Facts and Lies about

InformFirestone

Lately there have been all sorts of things said or written about InformFirestone.  Let’s sort them out.

“InformFirestone is an ‘outside group’, trying to

dictate some ‘outside agenda’ to the residents of

Firestone.”

This is a lie.  While it is true that there have been people from outside of Firestone who have spoken out against the annexations of the Union properties into Firestone, it is untrue to say that these people have been, are now, or ever will be members of InformFirestone.  InformFirestone has always been open about its membership, though that has not stopped members of the public from speculating on it.  Interestingly, two people listed as ’supporters’ of Citizens for Firestone’s Future, have been to one of our meetings and have seen the membership requirements.  Why they are allowing this deceit to proceed is curious to us.

“People from outside Firestone assisted in the

petition drive in June.”

This is a fact.  Those of us in InformFirestone have never denied this.  The ‘why’ in this question is simple.  After starting our petition drive, we were contacted by volunteers who wanted to assist us in our petition drive.  We, being short on time, agreed.  Does this make InformFirestone an ‘outside group’?  Absolutely not.  InformFirestone was always in the lead role, both in leadership and time donated.  In fact, out of 338 signatures gathered, over 85% of the signatures were gathered by Firestone residents.  One non-Firestone resident did overstep her bounds by claiming membership and claiming to be a spokesperson for the group.  This was quickly corrected.  As a grassroots effort, InformFirestone is always learning and working on what we feel is the best way to run our organization.  We thank those who volunteered to help us, but at no time have we ever turned over leadership to outside influences.  In fact, of those non-residents who volunteered, the vast majority we have not heard from since June.

“InformFirestone is only a ‘one-issue’ group.”

This is curious accusation levelled against a group that is just over 3 months in age.  While we suppose it is true that InformFirestone has not yet spoken out on various other issues, the truth is, we’re busy enough as it is.  But don’t worry, there are other issues that InformFirestone plans to talk about in the future, such as the under-representation of certain areas of Firestone in town government.

“InformFirestone has misrepresented its

mission.”

This is a lie.  On the contrary, we have stayed true to our mission.  Despite urging from people on both sides of the Union Annexation issue, from within and outside of Firestone, we at InformFirestone have stayed true to our mission.  Our goal was and still is to be a source of information and a sounding board for the community.  Now, on the Union Annexation issue, a group has started to send out rhetoric, misinformation and outright lies.  Given this development, we feel that it is in the best interests of Firestone to take a stand on this issue.

“InformFirestone can be linked to special interest

groups.”

This is a lie.  As you can see, the further we go, the more outlandish the claims.  InformFirestone can claim no alliance with any ’special-interest groups’, not can any claim alliance with us.  We have never consulted with, nor have we tried to contact any ’special-interest group’. 

“InformFirestone is generously funded.”

This depends on your definition of ‘generously funded’.  If you call scratching together a few dollars to buy paper and toner ‘generously funded’, then this is I guess a fact.  If your definition is more realistic, then of course this is a lie.  Curiously, a mailer was sent out recently by the group “Citizens for Firestone’s Future”.  In our research, we found out that a glossy, color, card stock mailer sent out to the entire community of Firestone would run well into the thousands of dollars.  This group also is claiming plans to distribute campaign signs.  The question should be, who is funding Citizens for Firestone’s Future?

“InformFirestone was open to a debate hosted by

the Carbon Valley Herald, but proponents of the

Union Annexation declined.”

This is a fact.  Despite the rhetoric, lies, and slurs directed at the members of InformFirestone, we felt that participation at a forum discussing the full spectrum of issues surrouding the Union annexations was in the best interests of the voters of Firestone.  Unfortunately, after trying in vain to find someone willing to stand up and discuss the issues, the Herald contacted us and let us know that there would be no Union annexation section of the candidates’ forum hosted by the Herald on September 24th at Frederick High School.  Apparently it is easier for those who would hurl slurs and deceitful invective at those who are questioning the status quo in Firestone to do so behind a computer screen, newpaper, or mailer.

InformFirestone is committed to keep talking about the issues that affect citizens of Firestone.  It is unfortunate that those who feel threatened by open and civil discussion of the issues resort to such tactics as smearing, fear-based electioneering, and lying to try to convince people that they are right.  It is spiteful, and it is insulting to the citizens of our town. 

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