September Liberty Rocks- A FULL Agenda
September 19, 2025
by Fred Hernandez
The meeting was called to order by Chair Ann Barthrop with the Pledge of Allegiance, the attendees singing America The Beautiful and the invocation by Dr. Ann Willson quoting President William Harding. The late president said, “No education No vision” and ended his speech during American Education Week in 1922 with the prayer “Lord help us to protect the integrity of our education”. A fitting prayer for these days.
First up was Author John DiGirolamo ardent crusader against human trafficking who has five books on the subject to his credit. Aided by a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. DiGirolamo went through the paces of this insidious criminal activity which plagues our country and the world. He challenged the audience with the statement that if it is thought that this only happens in big cities then the surprise would be that Colorado and its rural towns are in the top ten areas where exploitation of labor and sex slaves takes place. Everyone is a potential victim; both sexes, all religions, all nationalities. He debunked several false myths such as the idea that predators are usually “creepy old men”. Not true at all; firmly stating that predators are normal, regular people that look like everyday citizens one meets on the street, in a shopping mall or even in schools. What feeds human trafficking is pornography and the internet. Social media in particular is a
major weapon used by predators. Some statistics show that 41% of teens view pornography during school. 53% of boys and 39% of girls believe porn is a normal activity. He explained the steps predators take in getting their victims.
With most kids today being online and with Snapchat, Instagram, Tik-Tok and other platforms, predators have a huge arena for seeking out their victims. Parents are implored to take the time to familiarize themselves with the dangers their children face each day.
Pedophiles go where the children are and parents must be one step ahead to protect their progeny. It was shocking to learn that in Colorado alone there were more than 18,000 reports in 2024. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the website: thisishumantrafficking.com to learn about this horrible criminal enterprise. If you want to report anything about this crime call these numbers:888-373-7888 or text 233-733; In Colorado call 866-455-5075 or text: 720-999-9724
John DiGirolamo has five easy reading books on Amazon packed with information.
Ms. Sarah Fisher, a certified counselor representing Family Counseling Service which specializes in domestic violence cases for the Custer and Fremont Counties. She spoke about her organization: it is one hundred percent confidential and they are legally bound not to share any information with anyone, their service is one hundred percent free and they are “victim driven”; which means they give their clients the options available to them and the choice is entirely the client’s. Their goal is to empower the victim. She went on to explain in detail the dynamics between victims and abusers. She is fully supported by our local Sheriff’s Office of whom she spoke highly. The number of the hotline, which received 1,196 calls last year, is 719-275-2429. This is a crisis line manned 24/7.
Ms. Stacey Fite, who owns and operates Custer County Supply on Main Street in Westcliffe, then spoke about the new bills passed by the state which greatly impacts gun ownership in Colorado as the noose tightens around the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Specifically the bills target Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL), intentionally making it more difficult for them to do their business. In addition to their federal license FFL’s are now required to apply for a state license or they will no longer be allowed to sell any firearm. Aside from the $400 annual fee there will be new paperwork required, a new round of fingerprinting not only for the owner of the store but for all employees, more paperwork which will create a need to hire personnel and increase operating costs which in turn will be passed on to customers. There will be new safety classes required, which means more fees. The age for buying ammo has been increased to twenty-one. All these new laws also affect law enforcement, as it gives the Sheriff’s Office more paperwork to handle and that might require new hires. In short, the effect will be to make it cumbersome for people to buy and own firearms. Ms. Fite encouraged the audience to get involved by voting wisely and to become better informed about these issues by visiting LWVColorado.org for more information.
On overtime, the last item on the agenda was brought up by Charles Ellison regarding the initiative to be included in the November ballot of increasing the Custer County tourism tax by three times from the current 2% to a proposed 6% which is actually and effectively a 300% increase. Mr. Ellison argues that the increase will cause a decline in demand for BnB’s. The timing is not right considering that BnB owners are struggling to keep their businesses afloat during these challenging times. The proposed increase in tax is would to be applied to the county’s need for childcare services (2%) and workforce housing (2%). Mr. Ellison firmly believes that the decrease in demand, as caused by the tax increase, will negatively impact those whom it was supposed to benefit. A decrease in demand for short term stays will result in less job opportunities as well. Taking a quick jab at proponents of this initiative Mr. Ellison quipped “Tax and spend”.
In response to the presentation against tax increase Mr. Barry Keene a keen (no pun intended) proponent of the tax increase explained his position as follows: the population of senior citizens is steadily increasing and will soon account for 40% of Custer County. In the meantime, the number of working age members of the population are declining and will soon be only forty percent of the county. In order to have a workforce there needs to be child care services and housing. Both of these needs will be effectively addressed with the tax increase. In support of his arguments Mr. Keene passed out studies of various data for both towns of Silver Cliff and Westcliffe including statistics of home ownership, home rentals, income levels of different social groups, figures representing the decline of prime workforce population of ages between 24 and 64 year old workers and jobs and wages by sector.
The meeting came to an end with the announcement of The First Annual Coroners Ball scheduled for October 18 from 6 p.m.at the Saddle Club. All proceeds from this event will go toward a scholarship fund for a local student to go to a trade school. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded for the best ones. Everyone is invited to the spaghetti dinner and live music by Dave Ropollo. For more information please contact Nikita at (719) 458-9402.