A touching tribute
Dear Editor,
I thought the article by Joy Martin (“A Short Life in Short Shorts,” Telegraph, Aug. 7) was a well-written, touching tribute to Alex Newport-Berra. I did not know Alex, but as a fellow trail runner I get the feeling the article captured his spirit. As Joy reminds us, please remember to be safe out there.
– Terry Priestley, Los Alamos, N.M.
McLachlan also at top of his class
To the editor,
“Lawmakers get grades” in the Aug. 7 edition of the Telegraph announced the release of Conservation Colorado’s 2014 Conservation Scorecard and identified Durango’s Republican Sen. Ellen Roberts as being “at the top of her class.” In 2014, Roberts scored 50 percent registering a “pro-environment” vote for five of 10 bills before the Senate and the second-highest among Senate Republicans. The first place finisher for a Republican, Sen. Bernie Herpin (Colorado Springs), came in at 60 percent, a D- by most school standards.
In contrast, State Rep. Mike McLachlan (D-Durango), received a 100 percent rating in 2014 from Conservation Colorado for how he voted on environmental bills in the State Legislature and was not mentioned in the same article. Rep. McLachlan supported bills to enhance the development of solar energy, conserve water and improve energy efficiency in schools and communities.
There are many reasons to support strong environmental policies, as has Rep. McLachlan, human-caused climate change among them. We live in a world of finite resources, and are polluting the air, land and water that we rely on to survive. Continued use of nonrenewable fossil fuels is also bad for our recreation- and nature-based tourism economy.
A recent Durango Herald letter to the editor from George Thompson called human-caused climate change a fraud. Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists have concluded that human-caused climate change is happening. If 97 percent of doctors concluded that your child is sick, wouldn’t you believe them?
We’re living it locally and hearing about it globally. Increased and more intense forest fires here in Colorado, persistent drought in California, catastrophic storms in the Midwest – it’s time to move beyond the rhetoric and into action. Rep. Mclachlan has done just that. We don’t need a return to the past. Keep looking to a sustainable future and re-elect Rep. Mike McLachlan in November!
– Ellen R. Stein, Durango
(Editor’s note: Thanks for pointing out the omission, 4 Ellen. We regret that Conservation Colorado did not highlight Rep. McLachlan among the 35 state reps who received 100 percent grades in its press release to us. In no way is the oversight meant to diminish the work McLachlan has done for the environment of Southwest Colorado, and the state. In the future, please feel free to keep the Telegraph abreast of any accomplishments or news from the McLachlan camp by emailing us at telegraph@durangotelegraph.com.)
Help keep Durango smoke free
Dear Editor,
I would like to commend the City of Durango and Cathy Metz, Parks and Recreation Director, for updating trail and park signs that reflect our local smoke-free law. The Durango Smoke-Free Public Places Ordinance, 0-2012-15, was passed in November 2012 by the City Council and made city-owned parks, playgrounds, bus stops and the Animas River Trail (and adjacent greenway) smoke free. By investing in accurate signage, it is apparent to me that the City is committed to health and understands the community’s values.
As a parent of two young children, I strongly support the Smoke-Free Ordinance because the health of my children is my utmost concern. According to the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s 50th Anniversary report, in the last few decades, more than 2.5 million nonsmokers and 100,000 babies have died as a result of secondhand smoke. The evidence of the detrimental health consequences caused by tobacco use is indisputable and prevention is a key component to saving lives. The Smoke-Free Ordinance is a major component in efforts to prevent secondhand smoke contact for children and people who do not smoke.
Citizens of Durango, show your pride of our smoke-free places by reminding those who need a friendly reminder and help keep our community strong and healthy.
– Deina M. Barton, Fort Lewis College student
Visibly disturbed by Lightner silt
To the editor,
I would like to bring attention to the quality of water that flows from Lightner Creek and joins into the Animas River. This is a matter that should concern all peoples living in La Plata County. The problem is caused by severe silting from Dry Fork Creek down into Lightner Creek and thence into the Animas River. After two major downpours this summer, Lightner Creek was inundated with an immense amount of silt from Dry Fork. This fouled the creek and also some drinking water sources downstream.
The resulting flow was easily seen when entering into the Animas. A “chocolate milk” appearing creek, laden with silt, was visible entering the river. For many yards, the flows did not intermingle but exhibited a river with two distinct colors. This problem was noted and some grass seeding was done to cut down on this erosion in the past. The problem remains unsolved.
I am unsure of the solution or even to whom should be addressing this issue. But the problem should be reevaluated and corrected. Our precious water is much too valuable to allow this to happen.
– Steve M. Olson, Steve Titus and Margaret Titus, Durango
McLachlan a voice of moderation
To the editor,
I’m a senior citizen who gets Social Security. I’m voting to keep House Rep. Mike McLachlan in office for another term because he’s a smart and effective voice for governmental programs that work to the advantage of those of us in the mainstream. He stands for better education, better health care, and more jobs in the district. He knows that you can maintain the integrity of the environment that brings thousands to our landmark sites each year and attract new businesses.
Mike works to make government more responsible, cost-conscious and accountable. He gets things done in Denver because he’s got the respect of other legislators because of his experience and mainstream views. Keep our voice of moderation in Denver: vote to keep Mike McLachlan as our district representative in November.
– Phyllis Max, Durango
Summertime
A time for ice tea drink
and watermelon pink,
for ice cream floats
and lake water boats,
for barbecue smoke
and neighborly folk,
for fledgling flight
and firefly light,
for cut grass smells
and campfire spells,
for ball bat cracks
and crackerjacks,
for vacation trips
and fishing tips,
for county fairs
and ripened pears,
for drive-in dreams
and high mountain streams,
for dragon cloud forms
and lightning storms,
for backyard tents
and wildflower scents,
for outdoor chores
and especially,
charcoaled s’mores!
– Burt Baldwin, Ignacio