By BRIAN PORTER | The Rocky Mountain Voice
CASTLE ROCK – There’s no mollycoddles or wallflowers allowed. But just about anything else goes.
In a back room of the Castle Cafe here once a week meets a group of like-minded men from a variety of professional backgrounds known as ‘The Good Ol’ Boys’.
Now, this isn’t Bo and Luke Duke, and Boss Hogg is no where to be found, mind you. Cigar smoke doesn’t fill the air and no one is running illegal moonshine. No, in fact, most of the members of this club might have trouble sliding across the hood of a 1969 Dodge Charger.
These Good Ol’ Boys meet weekly to hear from candidates for office, other subjects, and in general to reach conservative solutions on the big issues of the day.
“We may all be retired – or most of us – but that doesn’t mean we have stopped thinking or stopped being interested,” said Merlin Klotz, a club member and the board president of the Parker Water and Sanitation District.
The Good Ol’ Boys are a destination for many candidates seeking election for office, but those candidates might not find it an easy go.
“I like to ask them if they’ve ever signed a payroll check,” said Chuck O’Reilly, now one of the ringleaders of the group, a military veteran and accountant. “Some of the questions will depend upon the candidate or speaker.”
A majority of those campaigning for the Congressional District 4 seat presently held by Ken Buck, R-Windsor, have either made a visit to the Douglas County club or are scheduled. Richard Holtorf and Jerry Sonnenberg, residing at least two hours away in Eastern Colorado, have visited. Ted Harvey and Peter Yu have made the trip. Deborah Flora will visit on Feb. 22, and Lauren Boebert is scheduled for March.
“It isn’t just boys,” Klotz said. “Occasionally, we’ll have women attend.”
The name is not meant to define them as “Good Ol’ Boys” in a negative sense, he says, but as well-meaning, good guys.
The group charges no membership fee and the roster of 40 members don’t receive demerits for missing a meeting. If the full roster attended a meeting, a larger room may be needed.
“The Good Ol’ Boys Club is a place I enjoy going to listen, learn and respond,” O’Reilly said. “I guess there hasn’t been a time when I have come here and not ended up learning something.”
The club was originally formed by a realtor, O’Reilly recalls, and some still remain. Eventually, it expanded to others by invitation.
“I’ve retired twice and have some time on my hands,” Klotz said. “I come to listen and throw my two cents in.”
His military background might lead some to believe otherwise, but O’Reilly isn’t a taskmaster about the 11:30 a.m. start time.
“People just kind of wander in,” O’Reilly said. “Now, I like to be early.”
One member resides in Elbert County, but mostly the group is organized of retirees from Douglas County. Some in the group are still gainfully employed, paying taxes and such.
“Most of the fellas that attend are not just on the edge in their political interest, but have run for office and are natural leaders,” Klotz said.
They also don’t mind a joke or two. Before the Feb. 15 meeting began, brothers in the group were asked who drove, and the younger brother responded that he had to drive the elderly.
“Did you hear that,” O’Reilly asked. “That’s what we do here.”
“Most of us have a business background,” Klotz said. “This is a group that meets mentally on the same level. I believe four of us have been on City Council and others on the school board. Obviously, we have opinions.”
One of those said he enjoyed the service on City Council, mostly, which drew a few laughs from some who may have been his constituents.
The practice, which might give a candidate pause, is following an address to the club each attending member is asked to question the speaker. At the Feb. 15 meeting, there was not a member who didn’t do so to Rocky Mountain Voice president Heidi Ganahl.
“We’re not quiet. You don’t have to worry about that,” O’Reilly said. “This is an intelligent group of men. That’s a reason for me to come.”
Added Klotz: “This is a bunch of retirees that like to get together and have lunch. If you want to become a member, just show up once.”
The Good Ol’ Boys meet at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Castle Cafe at 403 Wilcox Street in Castle Rock.