A KOTO Radio show, called Friday Live, that aired February 6, 1981. Jerry Greene interviews Mark Silversher about his career, education, and life in Telluride. Mark came to Telluride in 1978, from Los Angeles. When Mark arrived in Telluride, he describes Telluride as a place with people with lots of color, including miners, old-timers, and in general, a very full community with many different age groups. He speaks of the antagonism between different groups. Jerry agrees with this antagonism and mentions the tensions between the old-timers and the new-timers. Mark further describes the excitement of the people and their vocalization at town meetings.
Next, Silversher discusses his educational background. He studied both engineering and law at UCLA. He stayed in school to avoid the Vietnam draft.
Silversher is currently an attorney and is involved in water law. He is also a legal consultant and will work with San Miguel County to develop a water management plan for the area.
Silversher also works in real estate and in Geology/Biology/Botany/other sciences as an attorney. For example, he looked into the mining tailings on the east side of town and discovered they are toxic. Other hazards in Telluride include the flooding of Cornett Creek, which happens about twice in a century.
Telluride's economy is next discussed. Namely, how the economy is too reliable on the snow for skiing. Mark is concerned that Telluride may not survive without people that come in with money to support it. He believes the economy needs to be diversified. He is also concerned about Telluride's transportation problems.
Silversher also is on the planning committee for Telluride. They have discussed what an optimal size is for Telluride and planning goals. The goals are more oriented towards the short-term and not really focused on the long-term. Mark is frustrated with a lack of data from the committee.
Telluride attorneys and town judges are spoken of.
What does Mark like best about living in Telluride? He likes the slower-paced lifestyle. He really likes not having to drive everywhere, or worry about traffic or parking. And of course, he loves the mountains.
Supported in part by an award from the Colorado Historical Records Advisory Board, through funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), National Archives Records Administration
