WEEK OF FEBRUARY 29, 2024
VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 52
FREE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
WHY ABE LAYDON DIDN’T RUN FOR CONGRESS
P4
The phrase “In God we trust” displayed on a wall Feb. 21 in the Castle Rock Town Council’s meeting chambers. Commissioner PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD George Teal wants to paint the motto on the wall in Douglas County’s public meeting room.
‘In God we trust’ inspires debate County commissioner wants words added to public room BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A wall at the Douglas County government’s public meeting room in Castle Rock may soon bear the words “In God we trust.” That’s if elected County Commissioner George Teal has his way. He’s pushing for the addition. He said he was inspired by the slogan’s
presence in the nearby Castle Rock Town Council’s meeting room. It is unclear if Teal will have his way and when the slogan would be added. He would need the support of one of his two fellow commissioners. Commissioner Abe Laydon has expressed interest in the idea – or something like it – while Commissioner Lora Thomas stands opposed. A recent email newsletter by Thomas said mottos “could be divisive and get some residents up in arms.” Teal, who is chair of the commissioners, once served on the town council. He praised the town council’s meeting room. The space shows
VOICES: 14 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19 | PUZZLES: 23
several mottos, including “In God we trust,” the Colorado state motto in English, from a Latin phrase that translates roughly to “Nothing without deity,” and the Castle Rock phrase “Excellence, dedication, service,” along with the date Castle Rock was established as a town, Teal said. Teal wants to add a similar set of messages. “I think it just set the tone that, OK, the place isn’t a cathedral, right, but this is a place of governance. Twhis is a place where people come to do the people’s business,” Teal told Colorado Community Media. SEE MOTTO, P8
LEAP DAY GRANDPA ONLY 18 YEARS OLD P6
YOUNG MAN RAISES AWARENESS OF CANCER P20
LONETREEVOICE.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA