Dear Editor:

 Thank you for your excellent coverage of Pagosa Springs High School’s new policy banning student use of cell phones in the building 7:45 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

 Staff Writer Sara O. Smith deserves to be commended for her excellent article covering Principal David Hamilton’s explanation of the policy and the necessity for its adoption. 

Your strong support and applause for the policy in the first five paragraphs of your editorial is excellent. Then you begin the sixth paragraph with, “But, here is what we wonder:” and devote the rest of the editorial, approximately 63 percent, to an entirely different subject: are they teaching the right material? While I agree that is a good and necessary question, I think that raising it in this context detracts from the praise deserved by the district’s administration in adopting a potentially controversial policy to solve an intolerable situation.

 Near the end of her article Smith writes, “While there were many factors that led to the decision to ban cell phones, Hamilton said the number-one reason was to ‘turn the classroom back into a learning environment’.” Having been a teacher in Pagosa Springs High School (1974-84), I can attest to the fact that a learning environment is absolutely necessary. Cell phones weren’t a problem then; but there were other potential distractions. Fortunately during those years the policy was to remove a student who was causing problems. It is not tolerable for disruptive students to spoil the opportunity for serious students to learn.

 As a community, we should be very appreciative of the fact that our school board and high school principal recognized this serious problem and adopted a reasonable policy to solve it. Most of all, parents should be especially pleased. After all, parents are sending their children to school to learn; and they should expect the school to provide a learning environment.

 No matter how good the “curriculum and methods,” they cannot be taught and learned in a classroom that is not relatively free of distractions.

 Earle Beasley

Editor’s note: We continue to consider discussion of the “learning environment” absent consideration of what is offered in that environment, and how it is taught, to be incomplete.

Also, a correction: Nothing in Smith’s article (zero percent) indicates the cell phone ban is a result of a school board directive or a school board vote on a policy. As noted in the editorial (approximately .01 percent) it was an administrative decision.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

The Sabbath

Dear Editor:

How many Commandments are there? There are 10, but most of us only think that we must keep nine. What commandment do we not feel is important to keep? Thou shall keep the Sabbath holy.

Not keeping the Sabbath holy is the cause of our society crumbling toward total disaster.

How many use drugs and alcohol, looking for peacefulness or a high? The true peacefulness is living as God commanded, and when you feel the love of God, that is the high we are really looking for.

Look at the clothing our young people are wearing; the tops are very low, and the tops hem line is going up so that the midriff is exposed, and they let their underwear show. This is not good, nor is it anywhere near what Christ teaches us as the way to be decent. The pants the boys are wearing are so baggy that the boys can hardly keep them up and show their underwear. Who cares what their boxers look like. It is a disgrace that parents would let them dress like floozies and slobs. No wonder that sex is so high with our young people.

How many of us watch the filth on TV and think nothing of how wrong the sex is, how we have come to accept the use of foul language, and that homosexuality, as okay? We watch violent movies, games and news on the TV. The news on TV shows violence, is a good way to learn how to do bad things and an example it is okay not to tell all the truth.

So how will keeping Sabbath holy fix all of the problems in our society? To keep the Sabbath holy, we should all go to church every Sunday; we learn how God wants us to live. We should pray with our family, read the Bible together and enjoy being a family. Family is important to God. When we are a family and teach values to our young people, and live these values taught by Christ, how can our society not be much better?

We should not fill up our car with fuel, go out to eat, go shopping, or anything that would cause someone to work for us, for they should be keeping the Sabbath holy. The only work that should be done on Sunday would be what cannot be put off until another time. The police, firemen, doctors, nurses, and those that are to care for someone and animals that cannot take care of themselves. This also means that sports would be on Saturday, and I am sure that many of you are not liking the idea of Super Bowl Saturday!

Many of us can remember a time when nothing was open on Sunday, our society was much better. I can remember aunts and uncles with cousins came over and we played games and had a picnic. Great memories.

Please keep the Sabbath holy!

Peace of Christ,

Sandy Bramwell

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Four-day school week

Dear Editor:

Four-day school week? Our opinion? We don’t have one. We cannot formulate an opinion without data and rationale.

The brief article in last week’s SUN quoted the school district superintendent for this idea being considered for reasons of: budget cuts, increasing family and recreation time and staff satisfaction.

How this significant change would affect student learning, student achievement and families where adults work on Fridays was not mentioned.

It is irresponsible for the leadership of an organization to put forth a proposal — particularly a proposal of significant change and consequence — without thorough research, detailed dialogue and a full study of impact with “doing what’s best for our students” at the forefront.

