Find out the 411 on fracking
Dear editor,
Recently, Swift Energy Company has started the permitting process to drill two shale oil test wells, with an eye toward a large scale fracking operation on the “dry side,” southwest of Durango.
Dear editor,
Recently, Swift Energy Company has started the permitting process to drill two shale oil test wells, with an eye toward a large scale fracking operation on the “dry side,” southwest of Durango.
I’ve never spent much time learning about fracking or the various claims being made. Thus I’m still at the learning stage. Fortunately, I do know how to dig up information on the web. And at the prompting of a neighbor friend, I’ve put together a collection of information sources representing both sides of this issue, to share with neighbors who want to learn more: “Hydraulic Fracturing ~ Collection of information sources” at http://citizenschallenge.blogspot.com/2013/02/hydraulic-fracturing-collection-of.html
– Sincerely, Peter Miesler, Hesperus
Rinderle energetic and dedicated
To the editor,
Durango is at yet another “crossroads,” and experienced youthful leadership is vital. City Council candidate Christina Rinderle’s integrity is beyond question as is her sincere love of Durango. She is smart, energetic and dedicated. And, as a friend, she can be counted on to support art and music with her great enthusiastic smile. I’m always proud to introduce Christina as a great example of leadership in Durango. It would be great if other politicians would aspire to her level of care!
To the editor,
Durango is at yet another “crossroads,” and experienced youthful leadership is vital. City Council candidate Christina Rinderle’s integrity is beyond question as is her sincere love of Durango. She is smart, energetic and dedicated. And, as a friend, she can be counted on to support art and music with her great enthusiastic smile. I’m always proud to introduce Christina as a great example of leadership in Durango. It would be great if other politicians would aspire to her level of care!
–Cheers! Greg Gummersall
Principles of rational thought
To the editor,
I grew up in the rural American West. I got my first hand-me- down bolt-action.22 rifle at the age of 10 from my father. He didn’t any more idolize guns than I or my friends did. But I did shoot the odd rabbit and fictional Soviet invader in the form of a ponderosa every now and again. And I had a lot of fun doing it.
To the editor,
I grew up in the rural American West. I got my first hand-me- down bolt-action.22 rifle at the age of 10 from my father. He didn’t any more idolize guns than I or my friends did. But I did shoot the odd rabbit and fictional Soviet invader in the form of a ponderosa every now and again. And I had a lot of fun doing it.
In the 1960s, guns were as much part of the landscape as snow shovels and chainsaws – but they were never framed as a “God given right.” We just had them and used them from time to time, like any tool.
Most people then seemed to understand that the Second Amendment, and the rest of the Constitution, was written by men guided not by religion, but by disciples of the enlightenment: some were atheist.
Thomas Jefferson, a leading voice of the American enlightenment, was directed by principles of rational thought. God didn’t give or take rights. The Constitution was written on the principles of rationality, core human morality and framed by the rule of intelligent law wrapped in a republic. This defined our rights then as it does now.
Our founders would be the first to acknowledge that our rights and the Constitution change over time. Slavery was abolished and women were allowed to vote. What an accomplishment that our founding document moves with the times (albeit painfully). It is time now for the next progression.
State Sen. Ellen Roberts expressed concern of going to work in our State Capitol and feels safer sitting next to her armed colleagues in the senate chamber. Still, she blindly lauds the Second Amendment. Our elected representative’s concern of being shot as a servant of our democracy could not be a stronger indicator (except for the slaughter of our children) on why we need a shift in gun laws, gun enforcement and a broader look at the Second Amendment.
– Erich Bussian, Durango
Don’t miss City Election on April 2
To the editor,
The City of Durango will hold a mail ballot election on April 2 to elect three people to the City Council.
To the editor,
The City of Durango will hold a mail ballot election on April 2 to elect three people to the City Council.
Prior to Election Day, however, there are several important dates all City voters should be aware of:
- The last day for a new elector to register and be eligible to vote in this election is March 4. Eligible voters may register at the La Plata County Clerk’s office, 98 Everett St., Suite C, Bodo Park or online at the Colorado Secretary of State’s website, www.GoVoteColorado.com.
- Beginning March 8, the Durango City Clerk will mail ballots to all active registered electors who live in the City of Durango. Ballots will not be mailed to inactive registered voters. These are people who are registered to vote but did not vote in the November 2012 general election and did not respond to the address “Confirmation Card” mailed to them by the La Plata County Clerk in January 2013.
If you fit in this category, you may still vote, but you will either have to: go to the City Clerk’s office, 949 E. 2nd. Ave., Durango, with an acceptable identification and apply for a ballot; or change your inactive status. If you want to verify your registration status or change your status, you can do this on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website (www.GoVoteColorado.com) or call or visit the La Plata County Clerk’s office.
- Drop-off boxes will be available beginning March 18 at both the County Clerk and the City Clerk’s offices, where voters may return their ballots if they do not want to mail them.
- The League of Women Voters of La Plata County will host a Candidate Forum for all City Council candidates on March 14 at 5:30 p.m. in Durango City Council Chambers. We invite you to join us there to hear the candidates answer questions about their qualifications and positions on issues.
If you are a resident of Durango, please verify your voter status and ensure that you receive a ballot and exercise your right to vote in this election.
If you are a resident of Durango, please verify your voter status and ensure that you receive a ballot and exercise your right to vote in this election.
– Patricia Pegram, co-president, League of Women Voters of La Plata County
Six candidates square off in forum
To the editor:
The City of Durango will hold a mail ballot-only election on April 2 for three open seats on the Durango City Council. March 4 is the last day to register to vote.
To the editor:
The City of Durango will hold a mail ballot-only election on April 2 for three open seats on the Durango City Council. March 4 is the last day to register to vote.
The League of Women Voters of La Plata County will hold a Candidate Forum on Thurs., March 14, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., in Council Chambers at Durango City Hall, 949 E. 2nd Avenue.
Six candidates will be running this election: incumbent Christina Rinderle, whose current term is up; Dean Brookie; Keith Brant; Jordan Olson; Floyd Patterson; and Kristen Smith.
Ballots will be mailed between March 8 - 18. You can check your status to see if you are an eligible, active, registered voter who will receive a ballot at www.govotecolorado.com. If you are not noted as active but are registered, you can request a ballot at the City Hall. Contact the La Plata County Clerk, (970) 382-6280, for more information about voting status.
Take this opportunity to meet the candidates and ask your questions. For more information and a flyer, check upcoming meetings on our web site www.lwvlaplata.org/VS-2013.html
– Marilyn Brown, vice president, League of Women Voters of La Plata County
In this week's issue...
- January 25, 2024
- Bagging it
State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies
- January 26, 2024
- Paper chase
The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.
- January 11, 2024
- High and dry
New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows