Vote for a change at LPEA
To the editor,
LPEA’s Board of Directors, some of whom have served on the Board for more than 20 years, are being challenged by a bloc of candidates who share a common vision for LPEA: more clean, locally produced electricity. These candidates know that to keep our power reliable and prices stable, we should begin incrementally integrating renewables into LPEA’s supply portfolio.

Every one of the incumbent directors whose seats are being challenged supported the recent 16 percent residential base-charge increase; with more hikes imminent. Concurrent with the increase, LPEA directors passed a policy that will double the residential charge, now slightly lower than other co-ops, to almost $33 over the next several years. LPEA’s small-commercial base charges are already 44 percent higher than other comparable utilities. Because base charges are independent of consumption, they are regressive and consequently marginalize investments made by customers in LPEA’s energy efficiency and solar net-metering programs. Justification for these increases? A cost-of-service study classified as a “proprietary” secret by LPEA. The challengers support making Board decisions like these transparent.

The candidates are smart, educated and proven leaders:
- Kirsten Skeehan, one of the first female graduates of the Naval Academy, is a business owner in Pagosa Springs and advocates for geothermal and biomass generation.

- Bruce Baizel has both law and master’s degrees. He argues nationally for responsible energy development and property owners’ rights. During the past year, Bruce presented on energy issues to our Colorado Rural Electric Association and to utility regulators in Canada.

- Britt Bassett, with a master’s degree in engineering, is a partner in a solar company. Britt has hands-on knowledge of the limitations and advantages of small residential and large commercial-scale solar systems.

- Heather Erb, a successful Realtor, advocates for including investments for efficiency and renewable energy in the equity values of properties. Heather continues to actively advocate for responsible energy policy in Southwest Colorado.

LPEA ballots will arrive in the mail shortly after April 20. Each ballot will have only one of the above candidate’s names on it, depending on district. Vote for one of the above challengers to lead LPEA forward; the status quo has gotta go!
– Harry Riegle, chairman, Smart Energy Committee, Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado

Clearing the family name
To the Editor,
There is nothing like an election year to have those who wallow in the mud start slinging it at others. Such were my immediate thoughts regarding the motives of Jan Sallinger Masse while reading her letter to the editor (Telegraph 4/12). Apparently, when she was bending over to grab some mud, the truth fell out of her head.

I have proudly served my community in many ways. One of those ways, beginning in 1978,  has been to volunteer my time to Durango Industrial Development Foundation (DIDF), the not-for-profit organization that developed Bodo Industrial Park and is currently a 50 percent partner in the Airport Business Park development. For Ms. Masse to infer that I am working on this project with profits as my motive and that my son, Bobby, is “sitting on the dias making decisions about his father’s substantial business interests” is absolutely incorrect albeit effective mudslinging.

I have never received a nickel for my efforts with DIDF and never will. I have no financial interest in this project whatsoever; except I am short $27 in parking tickets due to meetings on this that went beyond the two-hour meter limit downtown. Neither I nor any member of my family will receive any compensation from this project. My son was the project manager but has not worked for the project since Dec. 31, 2009; he started as a commissioner in January 2011 and has no carry over contracts or promises of compensation in the future. I owe a tremendous debt to those community members who gave their time and money to develop Bodo Ind. Park. Working hard on this project is my small way of offering others in the future the same opportunity I had in 1979 when I started my business in Bodo Park. The sight of seeing successful businesses thriving and new quality jobs created in the park will be reward enough.

– Bob Lieb Sr., Durango

League hosts fire candidate forum
To the Editor,
There will be an important election in May for the Board of Directors of the Animas Fire Protection District, which could influence the shape of fire and rescue operations in much of La Plata County. Because of this impact, the League of Women Voters of La Plata County will hold a Candidate Forum for the nine candidates vying for the three positions on the Board. The forum will be Wed., April 25, from 6-8 p.m., in the Extension Building of the La Plata County Fairgrounds. We invite all the residents of the District and other interested citizens to come, meet the candidates and listen to them discussing the issues involved in this election.

This election will be mail ballot only, with the ballots being mailed between April 16 - 20 to active registered electors in the Animas Fire Protection District. You may confirm whether you are in the District by going to the Colorado Secretary of State’s website at www.govotecolorado.com and checking your registration status. If you are a registered voter in the District but do not receive a ballot in the mail, call Designated Election Official Sandy Goodell at 375-3273 to request an application for a ballot. Ballots may be returned by mail or delivered to the election drop-off box at 700 Main Ave., Suite C, Durango, 81301 any time through May 7 on weekdays between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. or May 8, Election Day, from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. There will be more information about the election and the candidates posted on the La Plata League of Women Voters web site, www.lwvlaplata.org.

– Sincerely, Suzanne Becker, Membership Chair, LWV La Plata County

Don’t be ‘that person’ on trails
To the Editor,
Happy spring, fellow trail users and outdoor enthusiasts! Even with all this beauty blooming around us, this can be a tough time of year. It’s mud season. Mud season can make a person very, very antsy. This antsiness can lead a person to do CRAZY things … like use a trail or dirt road before it is dry enough. This can cause nasty trail damage that sometimes takes years to correct or requires major repairs.

When recreating during mud season, here are some things to keep in mind to avoid becoming “that person.”

- Do what you can to get trail reports before heading out. Call the Forest Service, bike shops and hiking stores, check the Trails2000 website, or ask around to your friends and neighbors.

