Editor’s note: The last day that fall election letters will run is Monday, Oct. 27. 

Reflections from ‘No Kings Day’

This past Saturday, a few Carbondalians made their way at 10 a.m. to our roundabout to protest for “No Kings Day.” I stayed one hour with an American flag. The main event took place in Glenwood Springs.

Here are a few observations. Traffic was almost constant. A little less than half the vehicles gave a thumbs-up and/or a honk or two. We had one incident of “rolling coal” — with a gas pickup that didn’t even make smoke. I saw one middle finger.

Only a small minority of people used their turn signals, which is common in Europe. Colorado traffic tips ask drivers to signal when leaving the roundabout — it makes things safer.

One driver stopped and rolled down his window to ask me if I thought “virtue signaling would have any positive effect.” I said yes. There were more than 2,500 rallies planned around the country. Organizers say the June 14 event had about 5 million participants, and they expect this turnout to be larger. A lot of people are anxious about our government today. Turning out makes one feel better — it sends a signal to political leaders that they aren’t doing what’s needed.

I’ve marched against Vietnam. I marched against the invasion of Iraq. I’ve marched for climate change. And I was there today. The implication of saying “virtue signaling” is that people do it to appear virtuous rather than make meaningful change. I wonder if using the term is a way of justifying harmful personal behavior.

There’s a lot of what’s called “cognitive dissonance” going around — especially with politicians who know they’re doing something destructive but are too afraid to face backlash. Like the U.S. House that’s on “vacation.”

Patrick Hunter, Carbondale

Please respect the cemetery

I would like to remind people visiting our beautiful little cemetery in New Castle: Please keep your dog leashed while passing through the plots.

While working on our family plot, a lady showed up and turned her dogs loose to run around, peeing on headstones and pooping on graves. It was so disrespectful and degrading to our friends and loved ones buried there. Please enjoy and be considerate.

Thank you.

Georg Ann Jewell, Rifle

Vote no on 7A

Ballot Issue 7A is another attempt to bypass TABOR with a new 0.25% sales tax for residents from Aspen to Parachute. Voters will be asked to approve a special taxing district called the Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District to subsidize childcare for kids aged 0-5.

It sounds good until you read the entire initiative at cececoalition.org. Click on the blue tab called “Full Service Plan.” The 0.25% would generate $191 per month per child. First, the money will go toward salaries, administration, building rental and grant writing. What little is left will be paid directly to a childcare provider of their choosing. It sounds like another bloated bureaucracy that benefits itself.

Why not task some existing partners — like the Early Childhood Network, Raising a Reader and Yampah Valley High School — to accomplish the same objectives? The proposed district will not provide direct services. Page 5 states, “The district will not operate early care and education programs itself, will not guarantee access to or enrollment in any program, and will not guarantee any specific amount of financial support.”

To further complicate and control the process, Page 7 adds, “Only providers who agree to, meet, and comply with the conditions of district programs will be eligible to receive district funding.”

Remember, voters created the Garfield County Libraries as a special tax district, and it now has $26 million of taxpayer money it’s holding for a “future budget shortfall.” The library raises $11 million annually and has a $10 million annual budget — and it doesn’t have to return a dime.

A special taxing district is not the way to help families. It’s a way to help CECE (Confluence Early Childhood Education). Think about how USAID has spent tax dollars on questionable programs. Vote no on 7A.

Trish O’Grady, Rifle

Call for change in Roaring Fork School District leadership

I want to apologize ahead of time and say that I don’t have all the answers. But I do know this: Contrary to what we are being told, the schools in the Roaring Fork School District have major problems.

Our students’ grades have been dropping steadily over the last decade, and costs have risen dramatically. Half the students don’t have a basic understanding of math, English and history. Not to mention, the state is taking away parental rights, and we hired a superintendent who took the board to the cleaners.

This is why I’m voting for a change of direction. I’m voting for Elizabeth Taylor and Jodi Barr.

John Eaton, Carbondale

Support Darlane Evans for Garfield Re-2

School board elections are emotional because people differ on what’s best for our kids. For students in a classroom, there’s nothing more important than who’s standing at the front. Right now, Garfield Re-2 is losing teachers to the east and west, as both Glenwood Springs and Parachute pay more than we do.

I’m supporting Darlane Evans because she’s clear that the priority is to protect teacher pay. We can’t expect our kids to have a good experience if their teachers are worried about keeping their cars running, paying rent or staying awake for their night jobs.

Darlane brings the voice of an experienced educator, with 19 years working for Garfield Re-2 and nine more for the state. She’s also a wife and mother. She’s committed to keeping the focus on practical solutions to immediate problems.

It’s time we quit squabbling about curriculum and politics. Darlane wants kids of all beliefs and backgrounds to express themselves — yes to Day of the Dead celebrations, and yes to Christmas too. Yes to Darlane Evans.

Danielle Johnston, Rifle

Kids call for “yes” on 7A

We are four siblings ages 6 to 12 who have all grown up and gone to daycare in Glenwood Springs. We’re writing to ask the adults of the Roaring Fork Valley to vote yes on 7A.

We all went to an in-home daycare in Glenwood Springs before starting elementary school. It was fun and a great place to make friends. Some of us are still best friends with our friends from daycare. Daycare was also a place where we could be creative — building crafts, painting, playing dress-up and using our imaginations. Our amazing teachers also taught us how to write our names, learn numbers and letters, sit at circle time and be nice to each other. All these things prepared us for kindergarten and beyond.

We know we were lucky to have our daycare and preschool experiences (thanks, Ms. Sally and Ms. Lesley!). Unfortunately, there are other kids who don’t get to have the fun we had. We also know we wouldn’t have been as ready for school without those caring teachers. Every kid should have the chance to go to daycare and receive the same support we got. Every child deserves to be ready for school.

We just want to ask you — the adults — to vote yes on 7A. Help all kids in our community.

Thanks, and make your votes count!

Becca Perry on behalf of Oli (6), Buggy (9), Henry (9) and Emily (12), Glenwood Springs