Steve Smith for Council

Dear Members of the Glenwood Springs Community,

I would like to encourage all citizens of Glenwood Springs Ward 5 to vote for Steve Smith in this upcoming City Council election. He was on the very first River Commission 15 years ago and has been involved in boards and commissions since. For the past 3 years of his 5-year tenure, I have had the honor to serve with him on the Transportation Commission. He is an incredibly calculated thinker, and his diligence and attention to detail as Secretary is unmatched.

In addition to his public service, Steve is a retired engineer whose expertise in infrastructure and planning brings a valuable perspective to local government. His analytical skills and problem-solving abilities will be instrumental in addressing the challenges facing our city. Furthermore, his dedication to the Glenwood Springs Kiwanis Club reflects his deep-rooted passion for community service and youth development.

Steve’s experience, leadership, and commitment to our city make him an exceptional candidate for City Council. His extensive experience serving boards and commissions gives him a deep understanding of the City, setting him apart as the best choice for a smooth and effective future for the Council and the City of Glenwood Springs.

I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and encourage the citizens of Ward 5 to do the same. His leadership and dedication will serve Glenwood Springs well. 

Sincerely,

Jon Harman, Glenwood Springs

The divide in what we read and believe

We’re reading different headlines, those MAGA supporters and me. They read about violent criminals being rounded up and sent away, I read about Navajos or asylum seekers who followed every step of the law facing SWAT teams. They read about billions in fraud and waste being found and cut, I read about scientific studies abruptly ending and National Park rangers losing their jobs. We can hear of the same event and view it oppositely: they see Trump and Vance demanding respect for America by schooling Zelensky, I see an abandonment of democratic values and allies to cave in to Putin, an enemy of freedom.

What we are lacking today is a common news source people trust, and a tendency to follow rules of civility. We no longer agree on basic facts or a belief in the common good. Much of this came about with the demise of local newspapers, the rise of social media, and algorithms that give us what we want to hear, and opinions that substitute for news and facts.

But facts do matter, or at least they should. Trump lost the 2020 election. Russia invaded Ukraine. The billions of dollars DOGE is cutting could also come from not extending the tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires. I would love to have a civil discussion with anyone who has facts to prove otherwise. Any takers?

Peter Westcott, Carbondale

Jon Banks: Looking to help steer Glenwood Springs in a positive direction

My name is Jon Banks and I’m asking for your vote. You know me as a leader of the “Keep Glenwood Glenwood” campaign. Those results were so positive and encouraging that I’ve decided to run for City Council in Ward 5.

Glenwood Springs is a wonderful place, and I’ve been lucky to call it home for 30 years. I feel blessed that my daughter Diana was able to grow up in this incredible community. I’m your neighbor here in Park West; I had a career doing technical work for radio and TV stations.

What makes Glenwood special is the quality of life we all share. I’ll work to protect and preserve this way of life for future generations – and keep Glenwood a place where people act like neighbors with trust, kindness, and consideration for one another.

My position is: If something makes life better for the people of Glenwood Springs, let’s do it … if not, we need to be very cautious.

I worked to preserve the airport for firefighting and medical evacuation, and to keep our promise to George Sumers, who gave the land to the city. 

I brought more than 30 people together in the “Keep Glenwood Glenwood” movement. We gave citizens a voice on important growth decisions that affect our quality of life. 

Growth and development aren’t bad, and they will happen. But we should make Glenwood Springs better, not just bigger. We are stewards of Glenwood’s future. We must respect the heritage of the people who live here, while balancing the needs of intelligent growth.

Transparency, accountability, and honesty are vital to good government. If you trust me with your vote, I promise that I will listen. I will work to preserve our small-town, mountain-town way of life, and I will be guided by one principle:

Does what we do make life better for the people who live in Glenwood Springs?

Jon Banks, Glenwood Springs

Defiance Challenge celebrates another great race at Sunlight

66,000 vertical feet skied in a 10-hour race day at Sunlight Mountain Resort.

March 7 was the annual Defiance Challenge benefit ski race in support of the Sunlight Ski Patrol. On behalf of the participants, I acknowledge the great effort by the Ski Patrol to set the routes of the race on the mountain, to staff the scoring tables and stock them with water and snacks, and to have the mountain open and welcoming to racers and visitors alike.

Cheers to the hard work in establishing sponsors and for the great community support to publicize and grow this super fun event! And a huge cheer for the lifties who started early and went late and the chefs and bartenders who served tasty food and beer at the post-race event! Wonderful!

Check out the webpage – sunlightskipatrol.com/defiance-challenge – to read and see more about this unique event. Any skier or snowboarder worth their chops should consider this a “bucket list” item. Please plan on joining this event next year. It may just become your annual challenge, too.

Thank you so much to Sunlight Mountain and the Ski Patrol for another great day on the hill. Los Viejos Rapidos and all of the participants.

Bruce Allen Bell, Glenwood Springs