‘Do we really believe the words’
An updated passage written by Martin Niemöller.

First they came for the Muslims, and I did not speak out — because I was not Muslim.
Then they came for those who were homeless, and I did not speak out, because I was not homeless.
Then they came for the LGBTQ community, and I did not speak out — because I was not LGBTQ.
Now they come for the immigrants and I do not speak out — because I am not an immigrant.
And soon they will come for me — and there will be no one left to speak for me.

Do we really believe the words…
“Love each other. Just as I have loved you”
Apparently not.

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Jamie Darien, Glenwood Springs

Proposed sale of mobile home parks could bring opportunity — or peril
Two valley mobile home communities have been reported for sale (https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/two-valley-mobile-home-parks-to-be-listed-for-sale/article_396c325f-c6db-4859-83ac-22cc4f20b8a8.html). These communities contain about 139 residences and likely in excess of 500 residents. As naturally occurring affordable and workforce housing, the residents are likely local workforce members, seniors and children. It is in the best interest of the valley and stated goals of most of our local governments to preserve housing for these residents.

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Action must be taken now or we face a potential housing disaster in the form of potential loss of housing units, displacement of a large workforce and families, loss of school revenue, increased housing instability and financial housing stress through relocation or loss of any home equity or rising rents.

Colorado law allows an opportunity to purchase for the residents. It is a narrow “window” and difficult to achieve. The biggest hurdle of all is likely to be the financing to purchase. In this case the hurdle seems large since there are two communities for sale and the total price is relatively high for mobile home park valuations — $42 million — a price somewhat equal to 2–4 high value homes in our upper valley.

Somehow, the Roaring Fork Valley should step up and help to see if we can preserve these parks and help facilitate a resident-owned purchase. Perhaps by a coalition of our local governments, nonprofits and community trusts, banks and donor/philanthropists focused on social impact investing and sustainability donations, a loan and grant pool can be established to assist in the purchase of the parks should the opportunity develop in the limited time available. This is an emergency and crisis central to our housing, workforce, social justice goals throughout the valley. The loss/sale of these parks for the purpose of redevelopment or to equity investors for cash flow (higher rents) would be a tragic loss for our community/valley.

I hope that others reading this will help to find ways to step up. Here is an opportunity and crisis to motivate action now. If we can do this we may then have a path forward and template for future conservation of more of our mobile home communities and critical workforce housing in the valley. With the prosperous and generous local and county government boards, community trusts and nonprofits, banks and philanthropists, there must be a way. If interested, please message me — 970-379-2002 — and I can try to put contacts together for some course of action.

Opportunity or disaster? I hope for the former.

Sumner Schachter, Glenwood Springs

Hands Off! day of action planned for April 5
How do you feel about the changes happening to our communities? Do you want to put a stop to your friends and families losing their jobs? To rising food and goods prices? To the erosion of your Social Security and medical care?

If you want to stand up for your community, your family, your kids’ futures, then mark your calendar.

On Saturday, April 5, we’re taking to the streets with a clear message: Hands off! Mountain Action Indivisible is joining forces with 50501, Women’s March, and local partners for the nationwide day of action.

Where: Glenwood Springs — Sayre Park
When: 3:30–5 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025

This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. We are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop to the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.

A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation.

Partners include Protect Our GarCo Libraries, PFLAG RFV, the Social Justice Committee of Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists, Ceasefire NOW RFV, and Cook Inclusive.

Valley local John Hatanaka will perform music. In addition to Mountain Action Indivisible and speakers discussing engagement and defense of vulnerable communities, activist Auden Schendler (formerly SVP of Sustainability at AspenOne, aka SkiCo) will speak about threats to our public lands and environment and what people can do.

This event will also be family friendly, with art stations, dancers, and face painting.

Hundreds of people from Parachute to Aspen have already RSVPed for Glenwood’s April 5 gathering. Nationwide, over 860 events are planned, with more announced every day.

Democracy is meant to be of the people, by the people, for the people. Let’s remind ourselves what that looks like.
https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/event/765904/

Annalise Grueter, Basalt