Digital coupons discriminate
The digital coupons at City Market discriminate against us. If you are … too busy, in a hurry, too late getting home to family, too non-tech savvy, working too hard, too tired — or even worse, old — you probably can’t use digital coupons.
But you are hungry and picked up an item on sale (you saw the yellow tag to “buy one at a lower price and five for even less”). It is a SCAM! You get to the cashier and find out you can’t have it on sale! YOU DON’T HAVE YOUR DIGITAL COUPON! OR YOUR COUPON DOES NOT WORK! The cashier cannot fix it. Only some items are really on sale!
A solution: Give it up, buy some place else when possible and the Town will lose your tax $$$.
Joani Matranga
Carbondale
Vote for Susan
Carbondale is fortunate to have so many residents who are willing to volunteer and to run for office. In the upcoming election for the board of trustees, there is a candidate that merits your serious consideration. Susan Rhea has volunteered on numerous boards and commissions and has made a difference in helping to maintain the vibrancy of this community. She is currently running for the board of trustees in an effort to maintain the character of Carbondale, to work towards smarter growth, to further environmentally responsible decisions and to build an inclusive community. Susan, as geophysicist and environmentalist, has a unique ability to handle complicated issues. She would bring to the board, and to the community at large, a willingness to listen to opinions from all sides and to consider all input before deciding on the best approach to resolving an issue. Under her leadership, I am confident that she will work to protect this community’s special gifts and grow in a manner that will protect what we love about Carbondale. Please support Susan Rhea in the April 2 election.
Frank and Kathy Sgambati
Carbondale
April on April 2
I have known April Spaulding almost as long as she has been here since 2011. We are DJ’s together at KDNK, where she has served on the executive board. She has served on The Sopris Sun board and we have worked together for years at the Mountain Fair Cake Contest!
April has amazing community spirit and a huge heart. She jumps in to help at any opportunity, most recently with the Venezuelan immigrants and she created a fundraiser for families impacted by the fires in Lahaina, Maui.
She has seen a lot of changes in her time here, and understands Carbondale and its community spirit first hand! I strongly endorse her as a candidate for the Carbondale board of trustees. She will bring thoughtful, knowledgeable experience to the position and a whole lot of heart!
Grace Trevor Gallo
Carbondale
Berman for Basalt
It is an honor to write to the voters of Basalt about your upcoming Town Council elections. How fortunate you are to have a slate of candidates to choose from! I hope you find comfort in knowing it means you have an engaged community.
Today, I’m hoping to make the candidate selection easier for you as I’ve been lucky enough, in my professional career as a nonprofit leader and as the Mountain Family Health Centers board president, to work alongside Hannah Berman for the past five years. Hannah recently joined the Mountain Family board of directors and the speed with which she has grasped the complex issues our patients and providers face daily has been impressive.
More exciting, though, is the creativity with which she joins every conversation; always ready to listen and learn and never afraid to offer up ideas. As a colleague, I know that her professional experiences — in policy dedicated to better access to early childcare and higher pay for childcare providers — will prove to be a unique asset as a councilwoman for the Town of Basalt. I applaud the Town for taking some meaningful steps to address the health of its community and for creatively attempting to find ways to support Basalt’s childcare providers and children. But so much more is possible with smart, approachable, energetic, dedicated and creative locals on town council like Hannah. If I were voting in the upcoming election on April 2, I would cast my vote for Hannah Berman.
Sydney Schalit
Satank
Property tax solution
After over 237 years as a democracy it should be crystal clear to the political class that for the private citizen anytime growth in taxes exceeds the growth of our personal income, we are not happy. Such a case has occurred in Colorado and Eagle County this year. After adjustments by the state legislature, Eagle County commissioners, Eagle County School Board and the various taxing districts within the county, my property taxes went up 24.8%. On the other hand, my Social Security payment (personal income) went up 3% — a mismatch of 21.8%, and I am not happy. Ultimately, my choices are to dip into savings to fund the difference or sell my house to get out from under such an unfair and unvoted-upon confiscatory tax system. Neither choice is palatable.
Fortunately, there are solutions and mine is simple to understand and implement …
First, take the difference between this year’s Social Security increase (3%) and the 24.8% property tax increase and refund the difference either as a check to the taxpayer or a credit against 2024 taxes. If enacted by the legislature, this will refund approximately 88% of the 2024 property tax increase.