We look forward to hearing how these processes are applied to this significant decision and understanding the data and rationale that supports all decisions relating to the education of our children.

Bob and Lisa Scott

Dear Editor:

Well, I just got scammed out of $1,400 for a nice laptop I really needed, and although I’ve not had any expectations of getting the money back, I intend to spread the word that Internet scams are rampant and most difficult to stop. Prevention is the best course of action, so please, beware!

 Even reporting the crime to prevent a con from scamming others is complex and most entities are not about to take on investigation. The Durango FBI said there are simply too many of them. The federal FBI Web site accepts the info and will assist in finding the appropriate entity to which a report could be made. Of course, all this just means there will be more and more of these crimes, because no one is going after them and it’s very lucrative. Just imagine how many times this criminal could sell the same computer!

 In my own weak defense, I really felt I had done my due diligence and research, as you can see from the enclosed report that you are welcome to draw from if you choose to write an article on this topic to emphasize to people that this is very big business these days. The details show how elaborate the scam can be ...

I actually have camera times at two locations, e-mail addresses, a phone number, a serial number from the supposed computer which I called Apple on, which not only exists, but has another year on the warranty as advertised. It seems he could be identified, even if only to find it was stolen. My credit union is tracking down the police in that location, which I could not verify with anyone, but think is Redding, Calif. It was a Boulder Craig’s List item, so initially I thought I might rendezvous with the guy or have someone else do it, but then he turned up on vacation in California with his family. Oh, well! He was very polite, and sweet, and seemed most trustworthy. 

You can’t blame sites like craigslist.com. They inserted a warning right on the e-mail, which even though I studied, I ignored, because this kid was so nice. I had a really good laugh when I later checked out the properties on his name on the e-mail: scarsandstripes101 — if that doesn’t say it all. Done with this type of lesson. Now, if others would just take heed.

Karen Aspin

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Home Rule

Dear Editor:

The possibility of Home Rule coming to Archuleta County will appear on the November ballot. But it is still only a possibility and that possibility is still far off. The voters who support Home Rule will be asked to choose an 11-member body to formulate a charter which, if approved by the voters sometime next year, will replace the present one-size-fits-all-counties structure prescribed for us in the State Constitution more than a hundred years ago.

So the work is not done yet. As a matter of fact, the most difficult parts lie straight ahead. But they are the most exciting parts of the process because those charter writers will be the ones designing the future.

Imagine what it might have been like that summer in Philadelphia when the Founding Fathers gathered to write the Constitution. They all had their own ideas — what they wanted, what they didn’t want, what they liked, what they feared — and no idea of what the outcome would be. But they stuck it out and produced a Constitution that has worked for more than 250 years, even though skeptics at the time, including George Washington, prophesied little more than two years.

In this respect, the 11-member Home Rule Charter Commission will be very much like that convention in Philadelphia. In the educational meetings held prior to the petition process which has placed the issue on the November ballot individual citizens from all corners expressed those same kinds of feelings, pointing to the structure of our county government. Having had their say at the meetings, it is now time for them to come forward and be a part of the next step, the actual working out their concerns in the preparation of the charter. There is so much agreement already that this will not be an undaunted task.

Getting on that charter writing panel isn’t difficult. The County Clerk has the petitions and other forms ready and waiting. There is no charge. All you need to submit before Aug. 25 are 25 valid signatures from your neighbors and friends who, you may be surprised, turn out to be eager supporters and admirers of what you will be doing. If the total electorate chooses you to be one of those 11, then I believe you are in for one of the most fulfilling experiences anyone could have.

The Home Rule Charter will not be a perfect document. None of the state constitutions nor the U.S. Constitution ever were. All of them have had to be amended several times. The beauty of them, though, is that they define dynamic governmental structures that can change with time and need. For anyone to be a part of designing this, I believe, would be very exciting.

Don’t just think about it.

Henry Buslepp

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

I have been a full-time resident and business owner in Pagosa for a number of years. I am not an investor in the TreeTops project and have no financial connection at all with it, though I wish I could afford to be involved. I do know the people whose vision it is, and I think very highly of them and I know how passionate they are about the type of project it is and the land it is located on. I also know a lot about the project itself, and I can tell you that it is one of the most beautiful and environmentally responsible developments anywhere.

I understand that there are a few people who are still caught up in the county problems and personnel issues that nearly destroyed the county last year, and that they are spreading misinformation about the TreeTops project because of their personal agendas. Anyone who opposes the TreeTops project because they were given incorrect information by these people need to let those people know they do not appreciate being lied to. Everyone, please be clear about the facts: there is no Wal-Mart, City Market, big box store, gas stations, bright lights, loud noise and excessive traffic planned up there.

