Dear Editor,

The recent articles in the Post Independent regarding local methamphetamine use and availability have brought attention to a very real issue in our communities. I hope that all we parents are asking ourselves how we can take steps to best assure that we don’t find our kids in the clutches of this debilitating drug.

Kids don’t just one day end up using a potent drug like meth. There are many warning signs along the way ” criminal activity, use of alcohol and other drugs, doing poorly in school, and depression, just to name a few.

---

---

There are other warning signs to prevent even those behaviors ” communication problems, power struggles, lack of respect for parents and others in authority, friends who get in trouble, etc.

It is frightening to admit that these behaviors are happening with our child. And if we do admit it, what do we do about it? If you are unclear as to whether what are you observing with your child is normal or cause for concern, give us a call at YouthZone.

---

---

Watch for the family life column each Sunday in this newspaper. Parent educator Charla Belinski and the staff at YouthZone will alternate writing articles that speak directly to parents of children of all ages.

You are the parent and you have the power to act. YouthZone is here for you. We have offices in Glenwood, Rifle, Aspen, Basalt and Carbondale. You can reach us by calling 945-9300.

Debbie Wilde, executive director

YouthZone

Glenwood Springs

Dear Editor,

This is in response to Chester McQueary’s letter (Post Independent, April 27). I served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, and your letter is an insult to every man and woman serving their country.

Poverty-level pay, what are you talking about? True, when you first join the service your pay isn’t the best; however, with time your pay improves along with rank. Also, Mr. McQueary failed to mention that active-duty personnel also receive free medical, free dental and free housing for married personnel, along with commissary and exchange privileges and educational benefits. Want to go to college? The military will pay for it.

Six-thousand-dollar family death benefit, huh? How stupid do you think I am or anyone else serving in the U.S. armed forces is? I do not know of anyone in uniform who would go into combat knowing if they die, their family would only get $6,000.

Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance was started back in the 1960s. When I retired from the Navy in 1995, it cost me about $1.50 a month for $250,000 of coverage. This insurance is provided through the military, and I know of no one who ever turned down this coverage, which is good whether you’re in combat or off-duty.

Mr. McQueary also failed to mention that when in combat, your pay is tax free.

The most important thing is serving your country. It is something that Pat Tillman completely understood when he walked away from an NFL contract to serve his country.

Ken W. Heller

Glenwood Springs

Dear Editor,

In response to Nick Martin’s opinion of Tuesday, April 27, just a few points:

Glenwood has a leash law.

Some dogs like to catch Frisbees and balls. Most people can’t run fast enough to keep their dog from choking on its leash when they throw the Frisbee or ball, and they don’t want a ticket for their dogs running at large.

Some people, (e.g. the disabled and elderly) like to let their dogs run free, but are unable to walk them up the side of the mountain due to their physical limitations.

Harvey Gap and Rifle Gap have no-dog rules. Any suggestions on what nearby lake my dog can swim in?

People who care about dogs raised the money for this dog park. We worked the ground, seeded it, will install the fence and maintain the area. It isn’t costing you anything, so what’s the problem?

Maybe you should “paws” and rethink your position.

Sincerely,

Beth Dardynski

Glenwood Springs

Dear Editor,

I read the story about the District 16 mill levy.

Mildred Alsdorf may have to tighten things up and provide more training for election judges, but let’s not question her integrity!

When I worked at Glen Valley Care Center, she personally came out to help every year with the election ballots for the seniors. She was patient and professional. She went above and beyond the call of duty and in lieu of recent election events, she deserves recognition for her willingness to change current policies and to hang in there despite controversy and a sometimes thankless job.

I wouldn’t want to be an election judge ” would you?

Maybe that’s why she had help from her family, who, for the record, I trust just as much as Mildred.

Thanks, Mildred ” you deserve it!

Sincerely,

Mary Blichmann

Silt

Dear Editor,

Tuesday, May 4, is election day.

The election this Tuesday is for the Grand River Hospital Board. It is difficult enough to get the electorate out to vote for national elections, let alone a local hospital election. However, with the appalling condition of health insurance, nursing shortages, increased costs of services and medicine, perhaps we should pay attention to by whom and how our local medical facilities are being operated.

Although there are only four seats up for consideration, there are 12 candidates vying for the honor of representing us. Could it be that the hospital board is a much more important position than any of us imagined?

This letter is actually a letter asking voters to support Mike Moseby for hospital board member. Mike has 35 years experience in hospital environments. Upon his early retirement from the medical equipment business, Mike obtained his EMT certification and became a volunteer firefighter, working out of Parachute. Mike volunteered 30-40 hours/week at Grand River Hospital.

He is extremely conscientious and will continue to represent us and our interests in the future. It only takes five minutes to vote in a small election. Please take the time to vote for Mike Moseby for Grand River Hospital Board. He really does care about the hospital and our health.

Craig S. Chisesi

Rifle

Dear Editor,

Some political candidates say that they will work for a “balanced policy” between the concerns of citizens and the gas and oil industry’s interests with regard to the impact of their extraction practices. Balancing opposing interests implies equal legitimacy. No one would suggest balancing the interests of drunk and sober drivers.

Likewise, there isn’t equal legitimacy between the public’s interests and those of the private companies who extract public resources, spending as little as they can get away with on environmental protection, then selling the resources back to us for the highest price they can extort.

We, the public, through government leases, essentially hire these companies to make our resources available to us. As the employer we should determine the job description (extraction practices) and the wage we are willing to pay (gas prices).

Yes, the extractive companies should make a living wage (a reasonable profit). But, currently these employees come to work, trash the store, and fill their pockets from the till.

We don’t need a “balanced policy” here. The scales are already tilted in industry’s favor. Take a look at the profits these companies are making. They will not be forced into Chapter 11 if they protect our environment and charge less for the gas.

When you’re mugged, you don’t call for conflict resolution. You call the police. We need elected officials who will do some policing ” to assure that gas prices are reasonable, and that the quality of our land, air and water is protected.

Pat Helland

Parachute