Re: Harvest Roaring Fork
Kudos to Jon Waterman and The Sopris Sun for front page coverage of the proposed Harvest Roaring Fork development. Excellent reporting. Thank you Delia Malone for speaking so candidly about the decimation of wildlife and the ecosystem that is reemerging from an earlier hopeful developer. This area is one of the last stretches of undeveloped land and is priceless.
Emily Miller
Ironbridge
Re: Carbondale building codes
Perhaps if the building department is overwhelmed, it should simplify some of the code. I’ve been told that building departments in the Valley recently added requirements that solar PV panels, even those mounted flush to a pitched roof, be approved by a structural engineer. That’s after 20 years of successful installations without this time, expense and paperwork. In the last few years, a national movement has been trying to simplify permitting for solar PV, which is far more difficult in most of the U.S. than overseas. Yet somehow local jurisdictions are going in the other direction. A couple of installers told me that Carbondale adds more time than other local jurisdictions because it won’t review a solar application until the utility has approved it, and Xcel can take many weeks for this.
The article last week mentioned HVAC and energy-related expenses and delays at a few specific jobs. However, heat pumps get installed up and down the Valley without this drama. I’ve worked with energy code development and application, and perhaps some sections of the energy performance code are “not fit for purpose” for some jobs here. At the same time some sections may not be appropriate for efficient decarbonization in a very cold climate.
Perhaps other parts of the building code have become too stringent. An experienced carpenter mentioned that he’s required to place more or stiffer joists under new floors, but his old floors are still standing strong. Fire and sprinkler and plumbing and electrical requirements keep rising too. It’s claimed these reduce risks, which makes them hard to resist. But perhaps the code has gone from preventing 1 in 10,000 risks to preventing 1 in 10,000,000 risks. And is the “risk” in some cases just potential cracking of sheetrock?
Fred Porter
Carbondale
Healthy living
As the 2025-2026 ski season rapidly approaches, I wish to take this moment to thank the Aspen Skiing Company for working with me toward their heartwarming decision to recognize and encourage those of super advanced age to continue their participation in their beloved sport of skiing.
So, let it be known that effective immediately, those intrepid individuals, having reached the lucky age of 90, will now be welcome to ski any of the four Aspen mountains FOR FREE.
I, personally, hope to take advantage of this new policy, however I’m sure it will be limited to very brief, very sunny, mid-week turns.
Thank you again, Geoff Buchheister, and your entire organization for this greatly appreciated recognition.
Don Flaks
Carbondale
Not just a ballroom
Trump is building something that is important, and actually for all of us.
It is going to be a beautiful space for many purposes and for many occasions. Meeting with heads of state, for example, during dinners at long tables, like we saw on TV a few weeks ago at Windsor Castle in England — with many other heads of state present.
Where would we, or could we, entertain countries appropriately in that manner? Not several ministers or dignitaries just in an ordinary office.
We could have an appropriate space with prepared dinners (or lunches) and set up tables, flower arrangements, candles. We have magnificent chefs, wines from our own estates or other countries, beautiful china, glassware, crystals, silverware.
Isn’t this better than just a simple, boring, uninteresting room nobody will remember except for what was perhaps not discussed? We cannot always count on good weather for a planned meeting. The Rose Garden might be rained out and muddy.
Would not a planned ballroom be better than a tennis court or even a big swimming pool?
And, isn’t it important to also show our youth how it could (or should) be done in a very internationally elegant way?
This ballroom isn’t done with the people’s money. We should be grateful and appreciative that Trump has the taste and means and experience to treat this country and our foreign dignitaries and friends with something tasteful and beautiful; for showing all of us, and our youth, how beautiful America is; and for eventually leaving it all to us.
Brigitte Heller
Carbondale
TDS
Is it a disease or an addiction? A syndrome or a cult of hate? No matter the adjective, Trump Derangement Syndrome is a real thing. He’s been called “Hitler,” “fascist,” “racist,” “rapist,” “Russian pawn” et cetera ad nauseam. He’s been senselessly sued, implausibly impeached twice and lived through two assassination attempts.
The Donald got shot in the head and jumped up shouting, “fight, fight, fight.” He won the ’25 election that day. Trump is a billionaire who could buy anything on Earth. Instead, he serves our nation because he wants to make America great again.
But Trump’s adversaries butchered that phrase to “MAGA.” Kind of makes it sound like evil erupting from the depths of hell through a volcano. He might not sound prim and proper, but Trump is genuine. He doesn’t need a poll to tell you what he believes.
Donald Trump says biological men shouldn’t play in women’s sports or use their bathrooms. He knows that voter ID laws are not racist as proven by increased voter turnout in Georgia in ’22 and ’24. Unlike Biden who lied that our borders were secure, Trump actually secured them. Trump doesn’t agree that mutilating children’s bodies is “transgender care.” And those examples are just the tip of the proverbial ICEberg. (Pun intended.)
I watch liberal media and even force myself to suffer 10 minutes of Rachel Maddow occasionally. Cackling Kamala’s book tour is hilarious. Which is why I still find Democrats amusing. They come up with the funniest stuff. Queens for Palestine? Why not a Pride parade in Gaza?
Remember Joey talking about oil cancer or his uncle being eaten by candles? Biden’s feeble “don’t” would have been funny if it wasn’t so sad and useless.
Trump stopped illegal immigration from day one. He settled seven international conflicts in just nine months. He’s waging war on murderous drug cartels and bringing law enforcement to Democrat-run cities in chaos.
I believe the three best presidents in my lifetime were not politicians: Eisenhower was a soldier, Reagan was an actor and Trump was a successful capitalist. We really got it right on the third guy. A capitalistic success to guide a capitalistic society.
So, like Charlie Kirk used to say, “Let’s discuss this. Prove me wrong.”
Bruno Kirchenwitz
Rifle
DTS
Avid supporters of the president regularly accuse critics who denounce his contempt for the rule of law, blatant corruption, reckless policies and juvenile behavior of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” But, I think the Trump true believers have a much worse disorder. It seems to me that due to their blind devotion to their unstable leader, Trump’s followers are victims of “Deranged Trump Syndrome.”
TDS is harmless, but DTS has the potential to put us all in harm’s way. I would encourage DTS sufferers to embrace sanity before our fragile democracy is irreparably damaged.
JM Jesse
Glenwood Springs
Driving Informed
State Patrolman Packard advises: Penalties for violating the new hands-free law start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense. First-time violators can have the charge dismissed if they provide proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory such as dashboard mounts or car speakerphone systems to comply with the state’s new law. Repeat offenders face higher fines and more license suspension points.
“Using a device behind the wheel is a five-second blindfold for any driver,” Packard said. “No text message, phone call or social media post is worth the risk.”
Spread the word.
Diane Reynolds
Glenwood Springs
Letters policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please, no smearing, cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.