Dear friends of Pagosa Springs:
I relocated here in 2022, but my connection to this area dates back to when I attended the University of Denver in 1968. Ever since, I have felt a profound sense of belonging in the mountains.
Having spent nearly 25 years in Florida, I witnessed relentless development, which, while often necessary, sometimes encroached upon the pristine beauty of the Everglades.
Now that I’m living in Pagosa Springs, I sense that our vision for the future is becoming increasingly complex.
Simplicity could be our guiding principle.
We hear claims of a pressing need for new buildings to serve various government functions, such as County offices and schools. However, I find myself questioning whether we are overextending ourselves. With a population of 12,000 to 14,000, are we becoming too sophisticated for our own good?
As we engage in community meetings and events, I wonder if it’s possible to share resources instead of building separate structures for every need. How can we support our diverse community — seniors, children, and others — without creating an imbalance?
It’s essential to preserve the integrity of our way of life, maintaining its sacredness without compromising it for new initiatives, such as additional schools or facilities. Are we truly equipped to spend millions from our modest budgets for such projects?
When we establish new entities, whether schools or offices, and expect the local population to shoulder the financial burden, do we genuinely understand the feasibility of this expectation?
I cherish living in Pagosa, as I believe we all do. Perhaps it’s time to reassess our financial needs and focus on keeping our development straightforward and purposeful.
Our community is remarkable; the non-profit Our Community Eats, for example, serves 3,400 people a month, reflecting our commitment to one another.
Let’s take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and approach our growth thoughtfully, always mindful of Mother Nature and the universe.
Final note. I wish to the Dragoo family much success with their development efforts — somewhere else if you don’t mind. Pagosa is a beautiful little community.
Bill Salmansohn
Pagosa Springs, CO