Former council member presses for Blue Lives Matter street painting

Council not reacting to request

[  By Mark Reaman  ]

Former Crested Butte Town Council member John Wirsing again has asked the current council to consider painting a “Blue Lives Matter” street mural on Elk Avenue to counteract the Black Lives Matter painted on Elk last month. He has made the request at the last three Town Council meetings and does not seem to be gaining any traction with the request. The local marshals have told the council a street painting is not necessary but they do appreciate hearing of their support.

“There are a lot of hate groups attacking police throughout the country right now and Black Lives Matter is one,” Wirsing said at the October 5 meeting. “It is more important than ever with Black Lives Matter painted on Elk to show support for the local police officers. Show the local cops you have their back by painting Blue Lives Matter with the same size and scope as the other mural. Putting a hate group on Elk Avenue is inappropriate and I’d prefer to see it removed but if not, at least put Blue Lives Matter on there as well.”

While Wirsing has made clear that he believes Black Lives Matter is a nefarious national organization behind much of the violence and property damage happening during some protests across the country, he has indicated he thinks the group is even somewhat supportive of causing harm to law enforcement officers.

The council has not responded to Wirsing’s accusations or request. Council members unanimously approved the Black Lives Matter painting in the summer and it was painted at Third and Elk in September. The council members have made clear they support the sentiment of the phrase but not all of them support the group.

At the October 19 meeting, Wirsing opined that it would be fair for council to support his idea. “Since you opened the street as a billboard for political statements, this seems easy and obvious. I feel it is important. Make this happen.”

Mayor Jim Schmidt suggested that Will Dujardin and Mallika Magner, council representatives on the local Black Lives Matter committee, ask if that group had any comment one way or the other on Wirsing’s idea.

“I noticed Mr. Wirsing didn’t mention the militias and right wing groups that seem to have had some part in the violence and destruction,” Schmidt commented at the October 19 meeting. “But perhaps the Black Lives Matter committee wants to discuss this and make a recommendation to council. If not, that is fine too.”

“I don’t think the committee needs to address it,” said Dujardin. “We won’t do something just because we did something else. If the council wants to discuss it, we should if we
want to.”

“Mr. Wirsing brought the issue to the Town Council and not the committee,” agreed Magner. “And there it is.”

The council held no more discussion of the issue at the meeting.

Crested Butte chief marshal Mike Reily sent an email to the council members on Tuesday saying that while he understands Wirsing’s idea and appreciates the sentiment of support, “…We do not seriously expect the Council to take on the challenge.” He detailed examples of support the marshals have recently received from the public, along with detailing the difficult parts of being a law enforcement officer in a small community.

“We love our jobs and love our town but we also want to know we are valued for putting ourselves in harm’s way for people who appreciate our sacrifices,” Reily wrote. “To me, a simple declaration of support and appreciation from the Council is what your officers deserve in these trying times. No paint needed.”

Schmidt responded to Reily’s letter saying, “You and all your officers follow the attitude and balance of those you’ve followed to a tee. The job has become more challenging every year and I feel you have met the challenges of these extremely trying times.” He said he would work up an official proclamation of support for the next council meeting.