Concern over Colorado’s new gun laws

Well, I’ll try again. “Hands off.” I love that new liberal buzz phrase. How about hands off my firearms?

HB 25-003 was recently signed into law, which heavily restricts semi-auto firearms purchases, of all types. Two other laws, HB 25-1238 and HB 25-1133, were passed more recently, that restrict gun shows and prevent anyone younger than 21 from purchasing ammunition. You can legally own a gun before then, but now you can’t buy ammunition for it. These are obviously generalized summaries of the laws, but you get the gist. Feel free to read the actual verbiage for yourselves.

Do you see where this is going? First, these laws are only hurting law-abiding citizens. Criminals do not obey our laws, so why would anyone think they will obey these new ones? Finally, each of these laws are small, incremental means of subversive gun control. Not subversive, I guess — it’s happening right under our noses. The ultimate goal is the eventual outlawing of firearms in this country altogether.

How does this stack up in terms of upholding our Constitution, more specifically, the Second Amendment? Hands off indeed.

Bill Sanderson, New Castle

Gardner seeks reelection to Holy Cross Board

My name is Robert H. Gardner. I am running for re-election to the Holy Cross Energy Board of Directors representing the Southern District in the upcoming election. I have been a board member since 2012. I live in Basalt and have been a lifelong resident of this region.

Thanks to the leadership of the board of directors and Holy Cross staff, Holy Cross Energy’s residential electric rates are in the lowest third of all Colorado utilities. During 2024, Holy Cross provided 61,500 homes and businesses in our area with 75% of their power supply from clean, renewable resources. During the first quarter of 2025, Holy Cross provided 80% clean power on the way to 100% in 2030.

You might ask how Holy Cross can keep its electric rates so affordable while providing 75% clean, renewable power supply. In large part, it is due to long-term power supply contracts negotiated prior to 2020 that are less expensive than carbon-based power. Those contracts also make carbon-based power and capacity available when needed. An important part of our clean power supply is the nearly 3,000 net-metered consumers with rooftop solar.

Holy Cross’s current residential electric rates have increased only 12.5% since 2019 while the CPI increased 25% during the same period. Holy Cross is less expensive than the surrounding electric utilities of Glenwood Springs (+5%), Xcel (+22%) and Aspen (+28%).

Ballots for this election will be mailed to members on May 7. You may vote by paper ballot or online on or before June 3.

For more information, please see http://www.holycross.com/elections or http://www.gardnerbradford.com.

Robert H. Gardner, Basalt

Due process is foundational to American law

Due process — it’s a guarantee made in the Fifth and 14th Amendments to the Constitution. The Supreme Court since the late 1800s has made clear that due process applies both to citizens and noncitizens.

What is due process? Reasonable notice and the opportunity to be heard in a court of law. It allows one to defend oneself against government prosecution. It is more than a piece of paper with allegations written in English given to a Spanish speaker, and it requires more than 24 hours to respond.

Finally, due process applies to those whom the government believes to be criminals. Remember the basic principles of innocent until proven guilty, and the government must prove its case?

Appellate Judge Wilkinson recently said it best in the Garcia case: “The government asserts that Abrego Garcia is a terrorist and a member of MS-13. Perhaps, but perhaps not. Regardless, he is still entitled to due process.”

If we abandon the rule of law — that which makes us special among nations — we are truly in a constitutional crisis.

Joyce Jenkins, Glenwood Springs

Endorsing Kim Schlaepfer for Holy Cross Energy Board

I am writing to enthusiastically endorse Kim Schlaepfer for the Holy Cross Energy (HCE) Board of Directors. Having followed Kim’s career over these past years and reviewed her extensive qualifications, I am confident that her experience and vision will be invaluable to our community’s energy future.

Kim’s background in energy planning demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities and opportunities facing HCE. Her commitment to supporting clean, affordable and reliable electricity aligns perfectly with the needs of our region. Furthermore, her dedication to community engagement ensures that the voices of HCE members will be heard and considered in crucial decisions.

As we navigate the evolving energy landscape, strong and knowledgeable leadership on the HCE board is essential. Kim Schlaepfer possesses the expertise and the collaborative spirit necessary to guide Holy Cross Energy toward a sustainable and prosperous future.

I urge my fellow Holy Cross Energy members to join me in supporting Kim Schlaepfer in the upcoming election. She is the right choice to ensure a bright energy future for our community.

Jeanne McQueeney, Eagle County commissioner, Eagle