Jon Banks gets my vote

Ward 5 in the Glenwood City Council election is very lucky to have two fine candidates running for a seat. I read with interest the two opinion columns by these candidates, trying to find the differences that matter most to me. This difference I found to be Jon Banks’ stated, emphasized, guiding principle of how does council make life better for the people in Glenwood Springs—not for the traffic passing through, not for realtors and businesses, not for a larger city budget, but for the residents who live here.

This is not to say the other considerations are not important, but what I looked for and found in Jon Banks’ statement was commitment to citizens and their quality of life. We must consider, and in some cases, control the never-ending onslaught of growth. I find his position healthy and supportable, and I would give him my vote. Maybe Steve Smith can be a write-in for the at-large position.

Barb Coddington, Glenwood Springs

Bridging the divide

Peter Westcott recently wrote here about a “factual” divide he believes we have. He asked if there were any takers to debate him. Accepted, Peter.

First, we don’t have a divide based on facts. We have a divide of values. “Those MAGA supporters” overwhelmingly voted for Trump and the plans he laid out during the campaign. That is a fact. Those plans, which won in a landslide, are rooted in the values of restoring the rule of law, eliminating waste and corruption in government, and restoring our respect around the world rather than being a doormat and spending with no accountability.

Peter, you gave a couple of anecdotes of what “you see.” Anecdotal evidence is only evidence of an anecdote. Anyone can find one thing almost anywhere to bolster their case, as vapid as it may be. But let’s address your anecdotes.

If someone follows “every step of the law” after they crossed our border illegally, there was still a law broken. That’s like wanting to keep the money after you rob the bank because you have been supporting the needy with some of the money.

If a park ranger loses their job because it is determined by their boss that their job is redundant, unnecessary, or they aren’t performing, are they entitled to a forever job? Where is your same hand-wringing when a private sector worker loses their job? I can’t remember your name attached to any letters when people were getting let go during the COVID era.

Is Zelensky entitled to the American taxpayer’s money with zero accountability? Are we to tolerate disrespect from a guy who canceled elections in his own country, brought all press under state control, and conscripts his own citizens? Does that sound like your ideal democratic values?

I would simply point out that you are misreading the room. Americans overwhelmingly support Trump’s policies. Your values lost big in the last election. You have a choir you can preach to, but an overwhelming majority of us agree with the values of the new administration. We want America to be great again.

Pedro Navaja, Glenwood Springs

In defense of Nutrient Farm

I attended the Garfield County Commissioners meeting where concerned residents of New Castle and Glenwood Springs were allowed to express their concerns over the Planned Unit Development at Nutrient Farm.

Also present were several authorities on land use, zoning, water rights, fish and game, and Aspen Land Trust. Many of the local people had keen insights about the history of the use of the land, water law, insurance risks, street traffic, lack of emergency access, fire hazards, animal conflicts, the old mine—especially Canyon Creek and the unused Vulcan Ditch.

Another authority who did not have adequate time to present his case was sitting next to me and explained another side of the story. He is the agricultural engineer who is the farm manager and lives in Apple Tree Park in New Castle. He explained the difficulties of growing food year-round in the climate and altitude of western Colorado. The greenhouse they recently completed is growing vegetables, and the farm has planted 283 fruit trees. But they need to build more to produce the volume of food they are capable of.

The generator plant to provide the electricity is part of that plan. Providing outdoor recreational activities on the land is another way to supplement part-time income from growing food. There is a small store on the property that has produce for sale. It is open full-time, and it is easy to purchase by scanning a barcode on the products and paying with a debit card.

Andy Bruno has mailed literature to residents in the neighborhood describing the quality of his organically grown beef and offering to sell it at a competitive price and even distribute it free in the neighborhood. If we want biodynamically grown beef and organic produce in our neighborhood, we could turn this controversial situation around by contributing our financial strength to purchasing his farm products while also opposing overdevelopment.

Rev. Dr. Dia Lynn, New Castle

Thanks to community for fundraiser support

I love our community. I am so grateful for everyone involved in my recent film screening fundraiser.

In October, I am running the Chicago Marathon as part of the ALIVE Rescue charity team, supporting a no-kill animal shelter. On March 12, I hosted a sold-out showing of Flow at the Crystal Theatre, and after theatre/film rental expenses, raised upwards of $1,800.

Many thank-yous are in order. First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Bob and Kathy Ezra for making the whole event possible and for being such kind and gracious hosts.

Secondly, thank you to Juliana O’Clair with the Post Independent for covering my story and helping me sell out the event.

Thirdly, thank you to my good friends Nick Kilbourn, Allan Porter, and Christine Helling for assisting at the door and with the prize giveaway.

Fourthly, thank you to the following businesses, organizations, and people who donated prizes for the giveaway: Cari and Kula Yoga, Darin and Pedal and Stitch, Cooper and Outpost, Sara Bestie Porter, Julia and Lobitos, and Sarah and Sunshine and Moons.

Finally, thank you to everyone who bought tickets and attended the show (or bought tickets and gifted them back for others to attend), bought tickets for the prize giveaway, and donated to the fundraiser in general. You are making a difference for rescue animals and helping give our furry friends a better life.

Support your local animal shelters. Adopt — don’t shop — because rescue is the best breed money can buy. My rescue kitty is from Colorado Animal Rescue (and Journey Home in Rifle before that) and brings incomparable joy and love to my life every day.

Jessi Rochel and Bergi the cat, Carbondale