A growing chorus of Highlands Ranch residents are bringing awareness to an upcoming “drag” show on June 17 at the community’s Southridge Recreation Center. While HRCA seems to simply hope and pray the community doesn’t become aware of the event, the more disturbing trend is just how deflective HRCA Directors Park, Allen, and DeBacco have been about it.

The issue at hand is the use of HOA funds generated by residents to fund the space to put on the event at the rec center, as well as the tax dollars used to subsidize it under the obscure banner of “Cultural Affairs.” Board members either knew, or should know, the controversy this event would generate. Emails to the directors asking them why they chose to support the event have resulted in obtuse and vague responses.

In reality, citizens dug deeper and found these directors chose not to take a public position on the drag show because of expected resident backlash. This was further confirmed by HRCA removing the event from its website’s main page and moved deep into its newsletter, as well as advising “drag” participants to enter Southridge through its back door.

Meaning — this event does not reflect Highlands Ranch community values. And they know it.

It comes down to a matter of trust. These directors breached their positions by acting in bad faith by not going on record. These unprincipled board members have wavered in the face of public scrutiny, and are proving they are unfit to lead the largest HOA in the state, and the third largest in the country.

If they can’t serve honorably, they need to leave.

Stephen J. Collier

Highlands Ranch