The opposite is true. The TreeTops people are just as opposed to those things as the rest of us are. If you want to know what the plan does contain, call Treetops and ask for a briefing. They are doing that constantly to try to get the correct information out. If you still want to oppose it, at least do so with the proper facts. One last thing I want to say: as a community we say that we don’t want big outside developers in here who don’t care about Pagosa. If that is true then we need to get behind our local friends and neighbors who created the TreeTops vision, who are not wealthy people, and not bankrupt them with constant delays because the county does not have its processes together. They want to work with everyone to create something that can be an example for future developments. I think that is what we want.

Marianne Caprioli

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

A tribute to family, friendship and team work, Aug. 11, 2008.

John W. Brungard, Jr.

“Be grateful for every living minute.”

The minutes and moments at your memorial are some of the best. Family, friends and the community all came together to pay tribute to your “legacy.” As you proudly spoke of your father many times, and of his picture, proudly displayed at the VFW in Albuquerque, your father’s “legacy” as a Pearl Harbor survivor shall not be forgotten. “Honor your mother and your father.” You are an individual who has set an example for us all. Your legacy to family, friends and the community shall survive. We all can all be inspired by your example and daily random acts of kindness. Your physical body may have passed from this earth; your spirit and the celebration of your can live on in each of us. Honor the individual, celebrate the life and keep the spirit and legacy alive. We shall meet again and I will pray you are standing at those pearly gates to meet me. Thank you for your friendship, counseling and guidance. I am a better man, thanks to your special gift. A gift of friendship, a true tribute.

“W.C.” Clifford-Basnett

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

Bob Moomaw’s letter to the editor should have been avoided. Yes, it is not appropriate for a sitting commissioner to publicly take issue with the campaign practices of a fellow commissioner.

The public needs to take issue with Mr. Moomaw’s performance and judge Ms. Schiro’s on her performance. As I recall, and former press releases will confirm, you represented on all three commissioners with your childish unprofessional actions ignoring and belittling Ms. Shiro (sic) while receiving an occasion nod from Ms. Zaday. Ms. Zaday who at that time had become shell shocked by county business and personal affairs choose to take a passive position and allowed you to control.

Mr. Moomaw, you prioritized funds from road maintenance to an airport project. Justifying your decision was based on the revenue generating abilities is questionable. The benefits to a limited number of citizens can not be outweighed by permanent, seasonal, and timeshare population. Mr. Moomaw, you failed to create the airport income as a separate line item thus placing success or failure on your shoulders only. Mr. Moomaw, you did find this as a way to avoid the most pressing issue in the county, lack of road maintenance. Unfortunately, Ms. Shiro (sic) within the first few months in office stood up to the notorious “Road and Bridge Gang” and has paid the price for her professional inquiry. Ms. Shiro (sic) questioned the county’s Road and Bridge department hoping to increase productivity by making them accountable and soon learned that one does not question the Archuleta way of doing business. If Mr. Moomaw were the fix it guy he wishes to portray, he too would look long and hard at budget items involving Road and Bridge. Equipment cost, supplies, inadequate supervision, benefits, and payroll with no assurance of substandard services provided should be questioned. Outsourcing via contract could end years of uncontrolled spending and reduce budget balances that county official are unable to manage. Leaving citizens with an assurance of services not currently available is what a prudent commissioner would focus on, not petty grievances.

If you remember, after taking control of the of the Commission, Mr. Moomaw went on the road with little Bobby Campbell singing the praises of their actions by balancing budgets, trimming fat from the lower level positions and hiring new department heads more able to work within the Archuleta system. Shortly there after Mr. Campbell along with questionable new hires were gone and it is discovered that the balance in Mr. Moomaw’s budget was a one million dollar income error. Mr. Moomaw, have you admitted your mistakes?

Mr. Moomaw, you are responsible for the questioned budget, Ms. Shiro (sic) has been unfairly reprimanded publicly by you for asking the questions citizens want answered. Ms. Zaday at least had the insight to soft pedal spoken and written words during her term and current election process. Re-election is based on qualifications coupled with the ability to work with others and early in your term Mr. Moomaw, you have shown neither.

Lyle Bergen

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

Colorado roadless rule means more roads.

If you enjoy horseback riding where there are few roads the Forest Service’s proposed Colorado Roadless Rule will mean more roads, not less. The roadless areas found here have characteristics rarely found elsewhere in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion.

