Evans prosperity threatened by reactionaries, isolationists

For decades in Evans, a mindset dominated that put a wall around our community that resisted change and new concepts. Over the years, a culture of protectionism and resistance to free-market business held sway here. While this wall was up, Evans disengaged itself from the region and was so isolated that it didn't have its own identity. Many longtime residents of this area just assumed it was south Greeley and that Evans did not exist.

During the time, opportunity for our residents was lost and higher-paying jobs went to other communities. In this era of "isolation" from the realities of our region, State Farm left and the gates were slammed for years. With the closure of this facility, a large brick dinosaur sat vacant with a "weed field" to greet visitors at a key entryway to our city. As one can imagine, this really shed a negative light on our community for visitors.

Essentially, a "caretaker council" ran the show for decades; it was in place to maintain the status quo and protect an element in the community that kept out jobs. This cultural mindset dominated by (generic idealism) - or "we can always settle for less," lowered our quality of life compared with other communities of our region.

This mindset was stuck in a bubble of time from the 1950s that isolated us from prosperity. This mindset permitted the slumlords to run unchecked with ramshackle properties, and brought in crime and gangs. The few who were elected over the decades with a forward-looking vision paid a steep political price for trying to break the status quo.

Luckily enough, reason prevailed three years ago to attract Lock Line Assurion with 400 jobs that reopened the building for our community. Recently, in a close vote, some of the current Evans council approved the Monfort Family Clinic access from 11th Avenue by buying the property and cleaning up the area. This had a positive effect along 11th Avenue, with new street lighting, housing and jobs coming to our community along with retail opportunities that many said would never happen.

Being that a large percentage of Weld County's residents live at or below the poverty level, I was proud of this accomplishment for the community and the Monfort clinic.

Despite the detractors who felt government cannot team up with the business sector, foundations and private donors, we still prevailed. It was worth the fight, and in this case the detractors failed to consider the generosity and sweat equity of the business community, donors and nonprofits endeavoring to improve our community. Had this endeavor gone down to defeat by the Evans City Council, it would have sent a strong statement that Evans was anti-business and would have promulgated the appearance of being an uncaring community for our residents based on politics only.

Unfortunately, we now live in a time where political party loyalty at all cost outweighs rationality. In my view, I have loyalty to my nation, state and community before any political organization.

When I took the oath of office for Evans City Council, it was an oath to protect and uphold my community, and not for the benefit of a political party with an agenda of "keeping it the same for a select few." It has not been an easy road, but I will continue to fight for the prosperity of Evans.

If the choice comes down to be voted out of office for supporting a clinic, then please feel free to vote me out.

Gregg Rhoads serves on the Evans City Council representing Ward II and is a member of the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization.