Support for Tammy Nimmo and Kathryn Kuhlenberg

Local Election Day is Nov. 4, and voters in the Roaring Fork School District will elect two important school directors for four-year terms to represent District A and District E.

My son is the fourth generation of our family to proudly attend Basalt Public Schools. Our family has a long history of prioritizing community involvement, and as all parents know, that requires a balancing act of family, work and volunteerism.

I have called Tammy Nimmo a friend for 18 years, and I’ve watched her manage restaurants, get married and start a family. She never lets life challenges stand in the way of her goals.

Tammy is always looking for ways to help others and has spent nine years as a substitute teacher and three years as a PTO president. It is only fitting that she is now stepping up to further serve our communities by joining the Roaring Fork School Board. Visit her Facebook page at facebook.com/tamaranimmo to learn why she is the best choice for the RFSD School Board.

Ballots will be mailed on Oct. 10. I will be voting for Tammy Nimmo and Kathryn Kuhlenberg.

Rooted in community, growing our future.

Amy French, Basalt

Vote yes on 7A for childcare and early education

We are writing to express our strong support for ballot measure 7A, which aims to ease the financial burden of childcare for families and support childcare centers.

We believe early childhood education is one of the most important investments we can make in our society, both economically and socially. What happens before our youngest community members enter the school system can determine whether they have a sturdy or fragile foundation. That foundation sets the tone for the rest of their lives, and decades of research have shown many benefits of early education — including increased kindergarten preparedness, higher graduation rates and improved social relationships.

This ballot measure aims to give every child a sturdy foundation, fostering curiosity, trust, learning and self-regulation. We recognize with rising costs of everyday goods, many families are feeling the pinch. Taxes can already feel too high, but this modest tax will pay dividends for years to come.

We can’t afford not to invest in our children. When you vote, choose a future where children are given the opportunity to thrive. Help families ease the financial burden of childcare and help teachers and childcare centers have the resources they deserve for caring for our youngest learners.

Join us and vote yes on 7A.

Emelie and Edwin Piper, Glenwood Springs

A first responder’s perspective on childcare

As a first responder and father of two living in Glenwood Springs, I’ve experienced firsthand the struggle families face in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River corridor when trying to find quality, affordable childcare.

My wife and I were on a waitlist for two and a half years before finally securing a spot in a daycare facility. In the meantime, we had to drive 45 minutes each way to an at-home daycare outside our community — far from where we live and work. We’ve had to leave work unexpectedly due to staff shortages and juggle schedules just to ensure our kids are cared for.

These challenges aren’t unique to us — they’re shared by countless families across our region. But this crisis doesn’t just affect families — it affects everyone. When parents can’t find reliable childcare, they’re forced to leave jobs, reduce hours or turn down opportunities. That means fewer first responders, nurses, teachers and service workers available to serve our community. Businesses struggle to hire and retain staff, our economy suffers and our children miss out on early learning experiences that set the foundation for lifelong success.

Ballot Issue 7A is a grassroots effort built on listening to our community and finding real, regional solutions. It will expand access, improve quality and support the dedicated professionals who care for our children.

I’m a yes vote on 7A — and I urge our community to join me.

Hunter McCallum, Glenwood Springs

Freedom of speech and support for Trump

Our democracy is not in danger, nor are our freedoms under threat. Despite the constant chorus of whining liberals to whom the Post Independent chooses to give a platform in letters to the editor, President Trump is not a racist or Hitler.

He has stayed true to the promises he made to voters. Trump is just enforcing our immigration laws, bringing safety and justice to our crime-ridden, Democrat-run cities and rescuing our economy from Biden’s inept leadership.

I’m looking forward to the next “No Kings” debacle Oct. 18 in Glenwood Springs. I’ll be there, voicing my conservative freedom of speech — with bells on.

Bruno Kirchenwitz, Rifle