Making your voice heard

Why chickens? How can something that brought so much joy, delight, health and life to our property and neighborhood, be so easily done away with because of an archaic* code?

As I explored the issue, I took it upon myself to study it out and present the chicken issue to the council. I was immediately met with resistance, though I had prepared for a yes, and had the information all available, they proceeded to make this simple issue extremely complicated and confusing. The current town council has already spent more time and resources on chickens than what would have been needed to simply say yes, and move forward three years ago.

What is our plan going forward? It was suggested for us to draw up an ordinance for legalizing chickens in town, then submit it for the Nov ballot for the people to decide. Then it hit me, it is already on the ballot, not chickens, but the mindset that won‘t allow them.

On issues such as this, the council is suppose to decide, that is what they were elected to do. As of now, I personally feel no matter what we do or how much proof we present, it will not pass. This should be a concern for all who live here. If they can’t handle this matter, how will further initiatives be received? Will they continue to frustrate and discourage all who come before them? I’ve seen it happen to one after another as they “quit” because of the unreasonable, stubborn and bias reaction to chickens.

What world do we live in where one email equals 130 signatures? It has become plainly obvious certain mindsets have to change, if this town desires to thrive in the future. We have a choice to keep going down the same old road, or we can make our voice known toward a new path.

All of the three candidates running for council have mentioned that they, personally are not opposed to chickens within the town limits, however only two of them have actually supported the cause moving forward when it counts (in public). We would love council members that are for progress and desire to see Thermopolis fulfill it’s potential. Not to mention, those that are not afraid to advance initiatives that will benefit the community, while listening to the people who are active in bringing new life into this town.

Let it be shown in this election whether you are for, not chickens, but ingenuity, self sustainability and development. On these topics, we are way behind.

In closing, I do believe some things are definitely a nuisance, however a group of citizens who care about property rights along with property value, health, progress, the environment and their neighbors should not be considered as one.

Sincerely,

Darren Cole Butcher

*(Adopted on 6/24/1955)