The HD Mountains have some of the finest stands of old-growth Ponderosa pine left in the San Juans. The roadless areas around the Piedra River have some of the largest expanse of contiguous, undeveloped forest remaining in Colorado. Devil Creek has much of the last 5 percent of the remaining old-growth Ponderosa stands in the San Juans. The roadless area around the South San Juan Wilderness is considered one of the wildest places left in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion. The proposed Martinez Creek Research Natural Area contains the largest know area of old-growth spruce-fir forest in the San Juans.

Roadless areas are critical to outfitters, ranchers, hunters and horseback riders. Roadless areas provide a place to ride where there is less chance of horse/vehicle problems. Trail riding provides a quiet retreat from our busy lives and quiet is the best way to communicate with a horse.

In 2001, the Forest Service issued the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The Forest Service has written new management rules just for Colorado’s roadless areas. This rule would provide less protection than found in any other state. The rule will allow new roads for fire protection in areas long distances from any home, oil and gas leasing, new power lines, new water transportation routes, and where new ski areas could be built. Unlimited logging to protect/improve wildlife habitat when the greatest threat to wildlife is us.

Letters are needed by Oct. 22 — Roadless Area Conservation—Colorado, P.O. Box 162909, Sacramento, CA 95816–2909, e-mail COcomments@fsroadless.org, fax (916) 456–6724.

Briefly describe your trail riding in local roadless areas and the importance they have for you as a rider. State your support in the protection of these lands for their ecological benefits as well as your own personal enjoyment. State that you support the 2001 Roadless Rule but not the new Colorado Roadless rule. Points to include: no new roads, logging, coal mining or powerlines and no new oil and gas leases, pipelines or compressor stations.

Attend the Forest Service open house, Aug. 20, 5-8:30 p.m., Fort Lewis College Ballroom, Durango. For more information: www.roadless.fs.fed.us/colorado.shtml. For an environmental viewpoint: Colorado Wild: www.coloradowild.org. For an in-depth description of local roadless areas go to San Juan Citizens Alliance: www.sanjuancitizens.org

If you trail ride and would like to help protect our local public lands please contact me. I am interested in forming a loose group of riders that love to trail ride and believe that making the ecological health of our landscape a priority is the best way to protect the quality of our trail riding. Bevkresz@centurytel.net.

Beverly Compton

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

Jim Sawicki again attempts to justify torture; so again, I must protest this subversion of our Constitution and national security. Jim, you are too good a man to use distortions as a means of furthering your aims.

September 11 a “figment of television and movie imagination?” Balderdash: 9/11 was real and torture was ineffective in either detection or prevention.

No Geneva Convention for “individuals that take up arms and are not wearing a uniform or are a member of a formal military organization?” Good grief! Then surely you have no complaint with the British treatment of our revolutionary Minutemen. 

Our armed forces “will never achieve anything” if they question suspects in a responsible, legal and moral manner? Nuts! The effectiveness of our armed forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan comes from their professionalism and discipline. The tortures at Abu Ghraib (2004) and the excesses of my fellow Marines in Haditha (2005) were notable for being aberrations not tolerated by an effective, professional military.

 It’s one thing to leap to excesses in the heat of battle surrounded by close personal danger, confusion and conflicting intelligence. It’s something else, Jim, to advocate institutionalizing torture to be coldly delivered by our government against any individual “identified as a true enemy.” 

 Talk with a detective trained in interrogation techniques, Jim. No need for rubber hoses, electrodes, or water boards to get reliable information that stands up to scrutiny. 

Jim asserts having 33 years military service and performing duties he did not agree with. I honor his service, and identify with his disagreements. Performing disagreeable duties, however, is not the same as performing illegal acts.

Both Jim and I served under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ is clear that we were to obey lawful orders (Article 92). Lawful, Jim, lawful. 

I read the SUN announcements about our young people entering military service. I hope and pray their officers and NCOs lead them to an effective, lawful and honorable service. 

Torturing someone “identified as a terrorist” is not effective in gathering reliable information on which my Marines can bet their lives. Torture tarnishes our honor, increases the risk to our soldiers and contractors, endangers our national security, and marks our country as a hypocrite when trying to promote individual freedom in the World.  

Jim, please stop inciting people to illegal activities. We can — and should — do better by our young people, armed services and communities.

Semper Fi,

Jay Davison

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

United Way of Southwest Colorado in Archuleta County is in the business of bringing people and resources together to build a strong, healthy and safe community for all. The Governor’s Commission on Community Service Forum was an initial step in this process.

