of local government. They are Kristina Alvarez, Tracy Berhost, Brian Cone, Chance Harrison, Tessa Haukeness, Bill Innis, Kevin Kaime, Roger Knuckles, Alexandra Notah and Rebecca Whitehead.

I have had many ask me if recent national and global events will hurt the recreation center issue, and my answer is simple: only if there are more against it than for it. I don’t know why someone who favored the center before would now feel any less desire for the amenities that it will offer. Or someone who wasn’t going to vote for it, would have a change of heart.

The important thing is to get out and vote. That remains the one democratic act that has immediate results. If this last presidential election showed us nothing else, it should answer that long-kicked-around question, "Does my vote count?" Every vote counts, but only if you cast it.