As a long-time summer resident and owner of property in Routt County, I have often been bemused by the statements and pronouncements of the local elected officials. 

While it is my custom to keep my thoughts to myself, the quote of Doug Monger in your Sept. 9 edition, “I’m not excited about a bunch of clowns from Texas and Florida running down my country roads and stopping at my ranch and asking. ‘Do you know how to get to this place?'” simply demands comment.

The quote is an affront to (a) the Colorado friendliness and courtesy, which has endeared us to Steamboat Springs for over 20 years; and (b) the economic importance of tourism to the community. 

As a “clown” from Texas, my response to Mr. Monger is a simple one, “I assure you that if you become lost while driving through Texas, those ‘clowns’ will be happy to provide you directions without derision of your state of residence. Thank you also for dispositive evidence that Texas and Florida do not hold a monopoly on ‘clowns.’” 

Respectfully,

Rick Martin 

Routt County property owner