Dear Editor,

Nederland is many things, but boring is never one of them. Every week seemingly brings something new, whether incredible opportunities like the purchase of the Eldora ski area or devastating crisis like the fire at the Caribou Shopping Center.

How our community, any community, takes advantage of or weathers what comes at us is due to two things. First is ourselves: our neighbors, friends, and family. We come together and support one another.

The second is our town’s leadership. Much of what they do happens behind the scenes and out of sight, but the tenor of the individual can bring everyone together in common cause or set us on the wrong path.

It’s for that reason I wholeheartedly believe voting for Billy Giblin to serve a third term as our Mayor is critical for Nederland as we move into the next two years of significant change.

I don’t make this endorsement lightly, but through the experience of someone who has served on the Board under three separate — and very different — Mayors as well as my own three terms in the center chair.

I have seen the position of mayor and trustee taken either seriously or frivolously and used to benefit all of us or for personal gain. With Billy as our Mayor, I have never once had any doubt that his actions or decisions are made with the best interests of everyone in Nederland.

Over the last two years I have been a trustee, I have seen how Billy has expertly handled major events, like those mentioned at the beginning of this letter. His calm demeanor, knowledge of the town, and the connections he has cultivated with our local and state officials have benefited us all.

I remain very involved in both the Town, County, and State politics and everyone I have ever spoken to about Nederland has commented on how fortunate we are to have Mayor Billy.

There is much yet to be done as we face the next two years. Keeping Mayor Billy as our representative as we close the Eldora deal, rebuild the Caribou Shopping Center, and address the myriad of other issues facing us is the best thing we can do to ensure Nederland continues to be the special place we all call home.

Kristopher Larsen

Nederland