Ridgway sustainability members debate posting human‑rights statement on SAB web page

A member of the Ridgway Sustainability Advisory Board proposed posting a statement on the SAB page affirming the rule of law, condemning illegal aggression and killings, and linking sustainability to human‑rights principles. The suggestion prompted immediate pushback from other members who worried the proposed language could be perceived as a political or ideological stance.

"I agree with the sentiment, but I think that borders on us taking a political stance," one member said. Another member responded that standing up for the constitution is broadly agreeable, but several cautioned the SAB should not risk alienating segments of the community by issuing statements that could be read as partisan.

Members agreed they shared the underlying values but differed on whether the board’s web page — which appears on the town site and therefore reflects the town — was the appropriate place for such a statement. One member said they would publish similar remarks independently elsewhere rather than put the SAB page at risk of appearing partisan.

The board did not vote on a formal statement and left the matter unresolved; members emphasized they did not want sustainability to become politicized and suggested individual members could pursue outside advocacy if they wished.