Short-term regulations

I am writing to express my concern about the current regulations surrounding short-term rentals in our town. While I understand the economic benefits of platforms like Airbnb, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the impact on our community’s housing landscape is far from equitable.’I am writing to express my concern about the current regulations surrounding short-term rentals in our town. While I understand the economic benefits of platforms like Airbnb, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the impact on our community’s housing landscape is far from equitable.

It is vital that residents who truly call this town their home have the opportunity to utilize short-term rentals on their properties. However, the situation becomes unjust when neighboring properties are transformed into commercial short-term rental businesses, depriving actual residents of the chance to benefit from this practice.

To strike a balance between economic opportunity and preserving the integrity of our community, I propose a reasonable solution. Implementing a policy that allows homeowners to rent their properties for a limited number of days, say 30 days within a calendar year, would ensure that residents can benefit from this practice without over-commercializing the town. This approach would address the concerns of those who have invested in properties with the intention of creating a welcoming environment for visitors while also protecting the fabric of our neighborhood.

By setting this cap, we create a framework where both residents and property owners can coexist harmoniously. People who have chosen to make this town their home can still enjoy the financial advantages of short-term rentals, while preventing the unchecked growth of transient commercial enterprises that disrupt the residential character of our community.

It is my sincere hope that our local officials consider the implementation of such a policy. This approach will help preserve the essence of our town while allowing homeowners to participate in the sharing economy without compromising the quality of life for those who have chosen to establish roots here.

Baird Allen, Glenwood Springs

A ‘real man’

Lauren Boebert is quoted as saying,

“I’m raising my boys to be real men.”

Being somewhat dubious of Mrs. Boebert’s role models, I would offer my opinion on some characteristics of real men.

Real men admit when they lose, are gracious in their loss and congratulate the winner. Real men admit when they lose the popular vote even when it is to a grandmother.

Real men don’t suffer being lied to, call liars out on their lies and can admit that they were lied to. Real men have the intelligence to separate fact from fiction and don’t let emotion cloud their judgment, even when they like the lies they are being told better than the truth.

Real men don’t care who a beer company gives a case of beer to even when it is to a transgender woman.

Real men understand that when you boycott an American company that there are consequences such as hundreds of Americans with families to feed losing their jobs.

Real men can be entertained by drag shows. Real men understand that not all people are born heterosexual nor is their masculinity or belief system threatened by people that are not like them.

Real men believe that real women should be allowed to make choices regarding their bodies.

Real men know a cult when they see one, know a cult leader when they see one and refuse to be indoctrinated into a cult.

Real men understand that American history is imperfect and that it should be taught in its entirety so that mistakes of the past are not repeated.

Real men understand that the person that is responsible for the attack on our nation’s Capital on January 6th, 2020 is lacking many of the traits that define a “real man.”

Marco Diaz, Redstone

Re-2 social studies hoopla

If you have been watching the RE-2 School Board discussions regarding the social studies curriculum selection, you have noticed that Tony May is pushing hard for the American Birthright Standard curriculum. It was apparent to me at the Aug. 23 meeting that he has no real interest in what parents, teachers, district employees and citizens of RE-2 would like to see happen if it is not the ABS.

The district has put together a social studies community forums with three different options, please go on https://www.garfieldre2.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=20821543&pageId=27287940 to see the options that are being proposed.

If you are in the Garfield RE-2 District (even if you do not have children in school), they want to hear from you. Please go to the upcoming community meetings and fill out the survey that will be coming around the district as well.

• Aug. 30: 6-7 p.m. at the Silt Library
• Sept. 6: 6-7 p.m. at the Rifle Library
• Sept. 7: 6-7 p.m. at the Rifle Library
• Sept. 11: 6-7 p.m. at the New Castle Library

Willow Brotzman, Silt

Considering alternatives

An estimated 100 individuals were in attendance at the Carbondale Trustee meeting on Aug. 22. A large majority of those in attendance were there to support efforts to save nine trees on the U.S. Forest Service property in town and persuade the agency to consider utilizing an alternative plan offered during the meeting.

Much appreciation is extended to District Ranger Kevin Warner and Stephen Ellsperman. They provided an informative explanation concerning plans to replace some of the antiquated buildings “to create a more professional environment for our employees and the public.” Warner reported the Forest Service publicized construction plans during an open house on a First Friday — Feb. 7, 2020. An estimated 25 individuals attended the open house. Shortly thereafter COVID-19 was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization. The pandemic inflicted a tremendous amount of harm and restricted adequate public input concerning Forest Service plans for the Carbondale property. The Sopris Sun acknowledged the Forest Service’s plans for the new building “had minimal opportunity for public input.”

Warner expressed the intent to continue with current plans to begin construction on the property in January 2024. Warner has valid concerns that include the possibility of losing an estimated $4 million in funding if plans were to be altered. There are additional concerns. I believe such concerns can and will be resolved by placing current plans on hold and pursuing collaborative efforts to explore alternative plans.

By doing this the Forest Service will fulfill their desire to see the agency’s “core values of service, conservation, interdependence, diversity and safety come through in how we work with each other and our communities, tribes and partners.”

I urge you to contact all your Congressional representatives and encourage them to persuade the Forest Service to place plans for the Carbondale property on hold. This will create an opportunity for a collaborative effort to pursue and enact a solution for the common good. Time is of the essence.

Jim Coddington III, Carbondale