2A an investment in the future

If you’re like me, you just received your 2024 election ballot in the mail. And if you’re like me, you filled it out almost immediately to bring this election cycle closer to its conclusion.

Back in 2005, we voted on a crucial street tax measure to fund our roads and infrastructure. Since then, we’ve filled potholes, plowed streets, updated and maintained streetlights and traffic signals, sealed cracks, painted lines, and swept streets—all to the tune of approximately $20 million. We’ve completed 18 reconstruction projects, including replacing the 27th Street Bridge, reconstructing South Midland Ave, reinventing and reconstructing 7th Street and Restaurant Row, rebuilding Blake Ave, and improving downtown alleyways. The complete list is truly impressive. Additionally, we’ve completed 8 major resurfacing projects in neighborhoods across the city.

Has it been perfect? No. There are certainly more projects and routine maintenance needs than available resources. Voting yes on 2A will greatly bolster our ability to meet these demands without sacrificing other essential city priorities.

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Has it been painless? Certainly not, but it never is. Yes, we are sick of road congestion, but imagine the pain we’d endure if we hadn’t passed that tax 20 years ago. Imagine Glenwood Springs without all that road maintenance, reconstruction, and resurfacing. Voting yes on 2A ensures we can meet future challenges.

It’s important to emphasize that recent dissatisfaction with our City Council, as evident in recent elections, is palpable when you talk with friends and neighbors. Question 2A is not about who is on our City Council; it’s about how we raise revenue to support our streets and infrastructure. 2A provides certainty and oversight on how our City Council allocates funds to maintain and rebuild our city assets.

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Ballot question 2A simply asks if we want to extend the existing half-cent tax and modestly increase it by an additional half-cent for another 20 years until the next sunset. If we pass this, not only will we be contributing to our future, but every guest and non-resident who spends even one dollar in Glenwood Springs will be paying their fair share, easing the burden on those of us lucky enough to live here.

Please join me and many others in voting Yes on 2A.

Leo McKinney, Glenwood Springs 

Windwalkers thanks Wranglers and Rhinestones partners

I am writing to extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made this year’s Wranglers & Rhinestones fundraiser for WindWalkers Equine Assisted Learning & Therapy Center a resounding success. Their support not only enriched our event but also demonstrated the power of community commitment to a vital cause.

Despite an unexpected monsoon just before the event, spirits remained high as we moved indoors to our beautiful ranch in Missouri Heights. Over 180 guests gathered to enjoy an evening filled with joy and pure magic, featuring signature cocktails enhanced by Woody Creek Distillers and El JeBeverage. The air was alive with the aroma of delicious bites from local favorites like Francesca’s Empanadas, Aspen’s Private Chef Harvey Paparo, CacheCache, Tempranillo and more.

The evening pulsed with the lively tunes of HWY 82 Band, encouraging guests to dance and celebrate, while a delightful Hat Bar by Gems of Aspen added a touch of creativity and fun. Our silent auction dazzled attendees, with each bid representing a step toward supporting our mission. Heartfelt stories from WindWalkers’ families reminded us all of the profound impact our work has on those we serve.

We are especially grateful to our sponsors—Slifer Smith & Frampton, RFV CO-OP, Casey Concrete, Bishop Plumbing & Heating, Title Company of the Rockies, Littell Electric, White Horse Yoga, All Valley Storage, Midland Shoe, Aspen Rent All, Colorado Chimney & Duct Works, Jay’s Valet, SavATree, David Edelstein, Gould Construction, Timberline Bank, Glenwood Insurance, Meridian Jewelers, Amore Realty, RJ Paddy Wacks, Novus Glass and Companion Dentistry & Oral Surgery. Their contributions enabled us to raise essential funds that will directly support our therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, and after-school programs for those in need.

Our media sponsors include: Roaring Fork Broadcasting, KMTS, The Aspen Times, Post Independent, Mountain Pearl, Aspen Sojourner, Aspen Magazine, and Mind Body Soul.

Together, we are creating brighter futures and empowering those we serve.

Liza Johnson, Windwalkers Equine Assisted Learning & Therapy Center, Carbondale

2A makes sure Glenwood Springs does more than fill potholes and plow streets

We are a mobile people. We love where we live.

Those two things combine to affirm that we should enthusiastically vote YES on 2A, the local streets and infrastructure fund.

Our streets connect us — to reach school, work, shopping, neighborhoods, recreation, health care. Yes, these essential arteries need to be well maintained, but they also need to be celebrated and cherished.

The funding offered under 2A will do more than merely plow the snow and fix the potholes. This measure proposes a serious and deliberate commitment to making local travel safe, efficient, even enjoyable.