On Thursday, Aug. 7, over 80 volunteers gathered at the Pagosa Springs Community Center to share perspectives on the needs of Archuleta County. Dr. Janet Mickish, Community Planning and Volunteer Service Initiative Coordinator from the office of Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien, conducted a needs assessment of our community. She asked volunteers to describe their community, discuss the positive aspects of our community, and share the most important issues facing our community today. The 80 volunteers defined roles that volunteers play in addressing the community’s issues and listed multiple supports the community needs to expand services, volunteerism, and civic engagement that will address our current and emerging needs.

During the 90 minutes, I believe Archuleta County volunteers shared a vision of what our community can achieve by working together, a structure that facilitates cooperation, and support that will allow all to do our work in order to produce significant results. Volunteers provide leadership in this community. Volunteers are committed to help meet the challenges by continuing to gather evidence about the needs for Archuleta County and provide the support and assistance for community capacity building.

I wish to thank the 80 volunteers who gave their time, energy, and perspectives through their attendance, Tim Walsworth, CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado for arranging the forum, Dr. Janet Mickish for conducting the forum, the elected and appointed city and county officials who attended and listened, Colorado Cowboy Catering and The Floured Apron for providing our lunch, Pagosa Springs Rotary Club for switching their meeting, and the Pagosa Chamber of Commerce for helping publicize the event. If I have missed a thank you, please pat yourself on the back, as Archuleta County needs people like you with an open heart who will achieve a better, more caring community in southwest Colorado. Thank you.

The needs assessment will be publicized online at www.colorado.gov/GCCS. Dr. Janet Mickish, coordinator, Community Planning and Volunteer Service Initiative, can be contacted at (303) 866-6408 or Janet.Mickish@state.co.us for additional feedback.

Karen Davison

United Way Archuleta County

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

I want to comment on the 2008 version of the Archuleta County Fair. A million thanks to the volunteers who put this thing together. It was smaller this year and to me that meant more quality. I really missed the “demolition derby” and the dunking booths on Saturday, but so enjoyed watching the huge crowd appear for the barbecue dinner. Then we had the 4-H animal auction and that is where the community shines. What excitement for these young people. The dance was great fun. We also enjoyed the Southwest Land Alliance breakfast and the chili cook-off.

Thanks for it all.

Cindy Gustafson

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

Did you have fun at the fair? If so, thank a neighbor or friend for volunteering. People don’t realize that in our area of responsibility to gather volunteers, it takes 150 people. We were able to get 87 and they worked really hard to fill in all the time slots needed. Most of the people you see working at the fair are volunteers. Our area of responsibility was the parking shuttle, entry gate, info booth, kids train, a roamer fix-it person, exhibit hall and office helpers. Diane and I would like to thank all of you for making this fair fun. Want a derby next year? Here’s the answer — be a volunteer. Or, want to help in any other area, we will have signs up again next year to remind everyone of the need for your help. Thank you volunteers, we really appreciate all of you.

Mona Hughes and Diane Kleinman

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

I concur with Mr. Al Crump of Rockwall, Texas, whose letter appeared Aug. 7, commending Mrs. Gloria Macht for her professionalism as dispatcher. It is always a relief when I hear her obliging, patrician voice on the horn, because my request for help will not be impugned.

Sincerely,

Arlene Marcus

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dear Editor:

Reference Pagosa SUN, Aug. 7, County Commissioner Bob Moomaw’s letter to the editor.

I question a public official’s competence writing a letter of such unethical and unprofessional status. I am appalled that a commissioner can lower oneself and yet is to represent the citizens of Archuleta County. His letter is petty and jealous.

Folks, yes research if you need to, Robin Schiro’s education. She is coming from an engineer mind, which she continues to ask relevant questions. A few community leaders do not like being questioned, it appears to be more of the thinking, follow the leader.

Thank you,

Pam Morrow

Dear Editor:

The high cost of gasoline is the intent of Congress. They enslave us to foreign oil by making domestic exploration illegal and to hell with you, the mere citizen. Yet, you keep on reelecting them.

Last Friday, President Bush’s approval rating was 28 percent. Congress’ was 9 percent. Why do we continue to send the 9 percenters back to Washington? Are the majority of voters really that brain-damaged? It is frightening to think so.

Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and other “leaders” on Capitol Hill feared that if they permitted a vote on offshore drilling, they knew they would lose when Democrats defected to the GOP position of increasing domestic energy production. So the thing to do was to shut down Congress. She did so on 1 August. She said that she did it “to save the planet?” How presumptuous and arrogant! What an inflated sense of self!

