<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr">Thank you, Derek and Nate for your comprehensive intense campaign and thoughtful feedback. I think it sounds wonderful. I will say that Chris Nicholson district a took the seat of Jaime Lewis. Too bad for that. I agree that all new board members need educating and I would say that the ongoing board members need re-educating. This will take a full court press from us, all of us. The offices that the board member share in RTD are not accessible to the public. You can just get into the RTD lobby. That might be good enough to just cram everybody in there and do a sit in until people listen. Kinda like what we did for 504 in San Francisco decades ago. Kind regards, Claudia </div><div dir="ltr"><br><blockquote type="cite">On Feb 24, 2025, at 5:09 PM, Derek Selbo via Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk@nfbnet.org> wrote:<br><br></blockquote></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Subject: Urgent Call for Action: Reversing the Detrimental Decision Regarding Para Transit Services</div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br>To the RTD We are writing to express our profound dismay and vehement opposition to the recent decision by the three new RTD board members/politicians, to reject the additional funds required for the access on demand para transit funding. This decision demonstrates a flagrant disregard for the needs and rights of vulnerable members of our community who rely on para transit services for their basic mobility and independence.<br>It is our firm conviction that the three board members of directors, have failed to adequately consider the devastating consequences of their vote. The impact of this decision will disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities, seniors, and others who depend on these essential services that adequately make up for the inadequacies of the Para Transit service. </div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Political figures often respond most effectively to demonstrable public pressure and quantifiable expressions of justifiable outrage.<br>Therefore, we are requesting all of your immediate and active participation in a coordinated effort to reverse this egregious decision by these three politicians/board members. I propose the following strategies to amplify our collective voice and compel the board members, and especially the three politicians/board members who voted against the additional funding for continuing access on demand to rectify their error in judgment.<br> </div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We must generate a massive volume of documented complaints and expressions of dissatisfaction. This will include:</div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br>* A coordinated letter-writing campaign, utilizing a standardized template, to flood the offices of each board member.<br><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">* A petition drive, both online and in person, to collect a substantial number of signatures demonstrating widespread opposition.</div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br>* A documented record of phone calls and emails to board members, logged and compiled for public dissemination.</div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br>* Public Demonstrations and Protests: We must organize visible and impactful public demonstrations to underscore the severity of this issue. This will include:<br><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">* Planned protests outside the offices of board members and at public meetings.<br><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">* Organized participation in board meetings to voice our concerns directly and forcefully.</div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br>* Strategic use of media to publicize the negative impacts of the board's decision.<br><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">* Data-Driven Advocacy: We must compile and present compelling data that demonstrates the detrimental effects of this decision. This will include:<br>* Gathering and presenting statistics on the number of individuals affected by the decision.<br>* Documenting specific instances of hardship and negative consequences resulting from the decision.<br>* Presenting expert testimony and reports from relevant organizations and professionals.<br>* Strategic Communication and Media Engagement: We must utilize all available communication channels to amplify our message and generate public awareness. This will include:<br>* Developing a comprehensive media strategy to secure coverage in local and regional news outlets.</div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br>* Utilizing social media platforms to disseminate information and mobilize support.<br>* Creating compelling visual content, such as videos and infographics, to illustrate the impact of the decision.</div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br>We urgently request your input and suggestions on these proposed strategies. How can we most effectively quantify and amplify our message? What specific actions can we take to maximize the impact of our efforts? Please provide your feedback and commit to active participation in this critical campaign.<br>The time for passive acceptance is over. We must demonstrate to the board members and politicians that their decision is unacceptable and that we will not rest until it is reversed.<br>Sincerely,<br>Derek Selbo</div><br id="lineBreakAtBeginningOfSignature" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 17pt;">Thank you</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 17pt;"> </span></div></div><span style="font-size: 17pt;"><div><span style="font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></div> </span><br><div dir="ltr"><br><blockquote type="cite">On Feb 23, 2025, at 9:30 PM, Nate Trela via Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk@nfbnet.org> wrote:<br><br></blockquote></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr">This is actually the kickoff of what should be our final push to shape the future of Access on Demand, with RTD set to discuss it at only a few more meetings before a final vote tentatively set for May. One important thing to note is that almost half of the board is new, winning seats in November. That means they were not part of the discussion last year and none have a real public record on where they stand on Access on Demand.<br><br>The votes on the operations committee against the additional funding all came from new board members. They are:<br>Chris Nicholson, District A (central Denver south of Colfax Ave, Capitol Hill, Upper Downtown, and the city of Glendale)<br>Kathleen Chandler - District F (including Aurora stretching across the reservoirs and Buckley)<br>Brett Paglieri - District M (including Golden, Lakewood, Wheatridge and Edgewater)<br><br>Those three members actually went on to vote against funding the program at all. That would not have affected the program's funding in RTD's already approved budget but still could have derailed the request for the additional funds. They portrayed their votes as fiscally prudent, saying more funds could theoretically be added later if the board felt they were needed.<br><br>The other new board members are not part of the operations committee, so they did not vote on Feb. 12 on the additional allocation. But they will vote on the funds on Feb. 25. They are:<br>Chris Gutschenritter - District D(south Denver, Englewood, parts of South Denver, Littleton, and Jefferson County)<br>Matt Larsen - District E (western Aurora, parts of Centennial, and southeast Denver) <br>Patrick O'Keefe - District H <br>Karen Benker - District I <br><br>I provided district descriptions where I could find them. You can look up who exactly is your board member and get contact information at <a href="https://www.rtd-denver.com/about-rtd/board-of-directors">https://www.rtd-denver.com/about-rtd/board-of-directors</a>. Just jump to the first edit field and put in your address. <br><br>It would be great to encourage all of the board members - including the eight holdovers from the last board - to approve the $2 million in funding, especially if you can share how you (or someone you know) benefits from the program. Here's a sample message you can adapt: <br><br>Hello,<br>I'm writing to ask that you vote on Feb. 25 to approve the additional $2 million in funding needed to ensure the Access on Demand program can operate through the end of 2025. <br>While RTD staff is developing recommendations for changes to the program to ensure financial viability, it is crucial that the program be fully funded. It has been a complicated process that has required significant discussion between staff and the community, and these dollars are crucial to making sure the program can operate while the process continues.<br>As you know, Access on Demand has been life-changing for people with disabilities throughout metro Denver. It has enabled unprecedented freedom of movement, providing opportunities to live, work and more deeply engage in our community than is possible with traditional paratransit.<br>(This would be a good place for personal examples)<br>As you make decisions over the coming months that will reshape the program for years to come, I am asking that you fulfill your responsibility to keep this program running for the calendar year.<br></div>
<span>_______________________________________________</span><br><span>Colorado-Talk mailing list</span><br><span>Colorado-Talk@nfbnet.org</span><br><span>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org</span><br><span>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Colorado-Talk:</span><br><span>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/derek.selbo%40gmail.com</span><br><span>List archives can be found at <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org></span><br></div></blockquote><span>_______________________________________________</span><br><span>Colorado-Talk mailing list</span><br><span>Colorado-Talk@nfbnet.org</span><br><span>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org</span><br><span>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Colorado-Talk:</span><br><span>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/cfolska%40yahoo.com</span><br><span>List archives can be found at <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org></span><br></div></blockquote></body></html>