Vision and balance

by Mayor Gary Hall

Eyesight is a treasure for those blessed to ​have it. It’s a wondrous thing to see the incredible variety of shades of green in the Rocky Mountain springtime.

The other kind of vision is in our minds. ​Businesses write vision statements that describe the future state toward which they aspire.

Many individuals imagine the future, and some use those ideas to propose or create inventions, national parks, projects, or art. We’ve had many ​Estesians who might be considered worthy of the tag of visionary. Some are recognized in their time, and some are recognized only later for their foresight. 

​In times of turbulence, those with a vision can help calm the waters with their ability to imagine a better future and to convey that to others. We cannot directly control what the White House or Congress does, though we can attempt to influence through our duly elected officials and through our combined voices.

Our best bet is to stay balanced locally, even when things seem to be careening nationally.  

Every year, there are imbalances in our wonderful town. Last year, the Loop was in its final and most impactful stages. CDOT was working on 34 in the east and 36 in the west. Insurance was going up. The timed entry in RMNP continued to be controversial. The national economy was uneasy. Various factors led to a decrease in tourist travel. Many businesses were suffering. We had concerns about re-zonings, developments, and electric rates.

Those who can envision a better future give us signposts to follow, and then we need to break and blaze the trail. We must keep our sense of vision of where we can and should be heading, and that focus helps us keep our balance, even when we’re walking through the storms.

Fast forward to this year, with June about to be bustin’ out all over. Workforce housing, insurance, RMNP uncertainties, electric rates, developments/rezonings, and more are still issues.

The Chocolate Factory is scheduled to open in July, and I’ve toured it a few times. This will be a unique and delightful experience. This is frosting on the cake for the Stanley-related ventures.

Mr. John Cullen brought the Stanley Hotel back from the brink to a thriving status in these last thirty years. He just completed the sale of the Stanley to the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority for long-term proper management.

He worked hard and diligently to help bring Sundance to Boulder. His work toward a film center is highly praiseworthy. And on top of it all, the Chocolate Factory in the Old Church Shops building will be absolute fun – it will bring out the kid in me.

I have to tag Mr. Cullen as a visionary of our time. We need to give him kudos for his vision for Estes. Fifty years from now, I don’t think that tag will lose its luster. It will continue to shine.  

West Elkhorn asphalt went quickly. The Tramway is open for the second year with its “new” owners. Cleave Street: Almost done. I can see the finished product in my mind’s eye, and then I see years of other artsy and fun evolution in that new dimension of the Estes experience.

RMNP management has thus far weathered the staffing storms. They’re ready for the summer burst. Superintendent Ingram’s vision is his passion for the Park. The return of functional transponders, the grand opening of the north gate, the work of staff and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to restore ungulate-damaged parts of the Park, the hiring of seasonal employees: All in all, I’m feeling good about the Estes-RMNP connection.

My greater concern is what Congress will do with the next budgets, but I hope there’s enough vision in those reps and senators to know the true and immense value of the gems of the Park system, including Rocky.  

Read full Mayor's Message here: