Letter to the Times-Call Editor by Kaye Fissinger 8/13/08

My good friend Kaye Fissinger has been embroiled (and I mean that in all metaphorical senses of the word since the lunatic fringe has been flaming her for months) in a long-term battle to help stop the LifeBridge/4C 'Union' development that threatens to turn Longmont into the next Colorado-Springs-style theocratically controlled entity. Here's one of her outstanding Letters to the Editor. Enjoy.
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As I write this, I’m expecting a torrent of letters to the editor to flood the Times-Call spewing venom at the progress made in Longmont in the last nine months. I expect this because I’ve been reading the comments to T-C Online and elsewhere.

It’s amazing what happens when a presumed entitlement is unexpectedly removed. And when the reality registers solidly in consciousness arms flail, sparks fly and screaming can be heard for miles around.

Apparently those stomping their feet like Rumpelstiltskin and hurling threats of one kind or another didn’t see the changes coming to the population of Longmont. They didn’t realize that the growth they were overeager to create would lead to a population that did not replicate the last 50 years.

The breadth and depth of experiences that the four councilmembers who are taking the heat for change is a magnificent plus for Longmont. Sarah Levison brings thorough research and command of details on a variety of issues. Brian Hansen brings the kind of expertise that only an innovative scientist can. Sean McCoy brings experience in both finance and education and Karen Benker has intimate understanding of budgetary issues and government procedure.

Longmont is indeed fortunate to have this talent. These capable individuals are leading Longmont into a future that most believed was not possible in Longmont. People who had nearly resigned themselves that the historical power brokers would continue ad nauseum doing what they’d always done and “there was nothing anyone could do about it.”

Well there was and we did. But be vigilant. There are issues still to come and elections still to be held. Our progress and success must be diligently guarded. Longmont is a microcosm of the nation at large and that must remind us all of how much work we have yet to do.