- If you don’t have a trail report and the trail looks good at the start, keep these things in mind.

- If there is water on the trail due to a malfunctioning drainage or water bar, clear the debris so the water can flow off the trail. This will only take a minute and will help the trail dry out faster.

- If you encounter a puddle or muddy section, go through the middle of it. Going around only makes the trail wider and causes erosion. Keep singletrack single.

- If the mud is too sloppy to go through, go way around. Cut through the bushes and meander on a non-obvious path.

- If there is still snow, stay on top of the snow.

- If the mud continues for a while, it probably won’t get any better. Turn around!

Another thing to consider is how much damage your mode of travel may cause. Heavier things sink in more, creating deeper ruts and holes. Tires do more damage than foot prints because the tires create a continuous rut for water to flow along which creates more erosion.

Mud season is not just muddy. You can find a perfectly dry route that is plagued by downfallen trees. The best thing to do with downfall is to move it off the trail (assuming the area regulations allow for this). If it can’t be moved, the least damaging way to deal with downfall is to go directly over or under it. Going around causes erosion, especially on a side hill. If you are on a bicycle or horse, it is best to dismount while dealing with the downfall.

Thanks for taking the time to read. Following these simple tips can make for a summer full of beautiful trails. In the meantime, there are many dry trails in Horse Gulch, Phil’s World and Sand Canyon.

– Happy Trails, MK Thompson, San Juan Mountains Association, Durango

Bassett best for the job 
To the editor,
La Plata County commissioners are paid an annual salary of $72,500. For that much money, we expect them to work full time and to represent us at all kinds of state and local activities. Most commissioners are serious about their responsibility and don’t dilute it by working at other full- or part-time jobs. Then, why in the world is Bobby Lieb also running again for the LPEA Board of Directors? Without even considering the possible conflicts of interest between developers, commissioners and electrical power service, we need and expect a dedicated full-time commissioner. With all the issues and opportunities facing the LPEA Board, they also need directors who are not conflicted but have the time and interest to learn the issues and properly represent LPEA members. Anyone who thinks they can simultaneously do a good job in both of these positions has poor judgment.

Fortunately, there is a great candidate running against Bobby Lieb who has a better technical background in engineering and energy and who won’t be conflicted. Vote for Britt Bassett to be a director on the LPEA Board.
– Libby DeHaan, Bayfield

Re-elect Brodsky for proven record
Dear Editor,
I am writing to support Herb Brodsky in the upcoming LPEA election. This election is pivotal for our electric co-op and our communities. As many energy customers, myself included, are rightfully advocating that the co-op take more action to expand its portfolio of renewable energy, Herb’s long-time experience is needed.

I have known Herb since moving to Durango in 1994. I admire his extensive public service to many causes and just to name a few: Southwest Land Alliance, Community Foundation of Southwest Colorado, American Cancer Society, Durango Natural Foods, and the La Plata County Community Development Corporation. I enjoyed serving with Herb on the Community Foundation Board and found that when complex decisions had to be made, his detailed questions, measured thought and business experience were all very helpful.

Herb has an impressive history working in the business world, which is important because LPEA, while a co-op, is also a business. The hoped-for strategic shift from high reliance on fossil fuels involves complex issues ranging from costs to customers, relationships with local entities, local jobs, and many, many more considerations. Herb’s steady hand, long-time knowledge of LPEA, combined with his diverse background, make him uniquely deserving of another Board term. Herb has been an active supporter of all LPEA conservation and renewable programs. I urge you to vote in the LPEA election and place a check mark by Herb Brodsky’s name.

– Respectfully, Marsha Porter-Norton, Durango

Hopping on the Galloping Goose
Dear Ed,
After reading the story on the Multi-Modal Draft Plan (Telegraph, 4/12, I was very disappointed at the dearth of creative thinking as well as the lack of a “big picture” solution to traffic and environmental issues. There is a real bias in thinking that bicycles are the solution to these problems.

If I were king, I would immediately seek out a company to build Galloping Goose replicas that were powered by natural gas engines. Once they were on order, I would enter into negotiations with the D&SNGR to use the right away from the water stop at Hermosa all the way into town. Next, I would hire a software guru to design a program as to how the Galloping Goose replicas could share the rails without interfering with the regular operation of the tourist trains.

How about park and ride lots at Hermosa, Trimble, the Glider Port and the Iron Horse? RV’ers camped at Alpen Rose and United Campgrounds could catch the Goose and leave their diesel dualies parked back in camp. Locals could go to Trimble Hot Springs or shop at PJ’s without the hassle of traffic.

How about putting a stop at the fairgrounds to handle Miller and DHS students and send a bill to the school district since they’ll be able to park a couple of those diesel guzzlers? Ride the Goose to the Rec Center, Discovery Museum or the library. Let’s put a pedestrian overpass by the train museum to access the river trail and Santa Rita Park from the depot. The Galloping Goose replicas will be, by themselves, a tourist draw and an economical alternative for a tourist family that can’t hack the rising D&SNGR fares.

As I see it, the Multi-Modal Draft Plan is not unlike rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. People that ride bikes will continue to ride their bikes and convince themselves that they’re saving the planet. On the other hand, if you can cut the traffic from the north valley, appeal to tourists and provide school transportation, you’ve started to make real progress in reducing traffic and emissions.

– Dennis Pierce