Steamboat Springs — It’s about time that the hard-working, self-respecting local read a paper and feel like his/her opinion is not only heard but acted upon. Our point is in reference to two articles in the Dec. 3 Steamboat Today.

First: The article regarding affordable housing in Wildhorse Meadows. It now feels as if City Council gives working class Steamboat a voice. Point being: the decision of City Council to reject proposals to amend the current affordable housing rules and to support the locals of Routt County. These rules were put in place to protect the prosperity and quality of life for everyday locals. Let these policies never change under the influence of either Big Business or the Almighty Dollar. May City Council continue to support the working class of Routt County.

To our real estate developers looking to sell current affordable housing units, we say solution. Come up with a plan that allows local buyers to not be speculators. Simple – find a way that allows local buyers to not simultaneously pay rent and mortgage payments at the same time.

Second: Congrats to Intrawest for allowing our voices to be heard and acting on our suggestions in a timely manner in terms of terrain availability. Trust the locals. We pack out the powder for our guests, know what we’re skiing on, and would never log an official complaint for a core shot.

Thank you to City Council, Intrawest and the Steamboat Pilot & Today for giving us something to smile about in these tough economic times.

Think snow. Think prosperity.

Brooks and Laura Graham

Steamboat Springs