Editor’s note: The last day that fall election letters will run is Monday, Oct. 27. Please submit election letters by Thursday, Oct. 23 to be considered for publication.

Keep guns out of the schools

I’ve seen two plays within a week of each other recently that covered the same all-too-present topic — school shootings.

“The Secretary” at Thunder River Theatre portrayed a fictitious series of tragedies in a small town triggered by an armed school secretary shooting a student. The focus was on whether guns kill people or people kill people. Obviously, people kill people, but guns make it too easy.

This was followed by Sopris Theatre’s production of “26 Pebbles,” a play about the horrendous Sandy Hook massacre — Alex Jones be damned. The impact on the small town of Newtown, Connecticut, was stressed.

We have four ladies running for two slots on the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education. Two of them, Elizabeth Taylor and Jodi Barr, believe teachers should carry guns. The other two, Kathryn Kuhlenberg and Tammy Nimmo, don’t think that’s such a great idea.

Kuhlenberg and Nimmo get my vote. The school secretary in “The Secretary” was deranged. Who’s to say a teacher wouldn’t be?

Fred Malo Jr., Carbondale

Students first with Darlane Evans

As a community member, parent and neighbor, I want a school board that never loses sight of what matters most — our students. That’s why I’m supporting Darlane Evans for the Garfield Re-2 School Board.

Darlane believes our focus should always be on student learning, teacher support, safe schools and using resources wisely. She understands that when students get what they need, they succeed. When teachers feel respected and supported, student outcomes rise. And when families know schools are safe and welcoming, we build stronger partnerships.

Darlane has been a strong advocate for students, teachers and learning for a long time. Her prior service as a teacher and coordinator of the Gifted and Talented program helped many students succeed and parents feel their concerns were being met. She has strong ties to our community and believes that our school board should not be politicized by outsiders but should focus on policies that reflect the values here in Rifle and Garfield Re-2. Because of her integrity, I trust her to do that and to be one who listens to our concerns and keeps them a priority in her work on the board.

Budgets are tight and expectations are high, but Darlane is committed to keeping students at the center of every decision. She knows strong schools are built by great teachers, safe environments and careful stewardship of resources.

On Nov. 4, let’s make sure our students remain the priority. Join me in voting for Darlane Evans for the Garfield Re-2 School Board. Every vote is important.

Michelle Duran, Rifle

Experience matters on the Re-2 board

Not everyone running for office understands how boards work — but Megan does. She’s already served on a special district board in this area and is currently serving on our school board. That experience taught her how to balance budgets, build consensus and make tough decisions.

With Megan, we won’t be electing someone who needs on-the-job training. We will be electing someone ready on Day One.

Vote experience. Vote Megan Heil for the Re-2 School Board.

Shirley Starr, Rifle

In support of Tammy Nimmo

I am writing to enthusiastically support Tammy Nimmo for the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education, District A.

I first met Tammy when I joined the PTO while my daughter was in kindergarten at Crystal River Elementary School in 2023. Tammy, who was the PTO president, continues to inspire me in the way she cares for her community and her authentic way of addressing issues, collaborating with others and connecting people for the greater good of our schools and community. When Tammy is involved, we all benefit.

She may not be the loudest voice out there campaigning or have her signs posted all over town in controversial places, but to me that speaks louder than words. Tammy doesn’t have a secret political agenda that she’s trying to push through by joining the school board. She’s simply running because she is committed to the schools in our community.

Tammy has worked in our schools as a substitute teacher, her son is enrolled in our public schools and she’s deeply involved in the fabric of our community. She understands the needs of teachers, the importance of closing the education gap for our kids and wants to continue pushing the needle so our school district continues to improve.

Vote for Tammy Nimmo — an easy decision.

Kacey Locsin, Carbondale

Vote yes on 7A to support families

As I look forward to retirement, I consider myself very fortunate that I was able to stay home when my children were little to take care of them. I thank my former husband for providing for us to do that. Unfortunately, most young couples are no longer able to do that. It takes two incomes now to support a household.

More and more young people are forgoing having children, and one of the main reasons is the cost of childcare. It costs as much to send an infant to day care (if you can even find it) as it does to send someone to college.

If we want the Roaring Fork Valley to remain family-friendly, we need to support these young families. That’s why I’ll be voting in favor of 7A.

And to all the “pro-lifers” picketing in front of Planned Parenthood this month, and others: Put your vote and money where your mouth is. Give pregnant women one less reason to get an abortion and vote yes on 7A.

Virginia Gera, Glenwood Springs

Standing for parental rights and community values

I’m voting for Megan Heil for the Re-2 School Board.

In an era where outside agendas sway many school boards, Megan stands firmly on conservative values that reflect our community. She supports parental rights, transparency and keeping education focused on preparing our children for success — not politics. That’s leadership I can get behind.

Kendra Waller, Silt