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McHenry uniquely qualified for council

Without a doubt, both of the incumbents currently running for re-election to Durango City Council, along with the three other members whose seats are not up for election this year, have demonstrated an admirable level of commitment and hard work for what amounts to a token salary. I applaud their dedication.

However, I believe that the record of the current council can be described only as a mixed bag, at best.

There was the spectacular fail of the bag tax, which occupied months of the council’s agenda only to be overturned by voters.

The City Council had to back-track their votes on vacation rentals and marijuana sales in mixed-use neighborhoods under threat of petitions circulated by local citizens.

The council voted to approve a height-limit variance for a proposed hotel complex in south Durango over the overwhelming objections of the people who live in the neighborhood.

Now it comes to light that the City Council voted for a substantial increase in water and sewer rates to fund infrastructure improvements without even meeting with their own Utilities Commission to discuss alternative sewer plant sites.

No one questions the need for improvements; however, to commit more than $50 million to upgrade the sewer plant without seriously exploring the feasibility of moving the plant to a less intrusive location is indefensible. Perhaps the best option is to leave the plant at Santa Rita Park. But, absent a thorough study, how can anyone be sure?

To re-elect both incumbents and continue on for another two years with the current make-up of the council makes no sense, particularly when David McHenry uniquely is qualified to fill one of these positions. He was part of the team responsible for large construction and infrastructure projects at Fort Lewis College. He has done extensive work designing recreational facilities for the U.S. Forest Service and the state of Colorado. And he has devoted countless hours working to preserve Durango’s established neighborhoods. McHenry is smart, well-informed, deeply committed, and able to make hard decisions with the best interest of the community in mind.

Barbara Garlick

Durango



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