The other night walking down Main Avenue, I came across “Joe.” We had chatted numerous times in the past. Joe, an older guy with significant back problems, walks with great difficulty. Sitting wrapped in a blanket with his dog, Pablo, he shared that his other dog, who was leashed, was killed by a city snowplow followed by the driver flipping him off. His tears broke my heart.

His dog was his loving companion for years. Joe asked me if anyone cares about him and his dog. I said some in Durango care, just not many.

I asked him what happened to the warm coat he had a few weeks ago. Found camping, he said the police took both his coat and very warm sleeping bag. Joe said he didn’t say anything because he was fearful the police would put him in jail and he would lose Pablo.

All Joe had for this very cold night was a thin coat and a thin sleeping bag. What I hear from Joe is consistent with what I hear from others. Another sad and tragic story that shouldn’t happen. I wonder whether the City Council and city managers read Page 24 of the 2023 National Community Survey they commissioned.

Only 30% of respondents believed Durango took care of vulnerable residents, like Joe.

During the City Council’s spring retreat, perhaps members can consider adding another value to their strategic plan: active compassion for all members of the Durango community.

Michael Todt

Durango