A message from Jerry Penland

In the March 13 Courier, there was a half-page ad that links me as the Mayoral Candidate slated with four alleged “Common Sense Conservative Candidates for Mayor and City Council”; Tim Northrup, Frank Connors, Don Dezellem, and Eric Lockman. A glossy mailer was also received by Woodland Park voters with the same message. Both included a picture of me. The advertisement and mailer included the disclaimer, “Paid for by Citizens for a Vibrant Woodland Park. Not authorized by any candidate. Registered Agent: Bill Baber.”

Although I appreciate support from all Woodland Park residents, I have never met Mr. Baber nor am I familiar with the registered Independent Expenditure Committee known as “Citizens for a Vibrant Woodland Park”.

I was completely unaware of this publication and mailer. I know nothing about this committee, do not identify with this committee nor am I running as a member of a slate of candidates. I did not approve this advertisement or mailer, nor offered to participate with any group of candidates.

As I stated at the March 5th, Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum, I am not a developer, not a realtor, not a business owner, nor do I have any association with Charis or its affiliates or associated organizations, or any other organized group.

I am a totally independent candidate running on my skills and my extensive local, national and international experience to become Your Mayor.

Jerry Penland, Woodland Park

EDITOR’S NOTE: The same advertisement referenced in the preceding letter appears on Page 9 of this issue.

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Frank Connors misrepresented

I have known Frank Connors since he moved to our town, and feel the need to speak up for him. Frank was a dedicated, and elite, member of our armed services. He has a deep faith, is proud to be an American and draws his opinions and conclusions only after investigating circumstances.

Frank reads an researches everything relating to city business and has been rigorous in learning how municipalities function. He is willing to sit down with anyone regardless of their personal or political beliefs. Frank has the interests of the residents and employees of Woodland Park as his first priority.

Frank does his own thinking and is intelligent and independent. The suggestion that he is part of a slate or cabal, formal or not, is ridiculous.

Please give Frank your vote in the upcoming election.

Frank Gray, Woodland Park

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Vote for Kellie Case

I wholeheartedly endorse Kellie Case for Mayor of Woodland Park. Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of not only serving alongside Kellie on the city council, but also building a strong friendship with her. Kellie’s dedication to our community, coupled with her extensive experience and exceptional leadership qualities, make her the ideal candidate for the role of Mayor.

During her tenure on the city council, Kellie has consistently demonstrated her commitment to serving the best interests of Woodland Park. Her vast experience as the Finance Director for the city for 17 years has equipped her with unparalleled expertise in ensuring fiscal responsibility. Kellie played a pivotal role in increasing the city’s reserves and has proven herself to be one of the most fiscally conservative council members I have had the pleasure of working with.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kellie is known for her approachability, openness to dialogue, and willingness to engage with citizens. She is a strong advocate for limited government and understands the primary responsibilities of municipal governance. Kellie’s ability to collaborate, compromise when necessary, and mentor her fellow council members exemplifies the type of leadership we need in our mayor.

In conclusion, Kellie Case possesses the skills, demeanor and dedication needed to lead Woodland Park effectively. I have confidence in her ability to serve as Mayor and advocate for the best interest of our community. It is with great enthusiasm that I endorse Kellie Case for Mayor of Woodland Park.

Hilary LaBarre, Woodland Park

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Woodland Park School District’s fiscal exigency

On March 1, WPSD Superintendent Witt announced that Gateway will be closed next year without any prior communication to stakeholders and without a single school board discussion. Ken said “This is a fiscal exigency that we need to consolidate these three schools”.

Why is the superintendent declaring fiscal exigency instead of our school board?

When mid-year budget revisions were presented in January and February, why was there no mention of a financial crisis?

Why have the self-proclaimed ‘conservative’ school boards elected since November 2022, consciously chosen to engage in deficit spending for the last two years if we were facing financial crisis? (Note that between 2015 and 2022, the general fund budget had been more or less balanced year after year. During the 22/23 school year, we spent $3.2 million more than our revenue. During this 23/24 school year, we have budgeted to spend $2.1 million more than our revenue.)

Why did district administration just quietly spend a very large sum on a new elementary Language Arts curriculum, and discard 5 years of curriculum that was completely paid for (AND that was selected using a rigorous process, involving input from parents, teachers, administrators and community members)? The new curriculum was purchased without ANY stakeholder input and is what’s offered at Merit Academy. How is this offering families ‘choice’?

Fiscal exigency? Why did we give our superintendent a 9.7% raise, with promises of a 5% annual pay increase and potential bonuses?

This is painful to witness.

Khurshid Rogers, Woodland Park

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Sheriff for Case

I have known Kellie for many years as someone that loves her community and the city. Kellie has a deep understanding of the city needs having worked for the city for 17 years as the city’s Finance Director/Treasurer, and most recent six years as a City Councilmember. I am honored to have worked with her on several issues in the City and am grateful for the potential opportunity to work with her for another two years as your Mayor.

I believe her experience and expertise uniquely qualify her to join her fellow council members in making the best decisions to assist our community in a conservative and responsible manner. Kellie is a 6th generation native of Colorado where her fraternal great-great-grandfather homesteaded a cattle ranch on the Uncompahgre River between Montrose and Ridgway. To me this matters that her values are derived from roots of what made this State great. Therefore, I have endorsed Kellie for City council.

Jason Mikesell, Woodland Park

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Native Carnivore Coexistence

Coexistence strategies are more effective, economical, less cruel and support ecosystem balance compared to lethal management. Unfortunately, only 18 and 20 percent of cattle and sheep growers respectively, use non-lethal methods.

The “Native Carnivore Nonlethal Coexistence Act” will provide funding for nonlethal coexistence methods which have proven highly effective. In 2023, Wood River Wolf Project, ID, maintained 24,000 sheep in 1200 sq km and Alderspring ranch grazed cattle on nearly 47,000 acres having no livestock losses from wolves and no wolves were killed in 9 years. These prevention techniques are not only beneficial to producers, but allow carnivores to perform their roles in improving ecosystems.

Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg’s statement “Supporting agricultural producers in addressing predator conflicts through nonlethal methods is vital to maintaining a vibrant livestock sector and protecting Colorado’s wildlife.” Because the CPW and CDA are working together to provide nonlethal assistance to livestock producers, Colorado will be able to save wildlife, livestock and money. The cost of nonlethal management is significantly less than reimbursing ranchers for losses and lethal management. Because currently so few ranchers use nonlethal coexistence methods, in 2022 we compensated ranchers $382,128 for livestock loss to native predators and that doesn’t include the cost of the loss of wildlife that were also killed.

We need the “Native Carnivore Nonlethal Coexistence Act” – HB24-1375 which would provide funding for Coexistence while simply requiring the use of Coexistence methods to be eligible for loss compensation.

David Hand, Midway

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Kellie’s common sense

Kellie Case serves as Woodland Park’s representative on the Pikes Peak Area Council of Government’s Board of Directors. I also serve on that Board representing Manitou Springs. During our terms of service, I have been impressed with Kellie’s common sense and pragmatic approach to problems.

She likes to get things done, and that is a valuable quality in an elected representative.

During her service, she has demonstrated that she is thoughtful, smart, and willing to listen to and consider all sides. I believe her to be fair; I think that the service she performs is a service to all.

Prior to serving on Woodland Park City Council, Kellie spent 17 years as the City’s Finance Director. This experience, and the deep knowledge of city operations that comes from it, are invaluable assets that will greatly benefit the people of Woodland Park.

I believe Kellie will serve the citizens of Woodland Park with honesty, dedication, and a very high degree of competence. She will make a very fine Mayor.

John Graham, Manitou Springs

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LETTERS POLICY: Letters are published on a space-available basis. Letters must be 250 words or less. Guest columns will be published, space allowing, with a firm limit of 500 words. Both must be received by noon Friday for publication the following Wednesday. Please email your submissions to Courier Editor Doug Fitzgerald at doug.fitzgerald@pikespeaknewspapers.com. The Courier reserves the right to edit or reject submissions, which should have the author’s name, address and phone number, for verification purposes.