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As elected officials, we are all capable of making a misstep or inadvertent statement. We are continually in front of the media and always will be subject to human error. None of us can avoid that pitfall.

Acknowledging that, Routt County Commissioner Doug Monger's comment in reference to Friends of the Justice Center, "We're dealing with terrorists here, and you don't tell terrorists where your stash is loaded," has upset me for two reasons.

Certainly my first disappointment is the use of such an outrageous comment comparing one's own constituents, who are engaging in representative government, to those who are using violence against it. Whether we, as chosen representatives, agree with an impassioned resident or citizen's group, we have been elected by these very people to listen with open minds and choose the path we think best represents our community. Monger's comment reflects an attitude of dislike and distrust of the constituents rather than one as a representative for them.

This attitude is what upsets me the most. Whether speaking to community members in the county of those in the municipalities, I hear a general consensus that their governmental bodies aren't really listening to them. Comments such as the one made by Monger, editorials in the media and legislative actions of both bodies have perpetuated a feeling that there is no use in becoming involved in their own government because the decisions have been made already. This discontent is reflected in the difficulty we have in getting public representatives on committees or commissions, voter turnout for off-election years and attendance at public meetings.

I feel we, as chosen leaders of the community, have to return to the basics and be aware first and foremost that we are representing our community members who can't be at every meeting or speak to every item on our agendas. We also must remember that we have been entrusted with our community's money, not the city's or the county's but ours, to spend as prudently and well as possible. This representation cannot be limited to only those people we like. We have to hear all aspects of a proposal to make the best decisions we can. Because the community is so diverse, this is always a challenge, but the conversations I have had with residents during the past few months are clearly centered on the need for better reflection of their hopes for our present and future. Residents want and deserve respect. My goal is to continue to improve in this area and to let residents know I value their opinions. I hope Commissioner Monger understands that a cursor apology is not enough and that mutual respect is essential to be a county commissioner capable of leading.

Susan Dellinger

City councilwoman

Steamboat Springs