I just submitted this to this address;
www.colorado.gov
Governor Polis,
I am writing to encourage you to retain Dan Prentzlow as CPW Director. I know the Director from my last 3 years' service as Southeast region appointed representative to CPW's Sportspersons' Roundtable (RT). While the RT is mostly populated by white males like me, I have not encountered any racist, sexist or ageist speech, conduct or bias in any of my contact with the Director, group or CPW staff. In fact Mr. Prenzlow has impressed me with his message of inclusiveness to the RT, despite the group's orientation toward the focus of hunting and angling constituents.
One way I am unique on the RT is my profession: Psychotherapist/L.C.S.W., licensed in Colorado and practicing since 1994. My education, training and experience have given me a strong foundation in recognizing and addressing racism and other -isms that people identify with. Groups and individuals have certainly been injured and held back by all the -isms, our path toward healing must and does account for those damages.
When I read the comment that the Director is being investigated for stating, I was reminded of this key principle in my professional training: When I discover a bias in myself or when someone else informs me of one, I deal with it as an opportunity to connect with those who my bias impacts, and learn from them. We all were raised around biased speech, actions and ideas. Acknowledging that should guide us forward. I read the apologies the Director almost immediately.
Those represent the Director I'm acquainted with far better than any interpretation of racism in his spontaneous, perhaps insensitive acknowledgement of Ms. Lee at the conference. I'm a white male, age 60+, and I regularly learn that what I say to others has changed its meaning since I first used some expressions. That does not insulate me from being responsible for my statements, instead it adds decades of context and history to my perspective. I'd wager the same is true for the Director. We have all misspoke.
I do not know what role (if any) the Director played in my selections to the RT. I have no favoritism or obligation to him. I'm a citizen and sportsperson, observing and participating in a process that serves all your constituents. That process has been led capably by the Director during the three years of my involvement. The RT, our constituent sportspeople and CPW have benefitted from Mr. Prentzlow's able administration. I am confident an unbiased investigation will emphasize the leadership, skill and passion you recognized when you appointed him, have continued and grown.
In my profession, conflict is treated as an opportunity to improve individuals and relationships. Should your investigation recommend intervention, mediation between Ms. Lee and Mr. Prenzlow would provide a constructive opportunity for both parties. Do not lose a valuable executive and dedicated public servant due to an uninformed choice of expression.
Best regards,
My name
Canon City and South Park
