OMG, Mr. Hudson’s recent editorial has blown my 85 year old mind.
I’ve lived in Pagosa as a full time resident on and off since 1998. Never less than two years, and last time four years plus, which ended two weeks ago.
I left angry. Angry because Pagosa is no longer anything resembling what it was in 1998 or even 2007. We cared about each other. We laughed and chatted in City Market. We carried tow ropes to help others out of gullys. We waved, we smiled, we cried at sad things.
We were a Community! Not a freakin’ tourist haven! We were a group of folks who loved and respected nature and the incredible natural beauty.
What happened? We used to have a cheap local pass to the Hot Springs, and the dated wash house. We had a blast chatting with folk of like mind from all over.
My father is famous; my sister is world renown in her field; my deceased husband was a hard working field geologist; I am a retired registered nurse as is my current husband who also had high recognition for his war service. But what we really are are normal, down to earth, law abiding folk. We are not snobs.
So guess what? We have seen the changes brought about by the money-mongering, selfish, self-centered owners of certain businesses, and the commissioners and certain realtors who pander to these greedy folk.
And we left!
From Mr. Hudson’s editorial, quoting Tourism Board applicant Jesse Hensle:
“If we look at the conversions, and we look at bring in the right type of affluent markets, bringing in people, bring in visitors who have a higher threshold for the average daily rate at our hotels, and spending more money in the restaurants, they will probably behave more normally within the town. Throwing less parties, less trash around the community.
“So if we start to look at those segments, and start to maximize those types of visitors, that we want in town, we can quiet that noise with all the visitors creating all the negative impact…”
Mr. Hudson’s editorial brought it all into focus for me. I weep for the young families, the working class… you know, those folks really not good enough for our hopefully soon to be prosperous tourist haven.
Yes, I know things always change. I’m not stupid. But it’s what kind of change that matters.
Patty Tillerson always seems to look for the good, bless her. I looked and could not find it anymore.
Jacqui Widener
Las Cruses, NM