Dear editor:

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I would like to discuss some of my thoughts about a temple in Cody. I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for the City of Cody. I know it’s been mentioned before how a temple will benefit the community by bringing in more business, especially during the winter non-tourist season. I would add that it will bring a good element to the City of Cody, not a bad one.

I would ask those who are against the building of the temple to do some research. If you remember, the Billings temple faced much opposition and protesting right up to its dedication. Look at it now and how it thrives and what it brings to the Billings community. Beautiful homes are built all around the temple. The west part of Billings has thrived and grown since the temple was built. I would also ask that you look to see if there is still opposition now to the temple being there.

Don’t stop there. If you’re against building a temple, please research other cities where LDS temples have been built. The Denver temple, for example, is located in a residential area surrounded by homes; it’s just off a major road and you don’t experience much traffic at all around the temple. I’ve also heard that residents around the temple there wanted lights off at a certain hour, which the church obliged. Then the residents came back and asked for the lights to remain on as it made them feel safer. I guess what I would ask of those opposing the temple is to search out those people — especially nonmembers — who live around other temples, and ask them if it’s better or worse since the temple was built. Like I said earlier, there was a lot of opposition to the Billings temple. I don’t hear about opposition or protesters now.

I try to see things from both sides, which helps me understand concerns about lighting issues and obstructing views of the mountains. I get that as I’m an avid mountain man myself and spend lots of time on the mountain. I love looking at the mountains as well. I believe your view of mountains will be even more beautiful with the temple in the foreground. The temple is not meant to take away from the beauty of the mountains but to enhance it. All I ask is please do the research. What I’m concerned about is if the temple were to be in a different location in Cody, we would face the same challenges with people saying it blocks their view.

I also wonder about the significance of the western theme. I understand and respect that Cody identifies itself with Buffalo Bill and the West he stood for. The Irma and Buffalo Bill Center of the West build on that theme, as do a few other businesses. But new businesses come into Cody every year that don’t have a western theme. Walmart and other major businesses don’t adhere to a western theme. Yet they seem to be able to coexist and add value to the community, and that’s what I think the ultimate goal is here. I would ask those in opposition to the temple to take a look at it from our view. The temple is not being built to take away from Cody but to further enhance Cody.

Flynn C. Dillon

Powell