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Citizen Telegram Letters to the Editor: transportation funding, meth the real crime problem

Highways need attention

Finally, a group, MPACT64, (Club 20 is a member) is leading an effort to secure more funds for our deteriorating state highway system. Out here in Western Colorado,we hear of millions being slated for freeway or urban improvements, and wonder if our turn will ever arrive. Hundreds of miles of rural state highways lack shoulders, guardrail, passing opportunities and have poor curvature and dangerous intersections. Many miles have not been improved since they were constructed 60 or more years ago, back in the days of Model A Fords and 1 1/2 ton trucks. Some fall into the category of “paved wagon roads,” built originally with bulldozers and motor graders and later paved, never really engineered.

Earlier this year, county commissioners across Colorado were presented a plan for modernizing the state rural highway system. First, a cost estimate to bring all rural state highways up to current standards would be developed. Then, a program would be established to complete the modernization in a set number of years, similar to the way the interstate highway program was set up. The program would probably take 20 years or more, depending on how much money would be dedicated yearly.



Here in Meeker, we must depend on Colorado Highway 13 for shopping or visiting medical facilities in Rifle, Craig or destinations beyond. We have no choice of an alternate route. We must travel over long stretches of an obsolete and dangerous highway. Our situation is not unique; thousands of drivers over rural state highways face the same threats.

Residents of rural Colorado should support the work of MPACT64.



Dick Prosence

Retired Colorado Department of Transportation district engineer

Meeker

Editors’ note: MPACT64 is a collaboration among four regional organizations covering all 64 counties in Colorado. It is studying potential transportation funding sources and infrastructure needs across the state.

The real drug problem

Old Uncle Joe would like to stray from his normal critical whining and say something regarding the guest column from the chief of police in Rifle (Glenwood Springs Post Independent, Sept. 14, 2013).

Finally! Someone has addressed the real substance abuse problem methamphetamine, or “crank.” In-so-far as the crime rate, this is the real culprit. How many of you know someone who got stoned, then went out and committed armed robbery, burglary, rape or embezzlement? You do not! Put your hand down.

Really, this is not an import like marijuana, cocaine or heroin. This poison is manufactured right here in our own quiet little hoods throughout the country. Why do you think people put aluminum foil over their windows in trailer parks. Privacy? You need to get out more. Seriously.

Anyway, “crank” is responsible for a variety of health problems ranging from tooth decay, high blood pressure and anorexia, to sociopathic problems that lead to the other aforementioned crime related issues.

“Uncle” Joe Lewis

Silt


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