Sample Letters to the Editor

YOU know what you'd like to see printed in the paper, but how do you get the article you need and deserve? Communicating a clear, compelling message is a skill the Colorado Sprawl Action Center can help you with.

WATCH letter to Westminster City Council (May, 2001)

"Dear City Councillors:

I am the Coordinator of Westminster Alliance to Conserve Home and Habitat (WATCH), and I want to take this time to recognize the outstanding manner in which City employees have regarded our group. For the most part, all employees have treated us with respect and honor and, within the parameters of the quasi judicial condition, they have been forthcoming and very pleasant. I want to offer them each a tremendous thank you.

I also want to say that we are learning a lot as a group, and as citizens about the intricacies and challenges all cities face as they grow. I must admit, we were somewhat confused and bewildered about the quasi judicial nature of land use matters early on. Because we were first told we could speak at City Council as a group, and then later told we could not, we did not understand that all matters of land use in Colorado receive quasi judicial status. We now understand this condition. and we understand that the City, too, may be frustrated with these constraints that may limit communication. Although we regret that the quasi judicial condition seems to give a distinct advantage to developers with whom the City may have had ongoing relationships, we know this means that we must simply work even harder and more harmoniously to allow our voices to be heard. The wonder of this situation is that we, as a community, are bonding--and in this, I think we are already contributing to Westminster in a very positive manner. Controversial and/or difficult matters can be a tremendous opportunity for a community to show its character--and Westminster, I believe, is rising to this occasion. We want to work together to make our community a better place.

I also want to take this time to formally introduce WATCH to City Council. WATCH is a group that is committed to working actively in an on-going fashion with our community and our community leaders to make Westminster the best place it can possibly be. We are interested in maintaining some of Westminster's most valuable open spaces (designated or otherwise) as well as supporting smart development in strategic places. This includes the support of more urbanized developments that encourage citizens to work in the community where they live. We are also putting some effort into learning how we can help maintain Westminster's superb trail system and support the City's stated goal of making Westminster a pedestrian-freindly city. In addition to this, we are looking at the current clean-up challenges that face workers at Rocky Flats. We know that the trail system that is planned for that area could, eventually, connect up to Westminster's trail system, thus adding to the positive effects of inter-City planning. In this vein, we plan to use our community togetherness to mobilize efforts to make this clean-up a a safe and productive experience for all cities involved. Many of our members will volunteer their time to this project.

WATCH is a group that seeks to show Westminster in a positive light. We seek to better our community by working with our public officials. We are dedicated to creating a stronger community by refusing to succumb to the rampant apathy that can undo the very foundation of citizen input and City communication. We are proud of our City, and we are grateful for the chance to work as individuals and as a group to better our community.

Thanks very much for taking this time to learn more about who we are and what we stand for.

Sincerely,
BK Loren
WATCH Coordinator
WATCH's MISSION STATEMENT: Through the empowerment of citizens, WATCH seeks to enhance the quality of life in Westminster by honoring habitat, creating community and promoting balanced growth."

(Click here to view a comprehensive list of all Colorado media outlets, or contact us with questions on who to send press releases to or for further information.)

Suggestions? Have one of your own? Write to sprawlaction@EnvironmentColorado.org to let us know what you'd like to see here.

[Home] [Who We Are] [What Is Sprawl] [How We Can Help] [Get Involved] [Contact Us]