Trump landslide mirage

Regarding the letter from Pedro Navajas concerning “facts” on the recent election. Pedro states that MAGA supporters “overwhelmingly voted for trump”, and it was a “landslide”. Only 64% of the registered voters voted in this past election, of those that exercised their right, 49.8% voted for trump. That means 50.2% voted for someone other than trump, in my opinion that is not a “landslide”. I do not doubt the MAGA folks “overwhelmingly voted for trump”, the majority, however didn’t. That is a fact.

Stanley Trulock, Glenwood Springs

Thanks to Rep. Hurd for supporting clean energy 

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Rep. Jeff Hurd for joining the March 9 letter drafted by Rep. Andrew Garbarino to Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith. This letter underscores the importance of clean energy tax credits and urges that any proposed changes to the tax code “be conducted in a targeted and pragmatic fashion that promotes conference priorities without undoing current and future private sector investments which will continue to increase domestic manufacturing, promote energy innovation, and keep utility costs down.” 

Representative Hurd’s support for this effort demonstrates the kind of independent and forward-thinking leadership that defines Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. By standing up for clean energy expansion and innovation, he is advocating for policies that not only strengthen our local economy but also enhance energy security and affordability for all Coloradans. 

At a time when uncertainty surrounds the future of federal clean energy incentives, it is crucial to recognize leaders who are willing to put politics aside and champion policies that benefit businesses, communities, and working families. Representative Hurd’s willingness to protect investments in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing shows real leadership—ensuring that Colorado remains at the forefront of the nation’s clean energy transition. 

I applaud you, Rep. Hurd, for your courage and commitment to our district, our state, and our country. Your support for clean energy innovation is an investment in our future, and I encourage you to continue this important work.

Dallas Blaney, Carbondale

A heartfelt thank you to Glenwood Springs Ford

We sincerely thank Glenwood Springs Ford for generously sponsoring Raising a Reader during the February I Love to Read Month celebration. Their support helps to nurture a love of reading within our community through the Raising a Reader programs.

Early literacy research consistently shows that the skills children develop in their early years lay the foundation for academic success and a lifelong love of learning. By helping us provide books, resources, and programs that engage young readers, Glenwood Springs Ford contributes to developing a strong, vibrant community that values our youngest children.

We are incredibly thankful to Glenwood Springs Ford and all the February donors for their commitment to fostering early childhood learning and ensuring our youngest learners have the early literacy skills they need to thrive.

With gratitude,

Suzanne Wheeler-Del Piccolo, Glenwood Springs

Starvation just one outcome from USAID’s dismantling

If you are only reading or listening to Fox News, here is something that you may not be aware of. 

The dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by Doge may have been unconstitutional. Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act and Kennedy set up USAID as an independent agency in 1961. Therefore, it should take an act of Congress to dismantle it. 

USAID provided life-saving medicine and food for impoverished people around the globe. A great deal of the USAID’s funding was spent right here in the USA. One Rhode Island manufacturer, Edesia, that makes Plumpy’Nut, a ready to use therapeutic food that helps treat 5 million malnourished children each year, has not received $22 million in funding promised by the U.S. Plumpy’Nut is basically fortified peanut butter. The product’s ingredients — wheat, whey, peanuts, canola oil — all come from U.S. farmers. The Plumpy’Nut food is sitting and rotting because it cannot be distributed. 

Elon Musk said he fed USAID into the woodchipper. Is that statement supposed to be funny? What kind of person yanks food and medicine from impoverished people and then jokes about it? What kind of person does that? Certainly not someone we want to be involved in our government. There is no evidence that USAID spent $50 million for condoms for Gaza, that is a lie. Is there room to cut expenses? Of course. But not with a chainsaw, leaving millions to die.

Valerie Gilliam, Carbondale

Hurd having it both ways on Medicaid

“A budget resolution approved by U.S. House Republicans directs the committee that oversees Medicaid to identify at least $880 billion in cuts over the next 10 years. That would be impossible without a steep reduction in Medicaid funding, according to a March 5 analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.” Rep. Jeff Hurd, the Western Slope’s representative in Congress, voted in favor of these cuts. (Aspen Times 15 March “As Congress flirts with Medicaid cuts and Colorado’s budget crisis worsens, Western Slope health care providers brace for impact”).

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. It provides free or low-cost medical benefits to low-income adults, children, pregnant women, people age 65 or over, and people with disabilities.

More than a quarter of the people in Jeff Hurd’s district (CO-03) are enrolled in Medicaid. 

From the same article: “A spokesperson for Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Republican representing Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, said the House member does not support cuts to service.”

Western Slope congressional Rep. Jeff Hurd voted to cut Medicaid funding but does not support cuts to service.

Matthew Gillen, Glenwood Springs