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Joe Mattingly: Still kid friendly?

My name is Joe and I live in Houston, Texas. Recently, I came across an article indicating that Steamboat had been granted nine marijuana dispensary licenses.

While Colorado politics is certainly none of my business, I thought that my thoughts might potentially be of interest to some people in Steamboat. I have three young children, ages 3, 5 and 6, and my family does a bit of traveling. Roughly, six months ago, I spoke to some friends with older children about kid-friendly ski destinations, as we had decided to take our kids for the first of what will likely be many ski vacations.  Throughout my life I have always skied in Vail, Beaver Creek, Utah and Lake Tahoe.  After discussing the various options, we settled on Steamboat.

My decision to take my family to Steamboat was based on the many kid-friendly aspects of the town. As a result of that decision, four other families with young children decided to go on the vacation with us for a total of eight adults and 12 kids younger than 7. During our trip, all 12 kids will be “enrolled” in the children’s daycare or, for those old enough ski school. On top of the $35,000 we are spending on accommodations, lift tickets, rentals, ski school, etc., we will be shopping at the grocery store, eating at restaurants, visiting coffee shops, hiring night baby sitters (if available), purchasing merchandise for the kids, etc.



This is a trip that we will all likely repeat next year, again in 2015, again in 2016 and again in 2017, with the same or similar groups of people as we are all comfortable around each other and each other’s kids. Each year, we will evaluate all of the feedback, and we will make a determination on the site for the next year’s trip.

For me, the presence of marijuana in public areas will be a major factor. Steamboat has a very strong reputation as a place to take kids amongst many here in Houston. An increase in the presence of marijuana in public places will impact that view.



I am around many young affluent people in Houston, and we often discuss the best ski destinations. Next year, the general conversation will almost assuredly include any noticeable changes in the pot situation.

Just thought some in Steamboat might be interested in my perspective.

Thanks.

Joe Mattingly

Houston, Texas


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