Then Congress, that August body of incapables, tells us, as an excuse for their refusal to allow exploration of our own oil resources, that “it would take 10 years for new oil wells to begin producing and have any effect on prices.” Therefore, should we not begin? How long do they think it takes to build nuclear power plants, an array of windmills or solar collectors and get them online? These same idiots tell us that “big oil” isn’t maximizing our petroleum resources because they’re not drilling on all of 68,000 acres of leased government land. News flash: “Big oil” doesn’t intentionally drill where there is no oil. Duh!

On the 15th of July, President Bush lifted the executive order prohibiting the drilling for our own domestic supplies of oil, a meaningless gesture since Congress still makes it illegal. Surprisingly though, the next day, the price of oil dropped $12 a barrel! A coincidence?

This country will still be dependent on fossil fuels for the foreseeable future, no matter how loudly “environmentalists” claim otherwise. Maximum effort needs to be employed to develop all our potential energy sources, while at the same time reducing our need for foreign petroleum.

This autocratic collection of buffoons called the U.S. Congress is performing so far below the necessities of our present situation as to be, in the last extreme, contemptible, absurd and puerile.

But you’ll reelect them, won’t you?

Sincerely,

Duane Branson

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Dear Editor:

I wanted to share the overwhelming sense of pride I felt for our community at the fair, especially the livestock auction. The support for the kids was phenomenal, Christopher Brown in particular. I couldn’t possibly have chosen a better place to live and have Christopher grow up than Pagosa Springs, Colorado — the county and school district being very much included. Thank you all very, very much.

Patty Brown

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Exceptional

Dear Editor:

Please print this letter I sent to the Archuleta County Sheriff.

Dear Sheriff Gonzalez:

You deserve to hear the good news regarding two of your employees whom I consider exceptional.

My name is Al Crump, Chris Crump’s brother, and I live in Rockwall, Texas, a Dallas suburb. When I heard about my sister-in-law Sharon’s terrible accident and was unable to reach Chris, I called the sheriff’s office.

My call was answered immediately. I spoke with Ms. Gloria Macht and Ms. Iris Warren. When I identified myself and voiced my concern for Sharon, they came across as true professionals. The information they provided was succinct and given in a courteous and calm manner (much calmer than I was at the time).

Law enforcement and public safety officials don’t always get the recognition they deserve for normal day-to-day chores. My phone call may have been routine to your office, but it was serious to me and it could not have been handled any better.

My sincere appreciation to the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office.

Best Regards,

Al Crump

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Risberg support

Dear Editor:

I write to encourage all Democrats to vote for Todd Risberg in the upcoming Democratic Primary August 12. I have worked as prosecutor and defense attorney in Pagosa Springs over the last ten years. During that same period of time, Todd Risberg has served as a prosecutor, attorney and judge in our judicial district. Todd’s opponent, David Duncan, has spent the last six years as an attorney in Farmington except for a two-month stint as a prosecutor in Pagosa Springs. That brief employment ended with his resignation.

Frankly, our justice system needs a change. Many crimes call for vigorous prosecution and incarceration. Many others beg for alternative justice resolutions which save our taxpayer resources and address underlying issues while still protecting victims. Todd Risberg knows our community, and his hands-on experience with our justice system will allow him to make changes which are long overdue. Please vote for Todd Risberg on August 12.

Joel Fry

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Dismal performance

Dear Editor:

 For the last year and a half, I have purposely avoided writing a letter to the editor because I do not think it is appropriate for a sitting commissioner and fellow republican to get into arguments in the press.

However, I simply cannot ignore the untruths that are being placed in Commissioner Robin Schiro’s ads in her attempt to be re-elected after such a dismal performance in office. To put it simply, Commissioner Robin Schiro along with Commissioner Ronnie Zaday, ex-commissioners John Egan and Mamie Lynch were directly responsible for formulating and/or passing the budgets that were the main cause for the county’s financial crisis. John and Mamie are no longer in office. However, both Commissioner Schiro and Commissioner Zaday are still in office.

To Commissioner Zaday’s credit, she has admitted her mistake and has worked to correct the financial problems. Commissioner Schiro has yet to admit any culpability in causing the financial crisis and was either absent from County meetings to attend National Association of Counties (NACO) meetings or voted “no” on the recovery measures that were taken to facilitate the counties financial recovery. For the year and a half I have been in office, I have not understood why Commissioner Schiro would choose to attend a NACO meeting or its affiliate NCRCO instead of attending scheduled county meetings.

