Letter: Why fix what isn’t broke?

Like many part-time residents in Snowmass, I’m an older guy who is lucky enough to spend my summers here. Not having much to do in the morning, I find myself dropping by the Snowmass Village Conoco several times a week to take advantage of the fresh coffee and pick up on some of the goings-on in the community. Being an ex-businessman, I find it interesting to see how the station functions. The two men are big Jeff and little Jeff. It is not hard to tell which is which. They own not only the station but also the land it sits on.

Of late there have been several articles in the paper regarding the situation at Snowmass pertaining to the planned roundabout, which may be located at the intersection between Brush Creek and Wood roads across from the Conoco. Rehashing all the possibilities regarding the roundabout is not my intent. Instead, here is what I observe during my visits: Many newcomers stop by with all sorts of questions, such as “Where is such and such lodge?” or whatever. Apparently the sign near the rodeo grounds listing “information,” among other things, is not seen. Not only does one of the Jeffs give them the information they need, but in most cases, he takes them outside and does the pointing thing. Often people come in just to use their (very clean) restrooms. A big smile and a little conversation are also the norm.

The phone rings often with things such as, “I’ve just arrived, and my car won’t start,” or “When we got here one of my tires was flat,” and so on. Without hesitation, someone such as Angel in the repair department is on his way to fix whatever. There is also a steady flow (during the high seasons) of customers getting their cars worked on or topping off their tanks.

Anyway, for Snowmass not to have a convenient station like the Conoco would be a travesty. If you have not taken the time to meet the Jeffs, you’re missing out on one of the many things our village has to offer. Their attitude is to help any way they can.

To end this letter to the editor, I have two questions: Why would the powers that be not at least try adding stop signs on Brush Creek with some sort of button system that activates a flashing red light for the very few pedestrians wanting to cross rather than a complicated roundabout for cars, big trucks, bicyclists and walkers to negotiate? Second: Why do politicians and bureaucrats feel compelled to spend millions to accomplish very little, if anything, just because the funds might be available?

Cully Culwell

Snowmass Village; Dallas; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida