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How did The Daily Sentinel conclude that Club 20 is now “Club 19″ simply because one of its 1,200 members quit?
Although Mike Saccone got most of his facts straight in the Sentinel’s recent story about the resignation of one of the organization’s 22 directors, the story headline was completely wrong in suggesting that San Miguel County has dropped out of the organization. The director who resigned was only one member amongst several within San Miguel County, and he has already been replaced on the board by one of the county’s alternate directors.
As the 55-year old coalition of Colorado’s 22 western counties, Club 20 is stronger than it’s ever been. And even though one member did quit in San Miguel County, I suspect that the other 1,200 members (including 22 counties, 47 municipalitiesand several hundred businesses) will somehow continue to carry on.
Club 20 values the participation of every individual who joins the organization and helps to shape the public policies that define our western Colorado region. But because the Western Slope is a very diverse region, and Club 20’s membership is reflective of that diversity, it’s impossible for the organization to please everyone.
Club 20 is all about constructive dialogue and consensus solutions. If a member doesn’t like the outcome of a particular Club 20 policy discussion, then we always hope that they will stay at the table. But it’s certainly their prerogative to take their marbles and go home. Fortunately for the future of the Western Slope, there are more civic leaders who stay at the table than walk away.
REEVES BROWN, Executive Director
Club 20
Grand Junction
2 Responses to “San Miguel County didn’t quit Club 20”
Posted April 17th, 2008 at 10:36 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
Reeves,
I have great respect for the way you encouraged those of diverse views to feel welcome within Club 20 and the incredible way you have of working in good faith for and with those you might disagree with. However, I hope you can see that Club 20’s reputation has been seriously damaged over the last couple of years.
If Club 20 wants to be taken seriously by the powers that be in Denver right now, it needs to demonstrate that it respects the voices of people like Art Goodtimes. He was an able spokesperson for many of us within Club 20. His leadership position within Club 20 was evidence to many of us that Club 20 was open to listening to everyone and would work toward compromises that were acceptable to many.
Several of the decisions made during the Club 20 spring meetings has convinced me that my voice is not welcome. It’s time for me to look for an organization that truly works to be the voice of the PEOPLE of the Western Slope.
Posted April 20th, 2008 at 9:30 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
Very well said Bruce86. At present, it is only Art Goodtimes. Let’s wait and see what the landscape looks like in a week or so. The powers that be in “Club 19″ are not likely to give up easily, so this could get interesting. Maybe “Club 17″ will get their attention.
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