With sufficient funding to service, repair, and, where necessary, completely rebuild every street in town, 2A knits us together, brings our destinations closer, and embodies connections that define a community.

As a bonus, 2A combines with streets repair the maintenance and replacement of utilities under the streets. This is smart and efficient. Fixing the full profile of essential connections before they fail will save us money ultimately, by avoiding deferred-maintenance emergencies.

Even beyond those very practical considerations, 2A is about connecting us and honoring the beautiful place we call home. Let us give our important city features the same care we give to other aspects of that home.

Celebrate community. Express your civic pride. Vote yes on 2A.

Steven Smith, Glenwood Springs

Trump’s shortage of facts

I have been seeing more and more from various media outlets about some of the bizarre rantings from Donald Trump and devotees. A recent letter to the editor from a frequent MAGA writer asked people to vote based on the “facts”, not their “heart”, and vote the straight Republican ticket. 

What “facts” was he talking about? That the economy is a disaster? It is not. In fact it is stronger than it was four years ago. That Hatian immigrants are eating pets in Ohio? They are not. That the Democrats are controlling the weather, sending storms into red states? That is absurd, along with the idea that climate change is a “hoax”. That Liberals have opened the borders and legalized fentanyl? More lies and fantasy. That Venezuelan gangs have taken over both Aurora and Colorado? Pure fantasy aimed to frighten the gullible. Biggest lie of all that Trump won in 2020 and that our election system can’t be trusted? 

In real fact, none of this is true and the people who claim these and other fantasies are simply lying through their teeth. They are pouring more Kool-Aid down the throats of the blind true believers and trying to confuse those who may be susceptible to their garbage.

Trump and his backers will diminish our freedoms, not restore them. Just listen to the fantastical ramblings from their unhinged diatribes.

I was once a Republican and have voted for both Republicans and Democrats. I look to people with integrity, honesty and good character. While there are still some of those people running as Republicans, I cannot vote for them. This year I will be voting based on facts, not fantasy and lies. I’m voting the straight Democratic ticket.

Ken Neubecker, Glenwood Springs

I’m supporting Samson

The best government has always been local government as is certainly the case in Garfield County. This is true because we have elected good public servants over the years. And it is true because we have continued to re-elect the servants who have done excellent work in managing our tax dollars and providing the public services we need and want to the best of their abilities.

Mike Samson is one of these people. For many years he has lived in this county, has taught our children, lead our school administrations and has been our solid, honest, fair-minded county commissioner working hard on our behalf. 

I have known Mike and his family all these years and am proud of the way he has lived and worked for us. Mike has educated himself over these years of change in Garfield County and continues to grow with these changes. He has sat through the tough debates among worthy competing public interests, listening to everyone’s point of view, and has always aimed to find the best balance that serves the greatest number of us. He has made the hard choice for us every time and will continue to do so. 

I doubt that anyone else around us has better foresight or broader understanding of the challenges ahead for Garfield County in these complicated and worrisome times. I am comforted to have Mike leading us because I know and trust his values, virtues, strength and wisdom. I am voting for Mike Samson. Please join me in doing so. 

Russell George, Rifle

Carbondale trustee endorses Buerger for SD5

As a lifelong resident of the Roaring Fork Valley and as Carbondale Town Trustee, I am enthusiastically voting for Cole Buerger for Colorado State Senator for District 5. I have known Cole for years and he has proven himself to be thoughtful, principled, policy-minded, and smart. Cole is a fifth generation Coloradan and a small business owner. He understands what it takes to go to Denver and fight for what rural families and businesses need on the Western Slope. 

Cole grew up on a ranch near Silt and his family has lived and ranched in this region for generations. As a local kid who also grew up on a ranch up the Frying Pan, I believe that Cole is the only candidate that truly understands the challenges our communities face. He is ready to address the increasing cost of living, protect our water and forest health, and support our small businesses, our ag producers, and increase funding for infrastructure and schools. 

Cole has the support of community leaders across the district – Republican, Democrat, and unaffiliated alike. Cole will work with people from all parties and all walks of life to ensure that District 5 thrives. I hope you will join me and vote for Cole Buerger for State Senate. 

Jess Robison, Carbondale

Samson holds true to conservative values

Mr. Mike Samson is holding true to his conservative values and I share those values as I believe the majority of the people of Garfield County also does. 

According to Ellen Dole “progressive people are taking over and conservatives should fall in line with them. This country and county was founded on the same conservative values Mr. Samson supports. 

