“More than I had:” Children and 2A | Guest column | Pikes Peak Courier

As we approach the end of one of the most contentious elections of our time, I look at our community and reflect on what I have seen from our national and local government over the past few years. My family has lived in Teller County for several generations and has watched our community grow from a quiet mountain town to what it is today. Two generations of the Markus family have graduated from the Woodland Park School District and are the third generation to work. The family values ​​I grew up with seem to have fallen by the wayside, leading to a major uprising in our community that has unfortunately divided us regarding the school district.

Unfortunately, when I cast my vote in this upcoming election, I will have no say when it comes to local matters regarding the school district since I do not live within the Woodland Park city limits. It's an issue that will affect families in Teller County, and most of them don't even have a say in the matter. I spent more time listening to the rhetoric from both sides of the argument directed at the school board and superintendent.

The discussions about eliminating approximately $3 million per year for the district are appalling and discouraging. What people don't realize is that it's not just the residents of Woodland Park who are providing this funding. Almost 25,000 residents live in Teller County, including almost 8,000 in the Woodland Park urban area. Most of the products purchased by residents of our community are purchased in Woodland Park, yet they were unable to vote on the tax increase in 2016 and have no say now.

I watch and listen to our community and think about what my grandparents would think of us now. I wonder why so many people have lost sight of what we were all (hopefully) taught as children. Words I will never forget when my father said to me: “My son, my job is to give you more than I had as a child.” I have taken those words to heart and now do the same for mine Son. We are now at a crossroads and there is nothing the families living in the county can do about it. I'm proud of where I live and the growth I've seen. I am disappointed at the anger shown and the pure hatred that people have towards any group or other individual in this community. I know that my grandparents would share the same disappointment as me if they were still alive.

As someone who cannot vote on 2A, I ask Woodland Park voters to keep the promise we all made to our children. A vendetta or vendetta against individuals will always have negative consequences. My request is to vote NO on 2A and cast your vote for the families who may not like mine.