Kudos on Nick Bowlin’s well-written, level-headed, even-handed article (“Second Citizens,” January 2021). As a Colorado native who has lived in the Gunnison Valley for over 27 years, I have paid close attention to the delicate balance between classes, lifestyles and valued labor input, and the efforts to keep this valley viable economically while also welcoming both the adventurous mountain lover, struggling to survive with looming gentrification, and the folks with wealth. It is crucial that we find a way to maintain this delicate balance — to protect ranching (without which we would become Vail), the wealthy and those hanging on to the ability to pay modest rent while working marginally compensated jobs. This article encapsulates the struggles we face to pull this off.
If only everyone here could/would read your article. It does wonders to clarify the sometimes-warring influences. Thank you for being part of the resolution of these.
Laine Ludwig
Gunnison, Colorado
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline A delicate balance.
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