I completely believe we have responsibility as reasonable adults to oversee what books our children have access to in our public libraries, I personally don’t want my great grandchildren having access to graphic books of adult content. These same books are available readily elsewhere and you want to obtain one, feel free. I believe every parent has that same responsibility to choose what their children are taught in our schools and opt out if they don’t approve. 

Raising healthy children in mind and body lies totally with their parents without unsolicited outside influences. I agree the county has changed as I’m fifth generation of seven generations of homesteaders and have witnessed these changes and I don’t agree with all of it. 

As you feel conservatives should fall in line with your version of progressive I say to you, get back in your lane. Let parents decide what’s best for their children, god bless this country and show your continued support by voting for Mr. Samson.

Mary James, Carbondale

Library board member explains resignation

Dear Community,

Following my resignation from the Garfield County Public Library District Board, I want to address some questions that have arisen.

My last meeting with the board was on October 3rd, and my official resignation will take effect on November 8th, 2024. Although I won’t be present for the November meeting, I am diligently preparing my recommendations for the budget and salary increases.

With ballots already in the mail and a new BOCC set to be elected after the elections (thank you, Commissioner Martin, for your service), this transition will allow the new BOCC to fill my vacant chair as well as two additional seats. I believe this change can help shift the political dynamics surrounding our libraries, ultimately protecting our dedicated staff.

For the new board member, I recommend prioritizing unity and representation of diverse ideas to foster a collaborative environment.

To the current BOCC, please feel free to reach out with any questions. And for the upcoming BOCC, I’m more than willing to share my insights regarding potential candidates for the board.

As I often say, we are one community, and we must work together for our shared goals.

Blessings,

Crystal Mariscal, New Castle

Vote Will and Arauza for commission

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my strong support for Perry Will and Steven Arauza in their candidacy for Garfield County commissioner. Selecting our county commissioners is one of the most important responsibilities we have as residents. The decisions they make have a profound impact on our daily lives and our budgets.

I believe in voting for individuals who reflect the values that matter to me, rather than based on political affiliation, gender, or age. In this election, I am confident that Perry Will and Steven Arauza are the candidates who will best position Garfield County for a prosperous future.

The Western Slope is currently facing a critical challenge regarding future water use. Perry Will stands out as the only candidate who truly understands the seriousness of the negotiations surrounding the use of Colorado River water. The potential loss of water resources could have dramatic and negative consequences for our way of life, and I trust Perry to advocate fiercely for our community’s needs.

Additionally, Steven Arauza has demonstrated his commitment to representing the working class and the businesses in our county. His efforts to promote affordable housing are crucial for ensuring that all residents have access to safe and secure homes.

Please join me in voting for Perry Will and Steven Arauza for Garfield County Commissioner. Their dedication and understanding of our community’s challenges make them the right choice for our future.

Elizabeth Chandler, New Castle

Glenwood Springs should reprioritize instead of seeking 2A tax

Street maintenance, basic services, and public safety should be our city’s top priorities. Only after that should come spending on civic improvements and housing issues. Doesn’t one agree? 

Ninety percent of Colorado municipalities maintain streets with less sales tax than is being proposed. Virtually no other city in Colorado has a dedicated street tax to supplement their general fund. Yet even with this supplemental tax, Council can’t fund our streets.

Let’s examine some of Council’s spending this year.

In addition to $1.5 million granted from the Hotel Tax fund, Council loaned Habitat for Humanity another $1.5 million to purchase 88 apartments to convert into deed restricted condominiums, 15 of which are reserved for Glenwood workers. Ignoring the fact that nearly half of the 88 potentially displaced tenants already work in Glenwood, this $1.5 million loan could have been applied to streets.

We gave $2 million to the Colorado River Water Conservation District to help purchase a $98 million water right from Excel Energy. Ignoring the facts that this is a “non-consumptive” water right that by law prevents the water from being consumed or transferred to another basin, and that no other municipality has contributed more than Glenwood to this purchase, $2 million could have been applied to our streets.

We gave $200,000 to build one affordable home somewhere between Parachute and Aspen. This could have been applied to our streets.

Council spent this $3.7 million — the amount the street tax increase would generate in its first year – and now is unable to fund our streets. If Council was less like Lady Bountiful and prioritized basic services we would not need this tax increase. At the very least, these amounts could have been reduced.

It is laudable for the City to address affordable housing and water rights, but we have to cut our cloth. The current street tax does not expire for two more years. Council has the money to fix the streets but is not prioritizing the streets. Lets vote NO on 2A and ask Council to give us options rather than simply asking to raise taxes.

Richard Todd, Glenwood Springs