Second, enshrine in Colorado’s Constitution that property taxes for any property tax payer whether in-state or out-of-state, whether residential or non-residential cannot increase on an annual basis by more than the Social Security annual cost of living adjustment as measured by the Consumer Price Index. More than anything else, this will keep government demands for money in line with taxpayers ability to fund those demands. If governing bodies complain that this limits their spending priorities, then so be it. They can control their spending or bond their spending for capital projects if necessary. But I think in a democracy that has survived for over two centuries, it is essential for the citizenry to believe that we are living in a country where fair taxation is of paramount importance. What happened this year in Colorado was not fair taxation.
Mike Meehan
Avon
Jess for Bonedale
I am taking time to write about my support for Jessica Robison in the upcoming election. Jess is the perfect candidate for the board of trustees in the Town I have come to love. Jess possesses the ideal blend of integrity, respect and responsibility which are necessary to hold our Town in good standing over the coming four years. I believe a vote for Jess is a vote of confidence that our Town will be able to meet the challenges that await us in the years ahead.
I first met Jess eight years ago after relocating to the Roaring Fork Valley. She was a kind, thoughtful and welcoming presence for someone a long way from home. As a third generation resident, Jess knew all of the great places to grab a bite or get off the beaten path to find our Valley’s many hidden gems. She has connected me with many members of the community and helped me build relationships with people that have changed my life. Having lived in the RFV most of her life, Jess and her family have opened their lives to me and given me an inside look as to the kind of people they are.
A mother of two young children, Jess and her husband Adam have integrated themselves in the local community. Their kids attend a local school. She is a small business owner, who works with her family here in Carbondale. We have participated in many beloved Carbondale events, such as the Rodeo, Cowboy Up, Mountain Fair, the Fashion Show and the Puzzle Competition.
I have seen the character and integrity of Jess and her family in action. I believe there is no finer candidate on this year’s ballot.
I know I have given you a fairly biased opinion of my friend. It is hard to be neutral when there is a person of this quality running for something as important as a Town trustee. Our Town is facing many critical issues, and we need people who care, are qualified and have the experience to make a difference. My hope is that you will join me on April 2 with a Yes on Jess.
Michael Koscielski
Carbondale
Concerning Kribbs
In last week’s Sopris Sun, trustee candidate Ross Kribbs indicated he thinks the town could have done better with the new storage facility on Highway 133 and apparently doesn’t like it anyway. Has anyone ever heard of the land-use term “best and highest use?” What else are you going to put under high-power lines and next to a gigantic electrical substation? A boutique hotel?
While we’re at it, Kribbs calls Aspen the Valley’s “economic driver” — a common misconception for those who start their local tenure in that town then migrate downvalley. Most downvalley folks who have lived here for some time recognize there are several economic drivers in the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen is one of them. Kribbs goes on to comment about Carbondale’s “little library.” Well yeah, compared to Aspen’s but so what?
Kribbs complained that the trustees only allowed the public to comment on the Forest Service building proposal in “two-minute” segments. How much time does Kribbs think the public should have been allowed to comment? How many times do members of the public have to say “I agree with…” and “I’d like to reiterate …” Should the public and trustees have brought sleeping bags?
Kribbs said Carbondale has a “big bucket” of success stories and the town should focus on them and learn from them. Sounds like the folks who pushed the Economic Roadmap Plan in the 1990s who said the Town should “build on what’s already here.” The Economic Roadmap is probably still gathering dust on a shelf at Town Hall.
Wrapping up, I can’t vote in the trustee election because I live in Glenwood but if I could, I’d give April Spaulding a look. I think she’d bring some good common sense to the board and a more conservative perspective than the board’s prevailing liberal bent.
Lynn Burton
Glenwood Springs
Yllanes’ endorsements
I am writing to express my enthusiastic endorsement of Susan Rhea, Jessica Robison and Christina Montemayor as candidates for Carbondale board of trustees. I believe that these individuals possess the vision, integrity, and dedication necessary to lead Carbondale forward.
Susan Rhea’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable development is exemplary. Her experience in grassroots organizing and advocacy makes her a strong advocate for inclusive decision-making processes that reflect the diverse needs and interests of our town’s residents. Having seen her engagement firsthand as a member of the Parks & Rec Commission, I truly believe that she has the best interests of the Town at heart.
