Reconsider gun resolution for public safety

Per resolution, permitted concealed firearms are now allowed in the County Administration Building. A commissioner commented that the bill was creating a problem that didn’t exist. So why overturn it locally to show defiance?

We have all moved on from that historic name of Glenwood Springs (formerly known as Defiance). The state bill was not intended to squelch gun rights. The intent is to simply increase security and safety in public spaces where divided opinions and emotions should be checked at the door so any person that enters feels safe, heard, and equalized.

Can’t we all agree that we don’t need to exercise our gun rights every second of the day? If the answer is personal defense, there are armed and trained law enforcement officers present to protect the public. Please reconsider this resolution so all residents and visitors can depend on safe spaces and simply feel safe while conducting business in Garfield County.

Jason White, Carbondale

Trump’s leadership and the Musk connection

Kudos to Susie Straus in her letter to the editor. Beware the truth tellers, MAGA faithful. We are not going anywhere. We will keep reminding everyone about the level of corruption going on right in front of us now with Elon Musk running our country instead of our elected president.

No pushback yet, but after watching all those protests nationwide on Monday (Presidents Day), I have faith we will make ourselves known for the next year or more. Trump hasn’t even been in charge for a month yet, and he is getting hammered for his love of Elon Musk, and he is not even an American, but a South African. Is Trump that fragile? Can he even do his job this time around? I am thinking he cannot.

Pete Hegseth got booed and heckled at a U.S. military base in Germany by our own troops. Trump said Ukraine started the war with Russia? Seriously? Does Donald Trump need to see a doctor for his dementia?

You see, we Americans read the news too. Anyone who thinks Trump tells the truth ever needs some intervention. He now seems unable to stop his mouth when the cameras start rolling over at Fox News. Even Steve Bannon is now calling Elon Musk a “parasite.” I believe him.

The reality is this: I give Elon Musk, RFK Jr., and Pete Hegseth six months or less before they are removed from their jobs. In fact, I am willing to put money on it.

The President of Ukraine, Zelensky, accused Trump today of doing a “misinformation campaign” that only benefits Vladimir Putin. Is there any way we could trade Trump for Zelensky? We would be so much better off.

Whatever happened to lower grocery prices or lower gasoline prices? Whatever happened to fixing the border crisis on Day 1? Whatever happened to Trump stopping the war in Ukraine?

Once again, America has been conned by a grifter named Trump. When you MAGA guys get tired of it all, let us know.

Steven Fredericks, Grand Junction

We’re not being heard, Mr. Hurd

Recently, both of our Colorado U.S. senators and several U.S. representatives urged U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Brooke Rollins to reinstate 3,400 U.S. Forest Service (USFS) employees who were fired indiscriminately under Executive Order 14210.

By thoughtlessly eliminating trained staff who can plan and successfully conduct wildfire mitigation projects, this order leaves many states, including Colorado, more vulnerable to wildfire impacts. Other impacts of this order include cuts to already understaffed USFS programs, including those designed to support healthy wildlife habitat, watershed conservation, and management of timber, range, and recreation resources.

All of these programs are important to the backbone of rural Colorado’s economy. Yet our own congressional representative, Jeff Hurd — who ran on a platform of helping rural Colorado thrive — did not join his colleagues in urging Secretary Rollins to reinstate the jobs lost by dedicated and professional USFS employees.

Perhaps Mr. Hurd could explain why, because his continued silence on this issue suggests an indifference to the impacts of Executive Order 14210 on western Coloradans.

Andrea Holland, Glenwood Springs

Great expectations seeking board members

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most precious and challenging journeys, filled with questions, doubts, and excitement. That’s why we’re here.

Founded in 1983 as the Family Visitor Program of Garfield County and known today as Great Expectations, our evidence-based perinatal home visiting programs improve child and maternal health and reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. Our registered nurses and family support specialists confidentially and compassionately help families in Garfield, Pitkin, and Eagle counties access community resources, mental health support, and parent support groups at no cost.

Great Expectations is inviting applications for three board seats with terms commencing July 1, 2025. With looming financial challenges tied to fluctuations in government funding, strong leadership and strategic foresight are more vital than ever.

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of future Coloradans, please visit our website to access the application link: http://www.greatexpectations.co.

While we invite all interested candidates to apply, we actively seek persons with experience in corporate and individual philanthropy, CRM, nonprofit management, Colorado state governance, and Spanish language proficiency.

Sara Gilbertson, Carbondale