We All Live Here

I think we're all aware of the divisions in Salida; people who've lived here their whole lives vs. new transplants, short term rental owners vs. workforce struggling to find attainable housing, people who want to close F St. vs. those that don't. We also have whole populations that many Salidans are barely aware of - people who are unhoused, experience mental or behavioral health challenges or are of lower socioeconomic status.

But the fact is, we all live here. None of the populations I listed is more important than any of the others. Their perspectives are all equally valuable and should be given equal consideration.

Continuing to lean into conflict with our neighbors, villianizing the "other side" isn't really getting us anywhere. Nor is continuing to segregate the less visible members of our community. They say, "Decisions are made by those who show up." While there's certainly truth to that, it ignores the fact that there are numerous reasons that people can't or don't show up. Many are logistical, such as struggling to get time off work or away from family responsibilities to participate in meetings. But it's more than that. There are populations in Salida who feel powerless in our city. They feel left out or left behind. Maybe they can't recognize the community that they've lived in and loved for so long. Or maybe they have been overlooked enough that they don't believe their perspective will matter to anyone.

We're trying to walk a fine line - delivering core city services, secure economic vitality, and maintain the character of a charming small town. It's not an rest thing to do; plenty of our neighboring communities are trying to do the same, with varying degrees of success. I believe we absolutely can do it in Salida. But we're going to have to be in this together. We're going to have to proactively engage people who've been left behind. Nobody is going to get 100 percent of what they want. We have to balance the mandates on the city with economics and with the needs of citizens - ALL citizens, not just the ones with the loudest voices or most resources.

If you know me, you know I have strong opinions on just about any topic on the table. If you don't know me, anyone you ask that does know me will definitely concur 😊 But that's not why I'm running for council; in fact, it's the opposite. My opinions don't matter any more than any of yours. I'm not going to sweep into office and tell you what your problems are and how I think we should fix them. My agenda is your agenda. I'm coming to this to give you a platform and a voice, and to use my skills and experience to pursue innovative and creative solutions that are as good as they can be for the most people.