In March of 2007, my letter to the editor first warned that a 700–pound growth gorilla had loomed on Steamboat's horizon. What amounted to a new small city was proposed on 700 acres west of the airport.

Some of us who foresaw the negatives acted to cause a referendum after a growth-oriented council majority of four approved annexation. The public vote was 61 percent opposed and 39 percent in favor.

The current Steamboat Springs City Council needs to take serious note of the above-referenced referendum vote. If the growth proposal gains any momentum, we, the people, need to make the decision – not the "grow or die" component of our community.

Omar M. Campbell  

Steamboat Springs