Stop Trump’s war on U.S.

Trump is at war with U.S. democracy. We as citizens have a voice and we need to use it. Simple acts like calling Rep. Jeff Hurd’s office are more effective than you might think.

If we all use our voices to say how upset we are about Hurd and Republicans just saying yes to Trump destroying democracy, our voices can turn into an avalanche.

The Capitol Switchboard is 202-224-3121. Call and call again. Use our collective voices to be heard and save democracy.

Sarah Henrikson, Carbondale

The interesting story of Jacob Zook

The cover story Monday about Jacob Zook’s job at city hall has a backstory. It is even more interesting.

Jacob arrived in Glenwood Springs in July 2023, after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in urban studies and economic data analysis. He was looking for a new home to start his adult life and, after a cross-country adventure vacation to celebrate his future, he arrived here and got a job at REI. While working at REI he lived out of his vehicle and started exploring Colorado.

After those first 12 months at REI, he was looking for an opportunity to further challenge himself. He applied to the city for a position in geographical information systems. During the interview he was told he should be a good fit within city administration, but for a job in economic development, which benefited from his degree. He jumped at it.

The first plus of working at the city was higher pay, allowing him to afford rent at a Meadows apartment. Apartment living also enabled him to bring his dog, Willow, out here to live with him.

Sometime in the last year Habitat for Humanity, in coordination with the city, bought the L3 condos. The intent was to make it possible for Glenwood Springs residents to affordably get into the housing market. Jacob used all the available resources provided by Habitat and the city. He is now the proud owner of his first home.

It is wonderful to see all the data-driven decisions that Jacob is key in helping our city move forward. It is even more encouraging to see a young American choose our city to make his future. To go from arriving with only his vehicle to a fully employed contributor and homeowner in just two years is truly what America is all about.

Along the way, our city government’s efforts to help folks settle here have worked as planned. Jacob has worked hard and made his way largely because of his own abilities. With just a little help, he has set himself up to be the future of Glenwood Springs. A real-life success story right here.

J. Munro Wilcox, Glenwood Springs