MANITOU SPRINGS, CO -- Just one in three in the ColoradoGuy community, 35% to be exact, approve of the job perfomance of Hair Consultant Phil McWilliams, according to a recent poll.

While Phil's low approval rating is remarkable, since he has only served in the position for two months after winning the April 2004 election, past Hair Consultants have had lower ratings. (That dubious honor goes to Hair Consultant Dawnn, when she had a 31% approval rating shortly before Steve fired her in November 2001.)

Many attribute Phil's lackluster support on his unwillingness to post messages and converse with others on the forums. Critics also contend that they have not even received a formal report about the status of Steve "ColoradoGuy" Garufi's long hair progress. Additionally, Steve himself has not spoken to Phil in nearly a month.

Public Comments on Phil

One thing is for sure: Everyone has an opinion about Hair Consultant Phil, arguably the most controversial figure to serve in the position.

"He has never been on this ColoradoGuy site! Don't you find that strange?" said Beth of Falcon, Colorado, widely known as Littlehands on the forums.

"He hasn't done a darn thing" wrote Sarah of Nampa, Idaho, "I think we should recall him right now for being a lazy, no good excuse for a Hair Consultant!"

Nick Hughes of London, England spoke of Steve's positive attitude towards his hair: "What's the best thing (Phil's) done? Well, I haven't heard Steve complain about his hair since the election."

"Your hair seems alright to me ... and biggest plus of all ... no drama." wrote Christine of Falcon, Colorado, known as "Tote" on the forums, who seemed to compare Phil to past Hair Consultants and the "drama queen era" last winter.

The "Drama Queen" Issue & Actual Policy

A case could be made that some are overlooking Hair Consultant Phil's inattentive policy with Steve's hair, because from his silence, they appreciate that he does not represent a "drama queen" in any sense. It is no secret Phil campaigned heavily on "anti-drama queen" themes and attracted a large number of voters who were troubled by the "drama queen behavior" of many last winter.

Even Steve mentioned the drama queen factor, while privately explaining his vote for Phil during the campaign: "I went through so much crap this winter on the forums. It was like one (woman) after another ... just blowing up on me and acting wacko and getting petty with each other. It was awful."

Phil's leadership may be aloof (at best) or incompetent (at worst), but Steve is grateful not to have the headaches that he endured in the past. Yet concerned citizens have been continually asking for specifics on how Steve's hair is progressing.

The last time Steve has visited a hairdresser was during a well-publicized event in early April, when then-candidate Phil helped arrange the appointment for Steve. At the time, Phil maintained a no-nosense, tough guy image who even threatened to "beat up Steve" if he didn't follow through with obeying whatever his hairdresser told him to do.

However, Steve no longer has a job, and has not returned to his hairdresser for a split-end trimming because of financial limitations. So far, Phil has not commented on the situation, nor has he appeared willing to "beat up Steve" for not revisiting his hairdresser.

"(Phil) promised to take care of your hair, or rather kick your ass if you don't, and so far he's all talk." exclaimed Sarah in Idaho, who admitted her vote went to Laura "Laloo" Johnson, who finished second to Phil in the April election.

Because Phil does not have e-mail or a phone number available to Steve, Phil could not be reached for comment.

The position of Hair Consultant was created in 1998, as a practical way to help Steve in his effort to grow his naturally curly hair as long as possible. Visit the Hair Consultant History Page for more details about past Hair Consultants and frequently asked questions about the job.