Dear Editor,

As a group of active community volunteers representing only ourselves, we are immensely concerned with the somewhat pedestrian approach the Chronicle has taken in reporting the upcoming Town Council elections. Except for the Candidate Profile feature that is a reoccurring item every two years and the CliffsNotes version of last month's debate, there has been little if any attempt to either add clarity or definition on the opinions of the eight candidates. Parker residents have concerns regarding the police station, cultural center, library and reservoir. They see business closings and wonder what new ideas, if any, these people have for introducing new successful businesses into our downtown area. These concerns are magnified by the current economic challenges facing our country. Many of our neighbors are feeling the results of hiring cut backs and lay offs and although council members have no effect on these conditions, it would be reassuring to hear some new, thoughtful ideas on the Parker issues that we can control.

One detailed breakdown of the September debate came from attendee Kory Nelson, who it should be noted, is not affiliated with any council candidate. This thoughtful report was blogged on the YourHub site ( http://denver.yourhub.com/Parker/Stories/Elections/Story~523758.aspx). We find ourselves in agreement with his candidate platform observations, including his favorable comments on Planning Commissioner Tim Danahey and Council incumbent Trace Kaker.

Tim Danahey, to quote Mr. Nelson, "seemed to bring a new vitality along with an expertise that will bring Parker forward. Tim offered probably the best "new idea", and that was what he called " Live Parker buy Parker" - encouraging residents to shop in Parker instead of the surrounding communities, and that should start with the town itself. He suggested offering contractual incentives for the town's public works contract vendors to use local businesses in fulfilling those contracts."

Ms. Kaker, to paraphrase this commentary, was informed, steady and calm in her responses. These are characteristics she is respected for by those who have witnessed much less from some of the other sitting council members.

We also agree with Mr. Nelson opinion that, "The coming few years may be turbulent, so the town needs a steady hand of consistent, strong, and conservative financial controls, but hopefully the seeds for downtown development have been planted and watered - good caretakers will be needed to feed and promote this development to bring in an income of steady tax revenues derived from visitors from outside of Parker. The choices may become clearer between now and November - but we need to pay attention and make educated choices."

With the Town Council race down to the last couple of weeks we are hopeful that the Chronicle will increase its coverage.

Sincerely,

Dale Farmer
David Casiano
Dianne Bailey
Bill Meade
Mary Spencer
Gregg Torres
John Gallagher
Al Turano