TMCnet News
LETTERS: Racism hard to erase; water board candidates [Gazette, The (CO)](Gazette, The (CO) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Racism hard to erase from society Kathleen Parker's hope of a nonracist society defies history. I too am hopeful that "Perhaps all those suppressed thoughts and feelings of anger, hurt and frustration had to rise to the surface before they finally could be eradicated," meaning that racism in America could be eradicated anytime soon. A quick glance at history will confirm that some groups of humans think they are superior to other groups has always existed, with varying degrees of resulting destruction. Racism reminds me of a Star Trek episode, "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield," where the antagonizing characters who hated each other both had divided faces, half-black and half-white, except one was black on the left side and the other the right side. It makes no sense and complete sense at the same time; it is a trait of humanity but is worthy of eradication. On a more personal note, I continually must remind myself to listen carefully to the person that; is covered with tattoos, stutters badly, is slow speaking, has rings installed everywhere, is poorly dressed, is ugly, is poorly spoken, is uneducated, because they too have important viewpoints and experiences that deserve respect of a hearing. Not to listen is to disrespect that person, a subtle form of racism at the personal level. Even if we can't eradicate racism, we can all do better. John Norris, Colorado Springs - Choice not to have children personal Here is what I consider to be the solution to the insurance- provided birth control problem. Unless the need for it is medically necessary, don't provide it. The choice to not have children is personal. If you so choose, then the responsibility to purchase whatever is required to accomplish that end is yours. The rest of the policy holders have no responsibility to subsidize your decision. Garry Dykes-Modlens, Colorado Springs - Board candidates deserve support As a property owner in the Cherokee Metropolitan District for the past 20 years, I have seen water shortages, lawsuits, terribly contentious board meetings, inability to meet water and sewer quality requirements, and on and on. Fortunately, our current board of directors has done more to turn this culture of dysfunction around, bringing Cherokee into the modern age, than any board that we have had. Current and future residents deserve a strong management team to run this very important utility provider, and that is what we now have. The current board members who are up for re-election, Jan Cederberg, Dave Hammers, Bill Beahan and Dave Mattes, all volunteers, have moved Cherokee Metropolitan District in a positive direction during their tenure. They acquired more than 4,000 acre feet of affordable water rights as part of the Black Forest Water Supply project, allowing the district to cancel the expensive short- term water agreement with Colorado Springs Utilities, saving the ratepayers on water expense, thereby minimizing rate increases. The Black Forest Water Supply project generates much needed water storage, a new aquifer well, and 10 miles of new pipe. This board has also provided transparency, with timely and open communication informing residents about policy changes, and an improved district Web page, news communications and social media so that ratepayers can stay informed about budget issues and district business. The Cherokee Metropolitan District has progressed from a water shortage to a surplus during the time Cederberg, Hammers, Beahan, Mattes, along with Director Larry Keleher, have been serving on the board and their goal is to continue acquisitions to keep rates among the most competitive in the state of Colorado. Principled leadership and vision are rare qualities in elected office, and this is a board that works well together. All residents of Cherokee would be well served re-electing Cederberg, Hammers, Beahan, and Mattes. Mail-in ballots went out on April 18. Water is critical to the continued economic growth of our region and to our quality of life. While Metropolitan District Boards and elections normally receive little attention, this one is important, and these candidates deserve our support. Heath A. Herber, Colorado Springs - Taking issue with their 'solution' In regards to the letter "Being driven deeper into a hole", I have several issues with what was written. First, not everyone thinks the City for Champions is a good idea. In fact, I think most folks are tired of, every few years a "solution" crops up as the answer to all our problems. Second, they don't seem to understand the role our City Council plays, they are there to represent their districts' voters. I would consider them being responsible leaders if they show fiscal restraint and decide to "lead" on projects that will actually benefit all of us and not just downtown with all their special interests. Using their twisted logic, we have to spend more money we don't have to get out of the debt we are already in. Sounds like the double-speak coming out of the bubble of stupid we call Washington, D.C. The hole we are in is due to overspending on non-necessities that are outsides the bounds of the city charter. Leadership means making tough choices. Spending $47 million plus whatever else the state provided (of our tax dollars) for a project that is the pet of the mayor and certain business leaders is not leadership. Todd Demers, Colorado Springs (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |