Letters to the Editor

‘Lucky to know’ Mike Elliott
Letters to the Editor

‘Lucky to know’ Mike Elliott

October 2, 2024

I was sad to hear Mike Elliott left us As a kid growing up in Durango in the 1960s and ’70s, sports were a focus of home life and I’d…

Thank the Democrats
Letters to the Editor

Thank the Democrats

October 2, 2024

I would like to remind some of my Republican friends of some facts that they may have forgotten. For those people who receive Social Security benefits in their bank account…

Robert Logan for CU Regent
Letters to the Editor

Robert Logan for CU Regent

October 1, 2024

Voters from Congressional District 3 will elect our representative to the University of Colorado Board of Regents this November. The CU Board of Regents oversees major decisions made for the…

Next Step a tumble
Letters to the Editor

Next Step a tumble

October 1, 2024

Do we really need a “Next Step” project? The Herald article (Sept. 22) made it obvious Next Step should indeed be a nonstarter. Why mess with success? Durango isn’t exactly…

Getting power using chaos
Letters to the Editor

Getting power using chaos

October 1, 2024

“Chaos is power.” That well-known quote comes from Steve Bannon, the same man who has Trump’s ear and is listened to unquestioningly. It also is a maxim for any strongman…

Vote ‘yes’ on Proposition 127
Letters to the Editor

Vote ‘yes’ on Proposition 127

September 28, 2024

The misrepresentation of facts about Proposition 127 and the Herald’s subsequent decision to recommend a “no” vote (Editorial, Sept. 22) deserves rebuttal. Prop. 127 would outlaw trophy hunting of mountain…

The threat of treason: When is enough enough?
Letters to the Editor

The threat of treason: When is enough enough?

September 27, 2024

Treason: The offense of attempting to overthrow the government of one’s country, by force or corruption. Isn’t that what Trump did on Jan. 6, 2020? Is it not treason for…

Restore balance with your vote
Letters to the Editor

Restore balance with your vote

September 27, 2024

After attending last night’s forum for our local candidates, it became obvious that we are getting double talk from two Democrat candidates. Katie Stewart says she is a candidate for…

Fall visitor
Letters to the Editor

Fall visitor

September 27, 2024

Gray, furry little mouse You ate what’s not intended So I lured you to a trap last night Life is not open-ended That I could freely do that act I…

Paul Black good for business
Letters to the Editor

Paul Black good for business

September 26, 2024

I have lived in Durango for several years, and it is clear we need a fresh perspective on business development and permitting in La Plata County. Small businesses play a…

Slow down: Time’s a’wastin’
Letters to the Editor

Slow down: Time’s a’wastin’

September 21, 2024

To tell you the truth, I think maybe society isn’t a very healthy to be in with today’s technology, AI (artificial intelligence) and all the techies who keep coming up…

Looking over your shoulder
Letters to the Editor

Looking over your shoulder

September 21, 2024

The Animas River path is an added asset to Durango, enjoyed by many people of all ages and abilities. It’s a multiuse path for various activities, and with the growth…

U.S. departure from Afghanistan
Letters to the Editor

U.S. departure from Afghanistan

September 21, 2024

The desire to paint the Biden administration in a negative light during this election often recalls the tragedy of the Afghan citizens and 13 U.S. military personnel who were killed…

Elect Paul Black for District 3 county commissioner
Letters to the Editor

Elect Paul Black for District 3 county commissioner

September 21, 2024

La Plata County is in need of greater diversity on the Board of County Commissioners, particularly in representing our rural communities. Currently, commissioners are elected at large, meaning urban areas…

Matt Salka: A leader for all of La Plata County
Letters to the Editor

Matt Salka: A leader for all of La Plata County

September 18, 2024

As a lifelong Republican, I don’t take my votes lightly. I look for candidates who have the experience, a proven track record and the ability to represent all of us…

Put Next Step on the April ballot
Letters to the Editor

Put Next Step on the April ballot

September 18, 2024

Next Step would permanently change downtown Durango. Perhaps for better, perhaps for worse. Such a consequential, and a controversial, decision should not rest solely with five city councilors or a…

The stealth assault
Letters to the Editor

The stealth assault

September 18, 2024

We keep hearing cries of “protect our democracy” from the Democrats and our news media does little to shed light on the silliness. The Democrats have refused to enforce the…

Protecting democracy
Letters to the Editor

Protecting democracy

September 18, 2024

A recent editor letter invited readers to explain how countywide voting for commissioners is protecting democracy. To begin, La Plata County elects three commissioners, all three representing all La Plata…

Vote down the Colorado gun and ammo tax
Letters to the Editor

Vote down the Colorado gun and ammo tax

September 18, 2024

There’s an analogy that says democracy is like two wolves and a lamb voting on what’s for dinner. This is especially true for sin taxes. The public believes it’s a…

A proven champion for small business
Letters to the Editor

A proven champion for small business

September 18, 2024

As a small-business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how Matt Salka’s leadership has positively impacted our local business community. During his time as the mayor of Bayfield, Matt worked tirelessly to…

Public needs more information about Electoral College
Letters to the Editor

Public needs more information about Electoral College

September 18, 2024

The title of Mike Littwin’s Opinion page article in Sept. 8’s paper includes this startling statement: “Too bad your vote doesn’t count.” He raises a question that should finally be…

Vote for education
Letters to the Editor

Vote for education

September 17, 2024

As an educator who taught preschool through grad school, I implore you to vote for teachers and friends of education in our political races. Term-limited, former teacher, Rep. Barbara McLachlan…

Vote for the party that respects and honors women
Letters to the Editor

Vote for the party that respects and honors women

September 17, 2024

I can sympathize with those who oppose abortion. I do not believe that any woman considers abortion lightly. But what happens when the government intervenes in a decision that should…

Constitution Week is Sept. 17-23
Letters to the Editor

Constitution Week is Sept. 17-23

September 11, 2024

Sept. 17, Constitution Day (and Citizenship Day) is the beginning of Constitution Week, Sept. 17 through 23. This year marks the 237th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution by…

Make respect real again
Letters to the Editor

Make respect real again

September 11, 2024

Politically, I respect the gifts of conservatism and the gifts of liberalism. They each have useful contributions and ideas for us to hear, measure and blend. Where things go awry…

A response to school bond letter
Letters to the Editor

A response to school bond letter

September 11, 2024

Jason Mietchen’s letter to the editor (Sept. 6) had a number of interesting points ranging from good observations to misinformed facts to snark. Mr. Mietchen is absolutely correct that the…

Salka is true advocate for families
Letters to the Editor

Salka is true advocate for families

September 11, 2024

I want to share my experience with Matt Salka and why he has my full support for reelection as county commissioner. When my son was diagnosed with cancer, our family…