To the editor,

This letter is in response to Root Routledge’s letter about restoring integrity to DNF.

The problem is that Mr. Routledge has his facts twisted. For the sake of transparency, the Board of Directors, of which I am a member, included both general managers in the process. We emphasized that this was just the beginning, and that members would have to decide. A process has a beginning, middle and end. This was the beginning. The middle and end never happened.

The job of the board is to present opportunities like this merger to membership. The board crafted a rough draft and extended it to the GMs and staff seeking their input before sending it to membership. Without board approval, mind you, and with total disregard for the creative process, members of the GM/staff sent out this unfinished draft knowing that chaos would follow. This, Mr. Routledge, is a supreme lack of integrity.

Kim Wiggins was not a whistle blower, as there is no reason to blow a whistle! There were no violations by the board, which was in the process of presenting membership an incredible opportunity. The board does not, nor did it ever have, the ability to make a decision without membership approval. The board knew this. So did both GMs.

Wiggins was fired for specific violations of both her job description and policy governance rules DNF operates within. Those violations represented a lack of integrity with a board that trusted her. She also used DNF mailing lists for her own personal agenda, sending out letters to members to protect her job. Her fabricated stories inflamed the staff and derailed the process. This was the basis for dismissal. She knew exactly how things work – clarify the idea and bring it to the membership. This, after all, is the cooperative principle. That’s how this board works, how all coops work. There is no other option, even though people like yourself and Pat Blair may think and say differently to convince members, it is not and never was the fact. Integrity benefits the whole, not a faction or an employee. Get it right!

– Jim Forleo, Durango 4

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To the editor,

The position of county treasurer requires qualifications that include knowledge of up-to-date accounting standards and practices, business experience in dealing with financial and operational data  and applying those data to produce workable options for making wise investments.

Not to be overlooked, however, are the desires and needs of the taxpayers whose voices must be part of what is essentially a partnership. Allison Morrissey’s accounting degree, her wide-ranging business experience and her desire to listen to the voters – thus far she has knocked on over 5,000 doors – make the choice for our next county treasurer simple. It is primarily a matter of qualifications – superior qualifications.

– Marilee White, Durango

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To the Editor,

On the morning of Fri., Aug. 29, the dancers of Miss Goodie’s Can Can Revue were faced with unrelenting antagonism and grossly unprofessional behavior while on their way to take the stage at a private performance contracted by the Durango Area Tourism Office. What I would like to say about this is that I am extremely proud of how each and every dancer in Miss Goodie’s historical re-enactment troupe held themselves with poise, self-restraint and dignity. These extraordinary ladies went so far as to offer kindness, comfort and compassion, in an attempt to ease the tension and, what felt like, a very threatening situation. Beyond that, Miss Goodie’s entertainers refused to engage with those whose actions suggested fierce rivalry and deep insecurity, and concentrated instead on preparing to give the best performance possible, though under duress and surveillance. I am grateful to dance with strong, independent and self-respecting women such as these.

As for the leaders, and primary aggressors, of the other performance group, we only had to tolerate them for 15 minutes or so. They have to live with themselves day in and day out. But they should know, since we do not conceal carry as does their leadership, we will be bringing video cameras to future performances, just in case. Should they cross the line again, their behavior will speak for itself.

To the folks and businesses of Durango: If you believe, as Miss Goodie’s Can Can Revue does, that Durango is big enough for more than just one group of gussied-up, high-kicking ladies, show us some love on Facebook, and we might just start another one. That will make three. We could call it “The Third Wheel Wild West Variety Show.”

– With love, Miss Adelaide of Miss Goodie’s Can Can Revue (aka Jennifer Craig)

 

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To the editor,

September is both National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month – a good opportunity for women to schedule their well-woman exam and determine if they, or someone they love, are due for an important preventive health screening.

About 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the U.S. About 12,000 American women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and around 4,000 will die from the disease. (The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and when caught early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent.)

Gynecological health is important at all stages of adult life. Cervical cancer can affect women before or after menopause, and it’s never too late to start getting screened. Whether it’s for you, a friend, family member or partner, learn the risks of gynecologic cancers, including a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, and take steps to prevent and catch them early when they are most treatable.

The earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better. The frequency for checkups is different for different women, but everyone should see their health care providers regularly. National medical guidelines call for initial pap tests at age 21; pap tests every three years for women aged 21–64 (or every five years when women 30-64 receive combined pap and HPV tests). Women with certain abnormalities may require more frequent pap tests, so confirm with your health-care provider to see if you are due for a checkup and screening, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

During this month, take the time to check in with yourself and your health-care provider so that you can be as healthy as possible.

– Vicki Cowart, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains

 

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To the editor,

La Plata County tax revenue from oil and gas production that supplements real estate tax has plummeted in recent years.

The county tax assessor has repeatedly called attention to this loss of revenue, but little or nothing has been done to find new revenue sources and/or significantly reduce expenses.

Immediate remedial action is vital. A county treasurer with the invaluable business experience of Allison Morrissey is needed now to weight options and find the answer.

– D. Reid Ross, Durango

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To the editor,

Allison Morrissey, our candidate for the position of La Plata County Treasurer, has personally visited thousands of homes in the county to meet the residents and to talk about her qualifications for the treasurer’s role. This effort continues to demonstrate her dedication and commitment to fulfilling the needs of the office of the treasurer and hearing the feedback of our residents. Through her conversations with residents of the county, it has reinforced to her even further how important it is to get the most qualified, committed person in office in order that the taxpayers receive the best value from her leadership and from the operations of the Treasurer’s Office. This position is a nonpartisan position, and the responsibilities of this role are very clear. When it comes to managing the county’s money, it doesn’t matter what your political affiliation is. I am however, a fiscally conservative Republican, and I will be casting my vote for Allison Morrissey for La Plata County Treasurer. I encourage your vote for her as well.

– John Camacho, Hesperus