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Volunteers reporting on community issues in Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes area

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Letters to Our Community – Vote for Tom Olmstead

I’m writing in support of candidate Tom Olmstead for D38 School Board. I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Olmstead at the Candidate Forum conducted by KOAA on Sept. 28. I found him to be clear and committed to the parents, students, and staff of D38. His openness to hear ideas from everyone to make D38 a great place to receive a 21st century education, while honoring the family values that make Monument a wonderful place to live, encourages me.

Mr. Olmstead moved to Monument to be near his grandchildren, all Monument Academy graduates. Two granddaughters are currently attending Palmer Ridge High School. He clearly has a vested interest in ensuring we continue to support our longstanding tradition of excellence in education.

Mr. Olmstead’s lifelong dedication to “serve and protect”—first as an Army veteran and then as a police officer—has prepared him well for public service.

I will encourage my friends and neighbors to vote for Mr. Olmstead on Nov. 7.

Ana Cecilia Konduris

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Letters to Our Community – Vote Patti Shank for D38 School Board

When considering positions on a School Board, background, character, education, and stances of the candidate should be considered as a whole. If one element is missing, look for another, more qualified candidate who aligns with the aggregate.

Patti Shank is a widely cited author on the science of learning and has over 20 years in higher education—her background is exemplary. Patti is open and honest and harbors no secret political interest; she is 100% for the needs of students—her character is beyond reproach. Patti’s education speaks for itself with a Ph.D. in Education, what better qualification for a School Board? Her education is flawless. And finally, Patti has a genuine affection for Monument and, most especially, for the students of D38. Truly, Patti encompasses all the ingredients for a stellar School Board member.

Let’s ensure that D38 has the most qualified School Board by voting for Patti Shank.

Laura Kronick

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Letters to Our Community – D38 elections—know who you’re voting for

I am writing to express my concerns about Tom Olmstead as a candidate for the Lewis-Palmer School District (D38) Board of Education, District 2 director.

Based on my research, I believe that Tom’s track record and positions are not aligned with the best interests of our community.

Tom’s lack of experience in education and unfamiliarity with the challenges faced by our teachers and students are a significant concern. It is crucial to have a board member who understands the intricacies of our education system and can make informed decisions that positively impact our students.

Furthermore, Tom’s past actions have raised questions about his commitment to transparency and accountability. As community members, we deserve a board member who is open and honest with us, and who will prioritize the needs of our students over personal or political interests. Because he has chosen to align himself with others in our community that clearly have an agenda against the town and school districts in general, we will never really know who is speaking; Tom or those pulling his strings.

In addition, Tom has no experience on critical issues such as curriculum development and student support services. We need a board member who will advocate for a well-rounded education that prepares our students for success in an ever-changing world.

Given these concerns, I cannot endorse Tom Olmstead for the Lewis-Palmer School District, Board of Education, District 2 director. I believe that we need an experienced candidate who is committed to the success and well-being of all students in our district.

Vote Patti Shank for District 2 director, Lewis-Palmer School District Board of Education.

Mitch LaKind

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Letters to Our Community – Ethics Commission takes up complaint against mayor as “non-frivolous.”

In May 2023, I wrote a letter to OCN stating that Monument taxpayers were going to pick up the tab for Mayor Mitch LaKind’s personal attorney fees to the tune of $21,000 under the guise that it was “in the Town’s interest.” That “interest” was actually an inappropriate sexual comment LaKind made to a female trustee—discovered in the December investigation of illegal electioneering by current Town Council members. LaKind hired and announced at a taped trustee meeting that this was his personal attorney.

I argued in May that the taxpayers should never be paying for an elected official’s legal counsel for inappropriate behavior. Apparently, on Aug. 15 the Colorado Ethics Commission agreed with me. In a unanimous vote, the Ethics Commission said the complaint is “non-frivolous” and will take up the ethics complaint.

By having his cronies vote with him to pawn his legal fees onto the Monument taxpayers, the mayor personally benefitted from the vote. When the mayor’s Town Council colleagues vote to relieve his personal debt because they all ran for office together, each of those colleagues now “own” the mayor and to some degree, his vote. He is forever compromised—no matter how he blathers on that he’s “passionate” about Monument or any purposeful misinformation the council gives you.

Whether you look like Stormy Daniels, Lizzo, or Twiggy, sexually inappropriate comments to any woman is a bad idea. What the mayor should be passionate about is holding his tongue when inclined to offer sexual harassing remarks and repay the taxpayers for the offense.

A link to the Ethics Commission complaint: Complaint 23-17.pdf (https://colorado.gov).

Amy Stephens

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Letters to Our Community: “Disgusted” by MA’s gender rules

After reading the article regarding Monument Academy’s gender issues, I must say I am disgusted and appalled at the way this issue is being handled.

In the very beginning the simple solution would have been to have a boy, girl, and a third for those identifying differently. MA appears to single these students out, making it much harder for them, and at the same time encouraging other students and staff to bully and discriminate.

Did anyone making these decisions stop to think that if a parent needs to be notified that it could devastating to the youth i.e.: being disowned or feeling unwanted or worse yet suicide, it happens every day. School should be a safe place, when sometimes home is not . I don’t see MA being that place.

Having a board member from another district spread conspiracy theories isn’t helpful; neither is legal counsel comparing himself to Moses or the Apostle Paul.

If MA wants to be totally non-secular, then perhaps it should become private and give up those federal dollars and property tax money.

For those of you that think being gay or transgender is a choice, I suggest you educate yourselves and your child for most definitely it is not!

Claudia Swenson
Mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother

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