No thanks to Boebert
Where are the fact checkers when needed? Lauren Boebert, with her tilted moral compass, has no shame. But really you should know better than to take a press release from her at face value. Surely you realize that she has voted against every bill that would have helped our district. She is claiming credit for 10 community projects that were approved as part of H.R. 4366, the Consolidated Appropriations Act — a bill she and 82 other Republicans voted against. Before voting NO on this bill, she called it a “monstrosity … that excludes nearly all conservative policy riders we fought for.” Huh? One of Joe Biden’s campaign promises was to address our country’s infrastructure needs. That he has been able to accomplish this with such an obstructionist congress is nothing short of remarkable. So please give credit to President Biden and his team, and the Democrats who passed H.R. 4366, for providing $20 million for Colorado water and infrastructure projects.
Annette Roberts-Gray
Carbondale
Editor’s note: The Sopris Sun printed an item in Scuttlebutt last week about H.R. 4366 based on a press release from Boebert’s office. We, and the press release, neglected to state that Rep. Boebert voted against the bill.
Lunch with Caitlin
I recently had the pleasure of having lunch at the Village Smithy with Caitlin Carey, candidate for Garfield Board of County Commissioners District Two. The food, as usual, was delicious and the conversation was insightful. Carey talked at length about one of my favorite topics: Garfield County’s unhealthy dependence on oil and gas extraction for its revenues. She said 59% of the county’s revenues come from the industry and that puts the county on a very unsteady path.
Fossil fuels are currently experiencing a downturn and with increased reliance on renewables, the situation isn’t projected to improve. The county is operating in the red and county services such as Health and Human Services are being cut to the bare bones. Sheriff Lou Vallario was begging for two new squad cars, but the commissioners are telling him the county can’t afford them. She’d like to see more endowment investments, county encouragement of affordable housing projects and methane capture near Parachute similar to what’s being done near Somerset. Carey is a wife, mother, a paralegal at a law firm here in Carbondale and a member of the New Castle Town Council. She’s running for the seat being vacated by seven-term commissioner John Martin.
Martin has been getting by with the ample hairs on his chinny-chin-chin lately, barely beating Beatriz Soto four years ago and Greg Jeung years before that. Carey’s likely opponent will be Perry Will, who’s leaving his state senator position to run for commissioner so he can stay closer to his home in New Castle.
The demographics of Garfield County are changing. Carey’s salient quality is that she’s a young female, a characteristic sorely missing on today’s county commission.
Fred Malo Jr.
Carbondale
Lent
What is Lent, anyway? Lent is the time of year in the Christian tradition when a person takes time to do some self-evaluation about where they are, what they have been doing, whether their priorities have been right and where they may have gone wrong. It’s a good time for a course correction.
“Where does God fit into my picture?” someone may ask, and realize it is a provocative topic to explore. It may stir up a longing that has long been ignored. “Repent” is an old-timey word that sounds rather preachy in our day, but it is not really that scary. It just means to change your mind about something, and decide to go a different direction. We do it all the time. Instead of ignoring God, you decide to look into the whole idea and see if there’s anything to it.
Lent is a good time for such a challenge; a good time to clean out the closet of your heart. Instead of hiding from your faults and failures, you own up to them with yourself and with God. We all have some, after all. When we own up to them, God is very happy to shower His love on us and forgive us, giving us a fresh start — like a shower after days of camping in the wilderness. It feels great to be clean! Lent ends with the celebration of the day Jesus rose from the dead, called the resurrection. Some folks call it Easter. This year, it is the last day of March. Until then, let the spring-cleaning of our hearts begin.
Linda Helmich
Glenwood Springs
Shame on BOCC
Shame on the Garfield County commissioners for changing, without public notice or input from either the Garfield County Public Library District’s (GCPLD) board of trustees or the residents of Garfield County (or a public vote), the long-established practice of allowing the library’s trustees to nominate candidates to serve on its board. Is this action even legal? When the commissioners couldn’t intimidate the GCPLD trustees last fall with respect to the banning of [or limiting access to] certain books unpopular within a particular county constituency, they have now decided to try another method to browbeat and bully the residents in this county.
The commissioners refuse to trust the GCPLD trustees to assess the needs of the library district — and the skills of the candidates — because the trustees are standing up in opposition. The trustees deserve our trust and support. They and their staff have done an outstanding job on behalf of the residents of Garfield County. Remember that the commissioners said they would allow the independence of the GCPLD board of trustees and that they were not in the business of censorship. But now I believe they are showing their true colors. It is disgraceful the way they both ambushed the very board of trustees that they appointed and betrayed their constituents. I have no trust or faith in the commissioners on this issue.
I believe that they would appoint someone to the library board who would be willing to ban any book that they personally disagree with. Are the commissioners willing to pledge that they will not appoint a trustee who believes books should be banned? To take any step in the direction to ban or limit access to books is simply wrong. But this is also a step the commissioners are taking now by hijacking the appointment process. They are clearly setting the stage to trample on the First Amendment of our Constitution.
Ellen Dole
Glenwood Springs
Step up for migrants
Unlike Donald Trump, who called migrants “not people” and “animals,” members of the Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists (TRUU) congregation experienced the humanity of our unhoused immigrant neighbors during a recent service as they shared stories of their harrowing journeys and future hopes.
Hearing of their excruciating decisions to abandon friends and family because of a collapsed economy, unbearable living conditions, a corrupt government and fear opened many hearts and minds.
Carbondale responded with compassion to people struggling to survive. However, come April 1, the safety net provided by our community will end. After listening to individual stories and learning about how grateful the migrants are for the support, several members of the congregation offered to open their spare bedrooms for several months to some of the newcomers as the process of applying for Temporary Protected Status or asylum continues.
What a different response, recognizing the humanity of people in need instead of dehumanizing them!
The Social Justice Committee at TRUU encourages others in our
community to step up and meet the needs of our unhoused immigrant neighbors who are struggling to
become integrated into our community.
Contact Brooke at (970) 456-8480 for more information.
Social Justice Committee
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists
Jess is the right choice
Jess is a lifelong member of our Roaring Fork Valley community. Jess grew up and started her own family on a family ranch up the Frying Pan valley. She values our rich agricultural history. Now, her family in Carbondale runs four generations deep from her grandparents and parents to her children. Jess understands the challenges of maintaining our community vision and values at all ages.
Values are often heard about and less often seen. Jess has shown me that she is a compassionate, relentless servant and leader. She has the integrity to serve the community based on what she hears the community saying, without losing sight of the minority opinion, as she understands that we are all community members.
It is a rare thing, and Jess is that rare person, to deal with competing values in a community like Carbondale where we have ongoing, crucial conversations around, equality, workforce housing, commercial space, education, arts, daycare, tourism, property values, natural resources and climate change.
Jess has a proven track record at this as a local owner of two successful companies, as a Carbondale Chamber Board member, a Planning and Zoning board member, and as a mother, daughter and friend. You can trust Jess will listen and take action on our behalf. We can trust Jess to serve the common welfare of Carbondale as a whole with enthusiasm and consideration. She understands that every decision needs to look toward the future with responsibility and vision.
Jess is the perfect person! A win for Jess Robison is a win for Carbondale. Vote Jess Robison for Carbondale Town Trustee on April 2.
Jack Wheeler IV
Carbondale
Six great choices
We attended the Carbondale Trustee Candidate Forum last week and I walked away feeling any one of the contenders would be an excellent trustee. How fortunate we are to have six qualified locals vying for the daunting tasks required of elected officials. But one really stood out: Ross Kribbs. We would be especially lucky to have him working for our best interests.
Kay Clarke
Carbondale
Vote for Ross
Ross Kribbs didn’t ask me to write this letter. Nobody did. Everyone running for the board of trustees this year seems so qualified, and it’s wonderful to see so much interest in the position. I know, though, that I will vote for Ross because, in the many years I’ve known him as a friend and neighbor, he’s impressed me with his concern for Carbondale. From directing the Roaring Fork Valley Youth Orchestra to engaging folks in conversations about what’s going on in Town, he’s walking the talk. Since we first met, I thought he should be on the board of trustees, so I’ll cast one of my votes for him and hope you do too. And good luck to all.
Linda Criswell
Carbondale
Vote for Jess
Everyone around you always speaks about serving their community and how important it is, and wonders how a disconnected politician can just take elections by storm because of our un-engaged population. Jess Robison is the one person in my entire life I’ve seen who has acted on those often spoken sentiments. All throughout her life, she has had a calling to public service and to bringing the desires of her community to life. From serving on Basalt High School’s Student Council to the Planning and Zoning Commission in Carbondale, she has always put intentional action toward serving her community.
Every time I talk to her about what’s next she is never pessimistic, she is never disheartened and she is always ready to show up and do what is right. I believe that she will be an incredibly valuable asset to our small community, where intention and doing what’s right has always been at the center of what we do. Jess Robison is an incredibly passionate, well-grounded person with strong ties to our mountain community. She will bring an intelligent ear to tough conversations, allowing for solutions that can serve the community at large while not alienating the minority opinion.
Jess Robison is the candidate that will bring our community into the future without losing our valuable roots.
Emily and Jack Wheeler V
Carbondale
Sue for Susan
My friend Susan Rhea was so intent on doing a good job answering the board of trustee candidate questions that she forgot to include two very relevant things. As a member of the Parks and Rec Commission, Susan has been focused on sustainability and inclusion in the development of the new pool plans and in improved playgrounds. In preparing to offer her input for new projects, she does her homework, making an effort to understand all of the contributing factors for decision making.
Susan and I have volunteered together with Age-Friendly Carbondale. In particular, Susan has worked on pulling the data together that was compiled from the Highway 133 safety survey. She has put in countless hours to help design and present an actionable report to the Town. Susan is certainly already an asset to this community.