Now it has become clear since she has been using her award from NCRCO as a major accomplishment. NCRCO is an organization that represents approximately 2 percent of eligible elected officials in the entire country. The criteria to belong and receive awards is to pay your dues and attend a meeting. According to documents from NCRCO, to receive an award you need two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from your home state. Commissioner Schiro did receive two letters of recommendation but not, according to documents provided by NCRCO, from anyone in Archuleta County or the State of Colorado. Obviously, NCRCO has no credibility and neither does the award. It is unfortunate that she would place attending meetings at NACO and its affiliate NCRCO above Archuleta County business.

If you are leaning towards voting for Commissioner Robin Schiro — please verify the facts. There have been several recent articles in The SUN that are factual.

Archuleta County simply cannot afford four more years of Commissioner Robin Schiro.              

 Bob Moomaw

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Gardens

Dear Editor:

Thank you to all who have put together our town’s two community gardens. Growing in Pagosa Springs and the surrounding area is a challenge. To see that folks want to get out there and try growing food and flowers gives me a happy thought.

Thank you,

Pam Morrow

Thursday, August 7, 2008

‘Road Warrior’

Dear Editor:

James Robinson’s revealing commentary in the July 31 SUN concerning Robin “Road Warrior” Schiro’s campaign information was a home run.

Really doesn’t surprise me that Schiro would provide misleading information on her salary returns between April and September 2007; kinda fits her brand of integrity.

Schiro’s attendance at the many National Association of Counties (NACo) conferences was a monumental farce. Whatever knowledge she might have attained from any of those forays could have been obtained right from the computer on her desk during the workday. But at least she was removed from her daily catfights in the BoCC office area.

Wonder what her NACo jaunts cost the local taxpayer? But then, she’d probably say she paid her own way. Maybe she should return her salary for all of the days she was absent from her first responsibility as a county commissioner, working for the voters who wanted a job done in their behalf.

This voter doesn’t really care what kind of Heisman Trophy that the National Conference of Republican County Officials (NCRCO) presented to the “Road Warrior.” It’s not going to do anything for the local taxpayer.

At the recent League of Women Voters forum, the “Road Warrior” stated that she has never been charged for any type of offense.

Question: What about her recent collision on Wolf Creek Pass with a semi-truck and leaving the scene of an accident? At the very least, surely Mineral County didn’t let her just walk!

Jim Sawicki

Editor’s note: According to Mineral County Court documents and a Colorado State Patrol report, Schiro was summoned to appear in Mineral County Court for two items related to the Dec. 7, 2007, incident — improper driving on a mountain highway and failure to notify law enforcement of an accident. According to information provided by Pearl Gutierrez, judicial assistant in Rio Grande County (who also handles Mineral County Court inquiries when Mineral County staff is not available), the improper mountain driving charge was amended to a charge of careless driving, while the charge of failure to report an accident was dismissed.

Gutierrez reported Schiro pleaded guilty to the charge of careless driving, resulting in a $93 fine, which Schiro paid in full.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

County Home Rule

Dear Editor:

I appreciate your editorial in the July 31 edition. Election season is certainly upon us. There is much for the voter to learn in order to make informed decisions, first in the August Primary and then in the November General Election.

I would like to further address the topic of County Home Rule. It will be on the November ballot (put there by a community-led petition process) in two parts: (1) you will be asked to approve beginning the process of writing a Home Rule Charter, and (2) you may vote for eleven Charter Commissioners, who will have the responsibility of drafting a charter during the next six months. There will be open meetings and public hearings during that time, ending with another public vote to approve or disapprove the proposed Charter.

Candidates for the Charter Commission will be elected as follows: three from each existing County Commissioner District and two at large. Voters will only be able to vote for the candidates in their district, and at large, for a total of five. Vacancies will be filled by a majority of the existing Charter Commission. The race is non-partisan and the position is non-paid. Candidates need 25 signatures on a petition to be placed on the ballot. Petitions can be obtained from June Madrid, County Clerk.

The Charter Commissioners elected will be the key to whole process, so when someone asks you to sign their petition or vote for them, keep in mind the many options that Home Rule presents, and try to find out if the candidate’s philosophy is similar to your own. How many County Commissioners would be best? Should they be paid less, or more? Should local elections be partisan or non-partisan? Should some of the other elected officials be hired professionals with job qualifications and job descriptions, ensuring that they be full-time?

I urge a yes vote on getting the process started. I urge interested citizens to consider running for Charter Commissioner. And, I urge others to be informed, be involved and vote.

Lynda Van Patter

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Verify information

Dear Editor:

It has been an honor to have been elected by the constituents of this county. I have done my best to represent the concerns of the people, and have taken responsibility for the problems that we have been faced with. It is with deep concern that I request each voter obtain and verify information available on each of the candidates and take time to vote in the upcoming primary election. This county needs people that are looking to the future of Archuleta County.

Respectfully,

Ronnie Zaday

Dear Editor:

I have practiced criminal law for 30 plus years. I was a Public Defender in Los Angeles, a Municipal Court Judge in Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles, a District Attorney in New York City, a District Attorney in Durango, as well as a defense lawyer in Colorado for the last 17 years.

My concerns during my career have centered around the idea that justice is not for a privileged few but for all of us. You and your children must be protected and provided opportunities in the same manner as my family and my two young boys.

Too often I have been witness to overzealous prosecutors whose main objectives are the conviction and incarceration of citizens who have only been guilty of wrong thinking or just plain old stupid and immature behavior, as opposed to those who take the time and effort to identify and zealously prosecute those who are true lawbreakers and pose a threat to all of us.

What we need is a District Attorney who will look at the total picture and devise a course of action that will make certain that true justice is served and that true justice is accomplished.

Todd Risberg is just that person. I have known Mr. Risberg for some 10 years now. I appeared before him when he was a Judge. I have tried cases against him. I have, likewise, consulted with him on many serious criminal issues. He is a thinker and a doer. He is compassionate, stern, yet never dogmatic in his approach to people and the law. We need Todd Risberg in the 6th Judicial District. His wisdom will benefit our families and our communities for years to come.

Richard Jaye

Durango

Thursday, July 31, 2008

St. James Mission

Dear Editor:

For two years in a row, I have taken the fund-raiser for the Dia de Santiago (Day of St. James) festival under my wings, and with the support of local merchants, it was an enormous success.

The mission has a new roof, wooden floor and a new paint job, inside and out, thanks to numerous volunteers and donations. The planning committee all should receive golden halos with matching wings because of their total dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty. Father John would be so proud of each and every one of you.

I can’t thank the local businesses enough for their support over the past years; their contributions have made my many fund-raisers all very successful, and I couldn’t have done it without you.

I wish I could name you all, but you know who you are and you believe in me and what I do, and that’s what makes me the daffodil man, and if you think one man cannot make a difference, then you don’t know me.

Become a volunteer today; it will change your life.

Dennis Martinez

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Interrogation

Dear Editor:

Yes, I guess Jay Davidson and Dave Blake are correct. 9/11 was just a “figment of television and movie imagination.” The event did not occur and nothing so horrid could ever happen again … so just don’t “think” about it. It’s pure folly! Those folks who had the choice of burning to death or leaping 100 stories to the street below were all just making believe.

Really not much into “challenges,” but let me be very clear. I firmly believe in adhering to the Geneva Conventions as it applies to individuals for which it was written. I do not believe in applying the Geneva Conventions to individuals that take up arms and are not wearing a uniform or are a member of a formal military organization of a nation state. When the Geneva Conventions were written, they were never meant to apply to terrorists or anyone in an insurgency.

If our Armed Forces treat everyone they question in full accord with social responsibility, legal safeguards and moral standpoints, they will never achieve anything. The old idea of being kind to our captives will never work when such persons are so determined that they are willing to give their lives for 72 virgins. Indeed, they will go ahead with their attacks when innocent fellow Islamists are sure to be killed. The terrorists have no moral stance on torture. And should you be captured … they will remove yer head and send the film around the world while they laugh.

Looks to me like someone has to get their hands dirty and interrogate — yes, interrogate, not just ask questions. If this includes torture — so be it. I think many of the objectors would have some pronounced change of attitude if they saw a loved one drowning before their very eyes and no one tried to save them because it might be dangerous. They would expect someone to overcome their reservations and do something!

In this life, there are many who have to undertake foul and — to others — disgusting tasks. So be it with torture. Use people who can handle the task without moral repugnance. Train them in the very best techniques. Then, stand back and let them get on with a rotten but — as things are now — essential task. If it demeans me, I have to get on with it.

There are many things that I did not agree with doing during my 33-year military career; you learn to adjust. So let it be with torture whenever there is any extreme circumstance or calamity about to occur.

No one wants any harm coming to totally innocent individuals. However, there can be no absolutes or specific standards of treatment when dealing with an individual once he has been identified as a true enemy who has every intention to kill. And I’m not naive enough to believe that if I was nice to an Islamic terrorist, and play strictly by the Geneva Conventions, that these animals in turn would be nice to my family member should they be captured. We are at war; and it’s hell.

Jim Sawicki