Jessica Robison’s background in construction, community building and deep roots in the Valley brings valuable expertise to the table. Her proactive approach to addressing issues such as affordable housing, transportation and land use aligns with the long-term sustainability goals of Carbondale. Having served on our Planning and Zoning Commission, I believe she has a sincere desire to serve the Town in the best way possible.
Christina Montemayor’s dedication to small businesses, entrepreneurship and equity issues resonates deeply with me. Her track record of championing initiatives that promote equality and diversity will undoubtedly contribute to making Carbondale a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.
Together, Susan, Jessica and Christina represent dynamic and forward-thinking candidates that will prioritize the well-being of Carbondale residents and the preservation of our town’s unique character. Their collaborative spirit, innovative ideas and commitment to transparent governance make them the ideal candidates to serve on the Town Council.
I urge my fellow community members to join me in supporting Susan Rhea, Jessica Robison and Christina Montemayor for Carbondale board of trustees. They offer a brighter future for Carbondale, as leaders who truly have our town’s best interests at heart.
Luis Yllanes
Carbondale Trustee
Silverstein’s two cents
We have six candidates for the Town election. I am not going to presume to endorse any of the candidates but I want to share my input on two of them. I have known Jess Robison and April Spaulding for many years. Both of them ran for trustee before and did not win. They were encouraged to stay active in the community and try again. They both have done that. Jess has been on the Chamber of Commerce, Planning and Zoning Commission and is one of the advisors for Roaring Fork Swap. She is also married, a mother and runs a business. She is a busy woman who makes time for our community.
April Spaulding works at multiple jobs, dj’s on KDNK and has served on the boards of KDNK and The Sopris Sun. She also served on the First Friday Committee and volunteers for Mountain Fair and served on the Board of Adjustment. She is also married with grown children.
Both of these women have strong community ties. You decide who you want. Their dedication to this Town should be appreciated.
No matter who you want, please vote.
Marty Silverstein
Carbondale Trustee
Susan for BOT
I’m writing to support Susan Rhea for Town of Carbondale trustee. She has been active in the community through Parks and Rec and the Forest Conservancy as well as the Age-Friendly Carbondale project. Susan brings an analytical background to the job as evidenced by her work for the U.S. Geological Survey. I trust her judgment and she would make a fine trustee.
Jerome Dayton
Carbondale
Susan for Carbondale
I have had the pleasure of serving with Susan Rhea on the Town of Carbondale’s Parks and Recreation Commission for the past three years. Susan always comes to the meetings prepared. On any given topic, her curious mind and strong reasoning skills result in thoughtful, probing questions, which provides value and insight to the commission at large. She is respectful of others’ views and opinions and open minded when seeking solutions. She does her research and will come with ideas and resources to help accomplish any Town project. Her career and civic experience will make her a terrific trustee. She has a strong commitment to community and continuing to make Carbondale a great place to live!
Please join me in voting for Susan Rhea for Carbondale Trustee.
Hollis Sutherland
Carbondale
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.
Property taxes will have to be raised, Carey said, focusing on those who have the means and owners of short-term rentals. 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
Ambiguous
That was the word used by Heather Beattie, the lawyer for the Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), when describing the Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) Board of Trustees’ policy on term limits for its members.
This question was raised at a BOCC meeting months ago around a discussion about whether Adrian Rippy-Sheehy could begin a new term as the Library District’s board president without going before the BOCC. Rippy-Sheehy first served an unexpired partial term that ended in 2023. Their bylaws state, “If a trustee first serves an unexpired partial term, the trustee is still ELIGIBLE to serve two additional three-year terms.”
Therein lies the ambiguity. Eligible how? By whom?
The BOCC used their authority to take much needed and appropriate action by writing a public letter to GCPLD stating that going forward all current trustees and candidates must present themselves to the BOCC when desiring a continued or new appointment.
No more self-appointment.
The letter also noted that it has only been in the last year or so that trustees have failed to present themselves to the BOCC for re-appointment. The library board has had months to address their lackadaisical attitude toward their own policy with the public, the BOCC and has failed to update their bylaws last revised in 2020.
I am requesting that Rippy-Sheehy present herself to be interviewed by the BOCC on April 2 along with the candidates for the open trustee position. I also would suggest that initial term limits be set at three years with a second term of two years and a third term of two years for a maximum of seven years regardless of the specific position held within the board. Please consider endorsing this request by contacting the BOCC, the library district and attending the interview meeting.
Trish O’Grady
Rifle
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