Sue Zislis
Carbondale
Endorsement time
The Carbondale board of trustees elections are almost upon us and it’s endorsement time. I’m endorsing Susan Rhea and Ross Kribbs. Both are capable, both are willing to speak out on issues and to be nay-sayers when they think it’s called for. Our recent trustee boards have accomplished a great deal and coped well with two crisis situations: COVID-19 and the recent refugee influx. They have been great managers. A new Town Center, the Downtowner, a renovated Eighth Street, a new pool on the way, many improvements to parks, sound Town finances; their list of accomplishments is impressive and I can’t begin to express my gratitude for the hard work they put in to make them happen.
But these same councils have not done as well as they might have managing commercial development, and the 2020/21 response to the Michael Francisco incident was shameful. I will never forget it. Luis Yllanes was the only trustee to say what he felt and thought and even he gave up after one short comment at one meeting. The other members hid behind attorneys, waited for expert reports that the public still hasn’t seen and the matter is still being litigated.
While we’re on the subject of moral leadership in local government, I want to note that Colin Laird showed it to a remarkable, even inspirational, degree spearheading our response to the refugee influx. Much of what we were all able to eventually do is thanks to Colin confronting the issue — at considerable personal cost — without consulting experts and without waiting to have his ducks lined up in neat rows. He just saw what was right and started doing it. I want more of that kind of local leadership and I believe Susan and Ross will provide it. I believe they will stand up to developers, confront moral issues when they arise and speak out publicly on behalf of what they believe in.
That’s what I think, and my ballot is in. Is your’s?
Ron Kokish
Carbondale
Berman for Basalt
As a proud small business owner, avid outdoor enthusiast and engaged community member in Basalt, I am honored to endorse Hannah Berman for Basalt Town Council. Hannah’s thoughtful and inclusive leadership style uniquely qualifies her to address the diverse challenges facing our mid-Valley community.
With Hannah on Town Council, I believe we can navigate complex issues surrounding housing, education, workforce development, outdoor and climate equity, and the balance between local needs and tourism. Her dedication to listening to all voices and finding collaborative solutions will undoubtedly benefit Basalt’s future. Hannah’s integrity, compassion and tireless work ethic, as seen through her current work with Aspen Skiing Company, make her the ideal candidate to represent our community. I urge you to join me in supporting Hannah Berman for Basalt Town Council. Let’s vote for a youthful candidate who truly understands the needs of our community and is committed to making Basalt an even better place for us now, and for future generations to come.
Jake Wheeler
Day Fire Company, Basalt
Sue for C’dale
I am writing in support of Susan Rhea, candidate for Carbondale’s board of trustees. I have been on the Age-Friendly Carbondale (AFC) board with Susan for over a year, and what a busy year it’s been. AFC jumped into its Highway 133 advocacy project shortly after I joined the board. In case you are not aware, since last summer AFC has been gathering community concerns and comments, through surveys and community events, regarding the safety and usability of Highway 133. Susan has been right in the thick of it, making sure that we asked the community meaningful questions and reached as many diverse Carbondale voices as possible. She has pushed AFC to think broadly and creatively about our process, possible solutions to issues raised and how we communicate our findings and conclusions to the community and the Town government.
During this project, I have found Susan to be passionate, thoughtful and determined about making Carbondale safer for all its residents, preserving its small-town character and creating an environment that encourages more people to walk and bike. I don’t know how many hours AFC has spent on this project, but the phrase “boatload” comes to mind. Susan has been there for all of them, working hard to bring the experiences and concerns of the community to the people who can make a difference. Now, she has the opportunity to be one of those people, and I hope you will join me in voting for her for trustee.
Candace Goodwin
Carbondale
Ross for trustee
I’m voting for Ross Kribbs for Carbondale trustee. I’ve known him for more than a decade and have found him to be smart, thoughtful and articulate. A musician, a music teacher, a photographer and a small business owner, he embodies the creative, can-do spirit that makes Carbondale the home we love. His work with the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra and Ballet Folklorico is inspiring a new generation. As Carbondale continues to grapple with the challenges of growth, development and housing affordability, Ross’ training in design and planning adds to the strengths of the present board. He’s immersed himself in the life of the community and educated himself in the nuts and bolts of the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning and Zoning Commission and many of the Town’s volunteer boards. He’s a listener and a hard worker. Most importantly, Ross is passionate about our Town — its history, its culture and its future. Please join me in voting for Ross Kribbs for trustee for the Town of Carbondale.
Michael Hassig
Carbondale
Caffeine and conversation
In last week’s Sopris Sun, a Glenwood resident took issue with some of my answers in the previous week’s “get to know your candidates” article. My campaign is all about listening intently and responding to public concerns, and my policy is to fight fire with, well, coffee. I’ve reached out to that fella and offered to chat anytime, and the same offer stands for anyone in the Valley – particularly the residents of our remarkable Carbondale community. We’ve got great successes to learn from, as well as serious challenges that deserve real scrutiny, not rubber stamps.
And in case I wasn’t perfectly clear, our town library — “little” or not — punches well above its weight. It’s an inspiring place, and is precisely the type of project we ought to study and emulate: well designed, welcoming, and a daily host to activities and explorations that keep Carbondale creative and funky. If you agree, I hope to earn your vote.
Ross Kribbs
Candidate, Carbondale Board of Trustees
RossForCarbondale@gmail.com