Hello,

This is my contribution to Citizen's Discussion at Tuesday's City Council meeting:

Good morning,

I have asked our Mayor and City Council to tell me how much it will cost to repair the trail on the land that we acquired from the Cog Railway for nine years.

Why do they refuse to answer?

Is that information sensitive?

Is it classified?

Forgive me if I am now frustrated.

Does a citizen have a right to that information?

What is so difficult about providing me with a simple number?

Has our Parks Dept. obtained an estimate from Rocky Mountain Field Institute?

Why do the Mayor and City Council refuse to answer?

I find myself speculating that the reason is a desire by city officials to cover up the legal flaws in the land swap.

I have no proof of this and I do not want to make unproven accusations, but I don't know what to think.

Did the city learn during the public comment process that the appraisal submitted by the Broadmoor for that land was invalid?

Clearly, the city would not answer “yes” to that question, that would constitute a confession of a crime.

May I please have the number?

If not, may I please have an explanation for the 9-year delay in answering me?

I am convinced that the land swap is invalid and has to be reversed because the appraisal that was submitted by the Broadmoor is invalid.

I am also convinced that the land swap did more harm than good.

Harm to the Cog Railway and the city of Manitou Springs by making inappropriate changes to the spiritual or virtual existence of those entities.

Our city would not intentionally do harm, and if they found out that harm had been done, they will make it right.

Thank you, Carl Strow