As a citizen of El Paso County, I am involved in my community. Although I am a public servant (superintendent of Calhan schools), I still have the right to take part in community affairs. I should be able to do so without challenge from a public official.On Feb. 2, I appeared before the El Paso County Commissioners to present a service plan for the establishment and operation of a recreational district. The center would include a swimming pool and would serve the northeastern part of El Paso County. Little did I know that Commissioner Douglas Bruce had prepared a personal attack on me because I chair the organization that presented the proposal. I expected at least decent treatment from Commissioner Bruce, as I am a constituent of his district. He may not like the idea of a recreation district, but I would have appreciated his attacks be directed at the service plan and not his constituents.First, I would like to make it clear that Calhan School District is governed by a five-member board of education, not by Bob Selle. Similarly, Calhan Community Development Inc. (CCDI), the organization presenting the service plan, is governed by a nine-member board, not by Bob Selle. Although I am superintendent of Calhan Schools and chairperson of CCDI, they are separate organizations. As such, I treat each responsibility separately and have been cautious to not mix the two. The school district has not provided free services to CCDI in any way.CCDI did not intend to cheat, double-cross or bamboozle anybody. If CCDI is guilty of anything, it is for being novices in the processes of establishing a recreational district. CCDI has been in existence for five years and has tried to raise funds for a swimming pool through fundraisers, donations and grants. Realizing that it will take millions of cookies for bake sales to build a pool, the governing committee tried the recreation district route to get the pool built during their life time. The members of CCDI are truly sorry for any misconceptions or confusion that may have happened. The intent was simple: ask people of northeastern El Paso County to support a tax for a swimming pool and recreation center. The Calhan location was selected because of the availability of large amounts of treated water and the town sewer system.A few statements by Commissioner Bruce need to be addressed. Commissioner Bruce and I did talk about the proposal a year ago. He stated that he was against increased taxes of any kind, but volunteered to do a legal review of the ballot issue at that time. The location of the pool site is in Calhan city limits with water, sewer and electricity on the site. A Realtor estimated the value of the property at $65,000. The lease for the property from Calhan School District is for an indefinite period of time with a review of the lease every 10 years. CCDI used the school districts bulk mailing rate with permission from the postmaster to save money, not to deceive people. There were 4,015 letters mailed. Twelve people coached by Commissioner Bruce testified against the proposed recreation district at the Feb. 2 meeting.As a citizen and a superintendent, I should have the right to pursue community projects without insinuations that I acted immorally or illegally. As a constituent, I should be treated with respect by my county commissioner. I truly believe the establishment of the Northeast El Paso County Recreation District should have been determined by the votes, not by one county commissioner.Bob SelleSuperintendent of Calhan SchoolsChairman of Calhan Community Development Inc.
