YOUR AD HERE »

Your letters

Verbal shots have been fired, names have been called, opinions set in stone, and yet the Highway 82 corridor optimization study has yet to make any recommendations.

One would almost conclude someone is trying to bushwhack the process.

The city enlisted one of the big guns (Ralph J. Trapani) to hide in the transportation commission and guide the outcome seemingly to oblivion by calling for opening up Blake to Wal-Mart. Talk about wounding innocent bystanders, that action would open many old wounds and further dissect the city. Since I don’t have any conflicts of interest, I will suggest that he step away from the gun and wait for the process to work. Since he does live near the east river proposed corridor and has a divided interest in money being sought for the entrance to Aspen, we need to somewhat discount his leadership.



Let the process continue. What could it hurt? After all, the questions of quality of life for valley residents and river residents will be considered. One of the next steps is for a filtering process to narrow the choices based on accomplishment of the goals, and a review by NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act). All concerns about trails, river access and who the users are will be evaluated and solutions proposed. We will have a just and viable alternative if we can refrain from shooting ourselves in the foot.

Let’s not throw away another costly study, let’s not wait another 30 years. We need leadership from the three entities that are paying for this study. The city of Glenwood Springs, Garfield County and Colorado Department of Transportation should wait until the study is complete. Then and only then should the big guns come out blazing in unison to take down the malaise of the past.



Steve Damm

Glenwood Springs

Based on a recent experience and opportunity to sit in on a day of Juvenile District Court, I wanted to share my observations about the impact YouthZone has on our community.

As a board member and as a participant in the “Redirecting Children’s Behavior” parenting classes, I have been exposed to many aspects of the organization. The more time and effort I spend learning about the different programs being offered, the more confident and passionate I become about our mission.

Despite the many hours volunteering and participating, I was not completely aware of the involvement and impact we have had in the judicial process of our community.

Our expertise is trusted and valued in each case that we participate in. Our philosophy that there are “no bad kids” puts a smile on many kids’ faces even during the most difficult times.

Our programs are both proactive and reactive. Each program has proven successes and gives kids and their families’ tools to make better choices and lead better lives.

I encourage you to call us and learn about the many different ways to get involved.

Take the opportunity to learn about YouthZone’s programs and what a valuable resource we have in the Roaring Fork Valley.

As our executive director, Debbie Wilde, says, “This is not a request for your time and resources, but rather an invitation to be part of something great!”

Ian Exelbert

Glenwood Springs


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Glenwood Springs and Garfield County make the Post Independent’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.