….where you can stay on top of, and in tune with, the dynamic issues and initiatives that impact all of us who call Durango home. In addition to running for Durango City Council, I will continue–albeit on a more limited basis–to research, write and share articles, guest editorials and blog posts about issues I’m passionate about, like outdoor recreation, education, economic development, arts and culture, and responsible growth. Through Your Front Row Seat, I strive to present information and facilitate discussion to advance, enhance and support the character and qualities that make Durango special. What drives me is the promise of a high quality of life for everyone who lives here.
You can’t separate Durango from its stunning natural beauty, rugged geography, and world class recreational opportunities. These opportunities represent some of the most unique, inspiring and compelling aspects of our community. As an active outdoor enthusiast and athlete, as well as a current member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and a member of the Board of Directors for Trails 2000, I have a finger on the pulse of the issues affecting recreation in our area. Check back in for policy updates!
The notion of community – the sharing of common attitudes, values, and interests – is the glue that unites and motivates us to work together toward common goals. I care deeply about protecting and building on the character qualities that make Durango distinct and unique. Stay tuned to stay abreast of what’s happening in Durango.
Among all of the opportunities we want to provide for our children, I believe education is paramount. A solid and richly textured education will give today’s students the tools to become America’s next great leaders. I believe in promoting educational choice and rigorous curricula, and engaging in solution-based conversations about the problems confronting educators in our community (and across the U S) today.
Dear Durango Community-
What are the biggest issues challenging Durango?
All five candidates running for Durango City Council have repeatedly been asked this question in recent weeks. Our answers are appearing in […]
Since I started “Your Front Row Seat” in summer 2016, it’s been both gratifying and inspiring to see the level of interest in the local issues presented. I’ve also been […]
I have been wanting to send an update for weeks now..… This campaign is a B-I-G effort and has been a full-time-PLUS job in terms of time and energy as […]
New Initiative in Durango Focuses on Teen Suicide, Bullying and Mental Health Awareness
We want our teens to live lives of joy and purpose. Far too often that joy can be […]
This month, students at Fort Lewis College will for the first time enter the brand new Geosciences, Physics and Engineering Hall. The building is the culmination of a massive infrastructure […]
Melissa Youssef announced Wednesday she’s running for a Durango City Council seat, and she promised to invest in Durango’s infrastructure, provide transparent fiscal oversight and work with the community to […]
An Invigorated Fort Lewis College Commits to STEM-Focused Education
In January 2017, students at Fort Lewis College (FLC) will for the first time enter the brand new Geosciences, Physics and […]
Q & A with Cathy Metz
Cathy Metz has served the City of Durango as Parks and Recreation Director for 20 years. The Parks and Recreation Department is nationally accredited by […]
Organic Park Management in Durango, Plus a Q&A with Cathy Metz, Parks and Recreation Director
Last week on “Your Front Seat,” guest contributor Cody Reinheimer wrote a blog post on Durango’s […]
Guest Opinion: Cody Reinheimer on Parks are for People and Pets, Not Poison
Cody Reinheimer of Durango, CO
A public park is exactly that—a place where the public can park themselves […]
Hello Friends!
Just a note to let you know how GRATEFUL I am to be on this journey with you through my blog, “Your Front Row Seat.” I’ve learned so much […]
Guest Opinion: Bill Zimsky on Airports, Roads and Bridges in La Plata County
Now that the voters have rejected mill levy increases for both the expansion of the airport and for […]
“You can’t get there from here!” These words are NOT a hallmark of a healthy community!
Public transportation has been a vitally important social service for Durango since 1982, connecting residents […]
Guest Opinion: Roger Zalneraitis, Executive Director La Plata County Economic Development Alliance – Airport Ballot 1B Guest Opinion
As the director of the Economic Development Alliance, we have been strong advocates […]
Not unlike air traffic controllers directing flights in and out of the world’s largest cities, La Plata County voters in the coming election are asked to determine what routes will […]
Back in 1990 when I was a student teacher at Durango High School, the Internet didn’t yet exist and a flip-phone was purely Star Trek fodder. Now, the flip-phone is […]
Guest Opinion Post by Dave Farkas
As an educator at a PBL/EL charter school, we’re trying everything we can do to motivate our kids and present a unique and interesting approach […]
I’m an ardent proponent for educational choice. I believe in supporting and promoting diverse educational venues where parents and students can opt for excellence via educational pathways that best meet […]
Durango Business Improvement District: Ensuring That Downtown Durango is a Desirable Destination for Locals, Visitors, and Business Owners
Although Durango has many thriving neighborhoods, most locals and visitors consider downtown the […]
Backed by support from the Parks and Recreation and the Natural Lands Advisory Boards, the Durango City Council prohibited electronic bikes on city trails as of May 2016. Safety was […]
There’s no question that Durango residents want public access for recreation on Lake Nighthorse. It is, however, a complicated and contentious issue with many stakeholders involved. After decades of negotiation, […]
In November 2015, voters in La Plata County said no to a mill levy increase on residential property taxes. In July 2016, the La Plata County Board of Commissioners voted […]
It has been my privilege to serve on the City of Durango Parks and Recreation Advisory Board since January 2014. Members of the Board collectively provide recommendations to City Council […]
When the mayor of America’s largest city is ecstatic that 38 percent of New York City students passed the Common Core test for English, we have a problem. From a […]
Those of us fortunate enough to live in Durango, Colorado have access to amazing experiences around every corner. From recreation to culture to serving and shaping the future of our community – these opportunities motivate me every day. Inspiration is ever-present and the rewards are many. Read More
Complex Homeless Issue Weighs Heavily on Durango Residents March 21, 2017
Your Voice: Results of the First “Your Front Row Seat” Reader Survey March 13, 2017
A View From the Campaign Trail – March 2017 March 8, 2017
Teens Thrive- Durango Mental Health Initiative January 22, 2017
Fort Lewis College’s New Geosciences, Physics and Engineering Hall – One Extraordinary Facility, Many Benefits to the Community January 16, 2017
Melissa Youssef Announces Bid for Durango City Council January 16, 2017
