City charter needs changes

The city has appointed a committee to see what changes need to be made to update the City Charter. The chairman reported there was no consensus on any major changes. I believe there were at least four subject matters that need changes:

1. Elect a mayor by public vote.
   The mayor should not be picked by a simple majority of four votes (of which one vote could be theirs). This plays into a situation where just four people could rule the direction the city will go in the future.
2. The five ward council members of Council should be elected by all the citizens, not just those in their ward.
   Because a ward-elected council person on city matters affects all the citizens not just those in their ward, Council members should be held accountable to everyone, not just the people in their ward. This also applies to the mayor that should be elected by all the citizens, not just three votes plus their own from their fellow council members.
3. Any council person leaving early before the elections must be replaced by an election not by council.
   Currently, Council members can pick someone to replace a council member who has decided to leave early either by choice or some other reason. The replacement Council member could be someone who only the staff and Council are familiar with. But the voters may know nothing about this person. The chances of that replacement of a Council member being reelected are very high because of the short time frame, there wouldn’t be enough time for a person to campaign against him or her. So, once again a large portion of the public is left out of the selection process.

I am not bad-mouthing staff, but staying on this course means staff will keep running the show. The bottom line is that the citizens of Glenwood Springs will not have a say in the selection process.

4. Change the “Consent Agenda.”
   Another problem is the so-called “Consent Agenda” that seems to pass by a council vote without any public or council discussion. Why not have public discussion or debates from council?

Don “Hooner” Gillespie, Glenwood Springs

Phil Weiser would hit the ground running

Eight years ago, I sat, listened, and got to know Phil at a dinner in Pitkin County. Although he was running for attorney general, his breadth of knowledge and interest in all Colorado issues was exceptional. From the environment, public lands, recreation, water, education, rural health care, small business, and the rural community — Phil was surprisingly engaged and knowledgeable.

Phil clerked for justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Byron White, worked in the U.S. Department of Justice and White House, and was dean of the CU Law School.

During his years as attorney general, he has built relationships with legislators, the staff of Colorado departments, and leaders of all 64 Colorado counties. He will “hit the ground running” as our next governor.

Phil has the legal, administrative, and leadership credentials to not only serve as governor but perhaps be one of our greatest governors! He will support the next attorney general and implement all powers available to the state to stand firm against any affront to the liberty, freedoms, and expressions of conscience afforded to the citizens of Colorado.

Phil will work with labor unions, agriculture interests, technology, health care, public safety, and academic resources to coordinate solutions and improvements to Colorado’s greatest challenges.

Phil has an impressive set of endorsements both local and statewide who believe in his leadership at https://philforcolorado.com/endorsements. Learn more about issues at https://philforcolorado.com/issues/.

For you, your children, and your grandchildren vote for Phil Weiser, a unique talent, as our next governor of Colorado.

Roger Wilson, former Colorado state representative, Glenwood Springs

Watch party planned for First Amendment concert

All are warmly invited to a watch party for the “Rise Up, Sing Out!” concert for the First Amendment at the Rifle Branch Library, 5-7 p.m Sunday, June 14. We’ll have snacks, but bring desserts to share. Featured performers: Rufus Wainwright, Bette Midler, Patti Smith, Sasha Allen, Joy Reid, Peppermint, Julia Roberts, Wilson Cruz, Lily Gladstone, Jenn Colella, Alex Joseph Grayson, Singing Resistance, Rude Mechanical Orchestra, Kayla Davion, Rev. Adriene Throne and Jane Fonda. No registration required, free, children welcome. Co-sponsored by Mountain Action Indivisible and Protect our Garco Libraries.

Jamie LaRue, Glenwood Springs

Sweetwater Lake should be sold or leased

When families face financial strain, they cut non-essentials and sell assets. The White River National Forest (WRNF) now admits it’s in the same position.

Forest officials recently told Pitkin County that the Maroon Bells Scenic Area runs a yearly deficit of nearly $300,000 and has been propped up for years by draining other WRNF programs. Budgets are “tight across the Forest,” yet WRNF expects local taxpayers to fill the gap for a federal recreation site that draws more than 300,000 visitors a year.

If WRNF can’t afford to maintain its most iconic destinations, it should stop giving away valuable assets and start strengthening its balance sheet. Sweetwater Lake is the obvious place to start. Recent Colorado state park acquisitions have exceeded $25,000 per acre. Selling or leasing Sweetwater’s 832 acres at comparable value could generate more than $20 million — money that could immediately support trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and the Maroon Bells itself.

This is not radical. The Forest Service routinely issues leases, easements, and special-use authorizations to outside entities. Divesting Sweetwater to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is entirely consistent with existing practice — just more fiscally responsible.

If WRNF wants local taxpayers to subsidize federal recreation facilities, Supervisor Glaspell should be required to explain why he refuses to consider the most basic financial tool available: divesting an asset CPW already wants instead of simply handing it over for free.

Ken Wright, Gypsum