Thanks Due to Idarado

Editor:

As Mayor of Telluride, I want to publicly thank Dave Baker, President of Idarado Mining Company, for his recent gift to the town of a 2-acre water treatment facility site, access road and critical easements through their property. Following 11 months of working on this agreement as well as a road agreement (still in negotiations) Idarado realized that we needed some certainty on this site prior to our putting forth a ballot issue to the public this fall. Therefore, with concern for the town's interests he agreed to gift the site without resolution on the road issues. This is indeed a remarkable gesture.

Not only did he uncouple the agreements but indeed the value of this site is significant and will decrease the tax burden to our tax payers.

I want to also thank the town staff, especially Sandy Stuller and Jay Harrington for working untold hours on this very important issue to our community. This town government rolled up there sleeves and through hard work, respect, courtesy, and commitment we were able to cooperate and succeed.

– John Hans Pryor, Mayor, Town of Telluride

LaBorde for MVOA Seat

Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you that I don't yet know and to let you know why I am seeking a term on the Board of the Mountain Village Owner's Association. My name is Shawna LaBorde and I have lived here with my husband Trevor since 1999. We have an 11-month-old son, Colter, and we can't imagine raising him anywhere else. Although being a mom is my most important job, I also own and operate Telluride Mobile Massage. In addition to offering massage and spa services in the area, Telluride Mobile Massage provides chair massage as a complimentary service for guests and locals at Gorrono Ranch and in the Mountain Village Plaza every day of the ski season. Trevor has been a manager at The Bootdoctors since we moved here and has a passion for the ski industry and whitewater guiding.

In 2004, we did the unthinkable and built a home in The Boulders deed-restricted neighborhood. Going though that process helped us understand how all three Mountain Village government boards work together.

I have been to many public meetings over the years and support the direction that the Mountain Village government is going. Since I have not served on any of the boards yet, I feel that I can bring a fresh perspective to MVOA.

With Trevor and myself living and working in Mountain Village, I feel the most important issues are economic sustainability for residents and businesses and providing affordable family activities for locals and guests with projects such as the proposed Community Center. Although I support smart and controlled development, I come to the table with no agenda in that area. I feel that we are at a point as a town that we need to provide reasons for people to stay here, not just move here and leave for less expensive communities or visit once and choose another resort next time. I have already invested financially in this community and I would welcome the chance to invest time and energy toward the future of Mountain Village.

Please feel free to give me a call or email me if you have any questions: shawna@telluridemobilemassage.com or 970/728-3968.

Thanks,

– Shawna LaBorde

Cage-Free Cannabis

Editor:

It is encouraging to read the progress Telluride is making toward re-legalizing cannabis (Sensible Marijuana Enforcement Policy? Aug. 5, 2005). All of Colorado should end the ritual of caging humans for using the plant cannabis. It's uncivilized, irrational, Biblically sinful, and pathetic to cage humans for using the plant cannabis. It's time to stop the ignorant persecution of this God given plant and its users.

Truthfully,

– Stan White, Dillon, Colo.

Canyon Chapel Needs a Miracle

Editor:

Thank you for kindly printing my guest commentary on the Canyon Chapel Ministries on Tuesday, August 2. There is hope: someone could save the Ranch for ministry to the homeless, and all the others. A philanthropist "stepped up to the plate" before, and it could happen again.

In case anyone would like to make a donation or invest in the land of the San Miguel Ranch and in the community, you may call the Canyon Chapel at 327-4454, or Clint Perry's cell phone, 596-1917. Canyon Chapel also has a brand-new website, canyonchapelministries.org, which has more information. The search engines have not indexed the site yet, so one must type the exact URL for the next few weeks.

I will keep you informed of any major changes in their situation. Clint Perry is determined to continue the ministry, come what may. Thank you for being very helpful.