We are surrounded by passionate people that will persuade and try to convince you that today sucks and that tomorrow will be worse. Throughout history, and various forms of governments, people have tried to convince one another that their way was the right way. That it was the only way. What you said and how you said it. Where it was said and when was the right time to say it. People get frustrated with not knowing who and what I support. No flags or signs on my front lawn. No bumper stickers or lapel pins. How can they correct me?
Here is what I do know…It’s easy to go down that rabbit hole and be obsessed with national news, social media and stories that anger you and distract from what is happening in our own community. Business owners that pour themselves over bringing people together. City staff that comeback to work everyday to expedite permits and building plans. Your neighbor that picks up your pet in the middle of the street and brings her home safe. Your kid’s teacher that spent an hour after school making sure they understood the homework assignment. The media relations person that makes sure we understand the work WRPD does in keeping our homes, businesses and families safe. Taking huge pride in sending out a message that if you steal in wheat ridge, you will be caught and prosecuted. City councilors that are experiencing sadness, challenges and failures in their own lives but take the time to celebrate our wins and victories.
Here is something I found out the hard way… Tomorrow, in fact, is never a guarantee. The meter never stops running. I’d much rather thank someone for their service, for their acts of kindness or simply celebrate the amazing people we have in our community. Help the young lady running The Sugar Cube on Wadsworth who I watched over 300 beautiful people contribute suggestions on Facebook on how she could keep her business afloat. The immense will to help is all around us. Little Brazil and their fundraiser, the PTA’s in our schools raising dollars to buy school supplies. The hard working real estate agent who is a single mother to twin boys and still finds time to foster dogs. I love this woman, and everyone around us that pushes and inches the needle and fills our tank of hope. There’s noise all around us and some days it’s beyond loud but so are the heartbeats of those around us that care… As always, thanks for reading.
Letter to the Editor
The following letter was sent to the Jeffco School Board:
The Jefferson County League of Women Voters has a keen interest in our public education system as well as a position supporting an immigration system that reflects our nation’s values.
Our Immigration Interest Group attended the school board meeting on February 13 and has been studying the board’s resolution on its commitment to cultivating an environment of safety and belonging for all students. We believe that the resolution needs to be revisited and revised in several instances:
The final “Whereas” clause appears to contradict itself. It mentions the “…learning environment to which all students, regardless of immigration status, are entitled…” However, the phrase “including students…who hold other legal grounds for presence in the U.S….” is confusing and should be clarified or eliminated.
Whether an immigration agent is admitted to the school before or after producing identification and warrants also needs to be clarified. District policy states that principals are to allow agents into the building as they would other school visitors, prior to verifying their credentials and prior to verifying that they have a legal warrant signed by a judge. However, other districts vary in their guidance on this issue. Clarification is necessary.
How will the resolution be enforced?
How will principals, teachers and other staff be trained on this?
We encourage the district to improve communication with principals, teachers, staff, and volunteers, as well as with the families of students and the public in general when an issue of such importance is being discussed. A more informative agenda and outreach would also be helpful.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Christina A. Manthey, President, League of Women Voters of Jefferson County, Colorado
