By Lindy J. Gwinn, Mountain Valley News staff
Trustees in Cedaredge appointed Dr. Lawrence Smith to the Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Thursday night.
Smith has been an active member of the community for many years. He is a member of the Cedaredge Rotary, Cedaredge Recreational Committee, CBS committee, Home Rule Committee, Ethics Committee for the Delta Hospital, Assistant Coach at CMS girls’ basketball, and a chaperone for the Altrusa annual celebration.
Smith is a doctor of psychology, and has active practices in Arvada, San Antonio and Cedaredge. He said that soon he would not be involved in his practices in Arvada and San Antonio.
Although he travels every other week to his out of area practices, Smith said that he would not have trouble meeting the time commitment it takes to serve the Board of Trustees.
“I think that we need more small groups of people to discuss things, and I think that we need more communication and cooperation within the town to make this work a little better,” said Smith.
Two other citizens applied for the position, but in the end, trustees voted on the applicants with a written ballot.
Michael Meskel, who serves on the local Planning Commission, also threw his name in the hat. During the interview process at the meeting, Meskel raised concerns that, if he was appointed as a trustee, it might create a conflict to continue to sit on the Planning Commission.
“I am concerned that small towns are disappearing and I want Cedaredge developed in a 21st century way. I want to maintain the pristine condition of this town. If I have to choose between being a trustee and sitting on the Planning Commission, I would have to choose the Planning Commission,” said Meskel.
Bruce Bertram said, “I think that there should be a clear separation between the Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees. It is set up that way so that the Planning Commission can make recommendations independent of the board, so that there are checks and balances in the process.”
The other candidate, Michael Folkerth, is an expert in American economics and has written a book called “The Biggest Lie Ever Believed,” which is based on the downfall of the American economy.
Folkerth has been living in Cedaredge for the last three years and says he is planning on spending the rest of his life here. He is a retired pilot, a real estate broker, and has owned several businesses in Delta County.
“I see some economic challenges facing this town and I want to do what I can to maintain the integrity and vivaciousness of this community,” said Folkerth.
Trustee Nelson Cederburg asked, “How important do you see the golf course being to Cedaredge?”
Folkerth responded, “I try to look at the town as a whole. The golf course is a great addition to that whole.”
When asked if Folkerth would run again in April if appointed, he said that he would. Folkerth has also served on the DMEA and Tri-State boards in the past.
Bertram said after the votes had been taken, “For the two of you that were not appointed realize that this is a position appointment that lasts two and a half months. I encourage you to run for this position in April.”
Under the Town Charter, public input was not required for this appointment and none was taken during the meeting.
