Opinion & Letters to the Editor

Editorial cartoon: End of seasonal white

‘Prudent to bend interpretation of city code?’

I am writing as a concerned citizen regarding the future of the Carpenter Natural Area in Cortez. I have used that area for many a walk and mountain bike ride,…

‘Dinner with Matt Gaetz almost sold out’

Two letters to the editor in July and August are entirely misleading on the role of the local Republican Party. The number one purpose of the local party is to…

‘Make it clear, VFW nonpartisan’

I am writing in response to letters to the editor that names the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I want to make it clear that the VFW is a nonpartisan organization…

‘Don’t ask us to censor those renting’ VFW

For the past five years, I have served as an elected (and unpaid) officer of VFW Post 4031 in Durango. VFW Post 4031 includes two large halls and a commercial…

‘Calling it an RV park a charade’

Roberts Resorts is attempting to put a high-density glamping resort in the Animas Valley. Its new application, uploaded on Aug. 3, depicts 140 cabins and 137 luxury motorhome RV sites,…

DeNier Center ‘needs to be revisited’

Durango has a jail problem and a juvenile detention problem as well as a McMansion problem. Here’s how you fix the the myriad issues in juvenile justice that have plagued…

‘Same ammunition law-abiding citizens use’

In Bill Roberts’ guest column on Sunday with the headline, “Tax the daylights out of some ammunition,” Roberts said, “most gun crimes involve only a few types of ammunition –…

RV resort plan: ‘Fight this proposal’

Lyrics from “Big Yellow Taxi” by singer Joni Mitchell ring in my ears as I ponder the potential results of the planning application submitted to La Plata County by Roberts…

‘Trump evolution of Democrats’ hate’

I don’t think any sentient person in the U.S. misunderstands that journalists are 95% liberals and the media reflects that fact. However, the linear growth of anti-conservative, anti-Republican reportage has…

‘Do not be fooled’ by Moms for Liberty

Darcy Shoening, the chair of Moms for Liberty El Paso County, is scheduled to speak at the next meeting of La Plata County Republicans on Sept. 5 at the Veterans…

Three Springs, Durango Mesa Park ‘could elevate Durango’

The city of Durango and the Southern Ute Tribe are accelerating the buildout of Three Springs. Development projects that generate synergistic long-term benefits usually are expensive. Completing the Three Springs…

‘Nero plays fiddle watching flames’

I was super fortunate on a very hot day recently to jump into the Animas at Bakers Bridge. Came out of the water and saw yet another McMansion on steroids…

Core values: ‘Something has gone terribly wrong’

The city of Cortez’s Comprehensive Plan outlines directives for every government official to follow, clearly stating that all city government officials are to “be proactive in the prevention of problems”…

‘Deeply saddened racist sign/statue still standing’

Dear people of the Southwest, I recently moved back to Durango after several years, and was deeply saddened and shocked to learn that the racist sign/statue by the Toh-Atin Gallery…

Industrial rezone: ‘Natural treasures over profit’

I urge the Cortez City Council to be more responsive to your community concerns and not change the zoning to industrial right next to the Carpenter Natural Area. Many people…

‘Positive history of success’ at Carpenter Natural Area

Thirty-one years ago, my family and I led the initiative that resulted in Catharine Carpenter donating 80 acres to the city of Cortez for a natural area. From the beginning,…

Rezoning ILC ‘against will of outspoken community’

Concerning the Carpenter Natural Area, I’ve been watching the steady influx of materials and equipment line the borders of the west entrance. It seems the rate and volume of occupancy…

‘Cannot thank our educators enough’

As our area schools resume classes and as we witness the local and nationwide shortage of teachers, a gentle reminder seems in order to review the magnitude and importance of…

What’s next? ‘Ouray’ Casino in Vegas?

In the recent article concerning the new Durango Casino in Las Vegas, I kind of had to chuckle. I was just talking with someone about this. Also, what others may…

‘Keep up good work, Lauren!’

We the people love the honorable U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert. Keep up the good work, Lauren! Nanette Heaney Pueblo

‘Not more tired’ by writing work hours

In response to Gwen Lachelt’s comment in Sunday’s story about San Juan Basin Public Health in The Durango Herald, and the chaotic and demanding nature of the pandemic. Lachelt said,…

‘Boebert had not done her homework’

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert recently asked to meet with the La Plata County commissioners. I attended this meeting. In her statements, Boebert asserted that Colorado, and by association La Plata…

Rezoning like snake fable with ‘little control’

The story is told of a hiker who was hiking where it was very cold. He looked down and saw a rattlesnake, which was unable to move because of the…

‘No’ to ILC rezoning: ‘Instead protect, preserve’

As longtime residents of Cortez and a family who has enjoyed the peace, tranquility and natural habitat of the Carpenter Natural Area, we urge the city to say, “no!” to…

SJBPH payments: ‘Not illegal, but wrong’

On Monday, the article about COVID-19 emergency pay at San Juan Basin Public Health was eye-opening, not surprising. Officials are going to great lengths to justify former Executive Director Liane…

Pagosa ‘leaped ahead’ with pickleball courts

The town of Pagosa Springs has leaped ahead of Durango in the pickleball challenge. Pagosa Springs just opened eight outdoor pickleball courts in its city park. Scores of Durango retirees…

‘Flat topography not a prerequisite’

A recent letter about a roundabout for Malfunction Junction is factually inaccurate. Modern roundabouts have similar limitations regarding street grade as intersections controlled by other means. As with other forms…

‘Very positive impression’ of CD3 candidate Stout

On Saturday afternoon, Mayor Anna Stout, who recently announced her candidacy as a Democratic challenger for the 3rd Congressional District, visited with some of the La Plata Democrats at the…

‘Is this a tip on the tip?’

I knew about pay problems at Lone Spur restaurant. It was closed for a time. Menu prices downtown are 50% to 100% higher than when I moved here in 2012.…