I realize for many “socialism” is a dirty word. The strict definition of socialism is” cooperative management of the economy”, and I can tell you that the spirit of cooperation for the greater good of our community is alive and well in Nederland. And for the most part, the people who reside here are all for it.
Look no further than two recent initiatives here in Nederland. Four years ago, Nederland put in for a grant to provide all residents of Nederland (1,400) a free public transit pass through RTD, otherwise known as an EcoPass. The EcoPass allows residents to ride the Nederland N Bus free, but also all buses and light rail within RTD’s system covering Boulder to Denver, including the airport. For two years, all residents received the EcoPass, including my husband and myself. After two years, ridership on the Nederland bus to Boulder increased 47%. Because the grant money was used up, the “rogue” Town of Nederland had the audacity to propose a very socialist idea — increase property taxes by a small fraction of a percent to support providing free EcoPasses to the residents for the next 10 years. Surprise, surprise, the ballot intiative passed. And the sum total for us as property owners, a grand total of $49 for two bus passes worth a lot more, both in time and money.
The other community initiative that has grown immensely this year is our Community Saws n’ Slaws. Saws n’ Slaws is a community work group that does wildfire mitigation for property owners. These groups of 30 or so odd people are able to cut more trees and slash in one day than a property owner can do in years.
I’m proud to be a resident of a community that cares about their neighbors and wants the greatest common good for everyone, rather than just living for yourself.
