Referendums C and D in November election
I keep reading how the passage of Referendums C & D is bad for business and will cost jobs. The exact opposite is true. Poor infrastructure, poor colleges and poor schools cost jobs. Quality roads, highways, schools and colleges are the bedrock of business, and we must invest in them now in order to stay competitive, or fall further behind.
Lisa Cochrun, Fountain
The writer is economic development director for the city of Fountain.
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While the debate continues over Referendums C and D, the fact remains that the youths of our state are losing out. According to the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado ranks 48th in the percentage of low-income uninsured children. We rank 44th in childhood immunization rates and 28th in overall child well-being. This, despite the fact that in overall wealth per capita, we are among the wealthiest states!
Colorado ranks among the highest in the nation for teen suicides, yet mental health services have been cut. It is 48th for high school graduation rates and 50th for the percentage of low-income high school students who go on to higher education.
Many of the schools in the state, especially in rural areas, are in terrible condition. The state’s public colleges and universities are being seriously threatened with the lack of general funding, already near the lowest in the nation.
We urge you to vote “yes” on Referendums C and D. The amount of income tax and sales tax you pay will not increase; taxes can only be raised with approval of voters. This does not affect any income tax refund due.
The small amount that might be rebated is not worth threatening the future of our children.
Stephanie Greenberg and Barbara Gigone, Boulder
The writers are members of the Boulder County Movement for Children.
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Re: “Pro-C and D tactics,” Sept. 21 Open Forum.
I would ask letter-writer Jon Reynolds how he arrived at his conclusion that the individuals with disabilities at the Sept. 15 rally over Referendums C and D were being “exploited.” He seems not even to consider the possibility that these people were there because they have an interest in the politics of their state.
Disabled people – those in wheelchairs, those whose speech comes slowly, those whose features don’t form themselves in the way most consider normal – are tragically misrepresented in our government and in our society. People with disabilities vote, they hold jobs, they go to college and they have opinions about the laws that govern them.
If Referendums C and D do not pass, people with disabilities in Colorado will face further cuts in the programs that provide them access to employment, housing, education and physical and behavioral therapies.
To assume that people with disabilities would not have an interest in the outcome of this election is dismissive and cruel.
Gwen Bonilla, Centennial
Davis-Bacon Act’s suspension a good thing
Re: “A double blow for Gulf Coast workers,” Sept. 19 editorial.
Individuals need to educate themselves on the actual provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act before criticizing President Bush for temporarily suspending it.
Contrary to claims of “exploiting the poverty-stricken victims,” suspending the Davis-Bacon Act will increase employment opportunities by opening the door to entry- level helpers, increasing participation by minority-owned and small contractors in the rebuilding effort, and removing red tape.
While it is true that suspending the act mitigates the “prevailing wage” provision, it doesn’t mean that workers will be paid ridiculously low wages. The free market will ensure that fair wages will be paid. Due to the huge amount of reconstruction needed, and given the current shortage of construction workers, supply and demand will dictate fair wages and possibly move them higher.
Also, recent studies have demonstrated that the Davis-Bacon Act negatively impacts minority employment in the construction industry.
The president’s proclamation suspending the Davis-Bacon Act for the devastated Gulf Coast not only removes outdated and antiquated restrictions from an already difficult rebuilding process, it creates badly needed jobs for those who need them the most – the displaced work force. Much of that work force would be prohibited from working if the act’s provisions were left in place.
As a result of the actions of President Bush, federal aid to the Gulf states will now yield more benefits to the region’s beleaguered residents and hasten the recovery effort.
Mark M. Latimer, Denver
The author is president and CEO, Rocky Mountain Chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors
Charity begins at home
I have been watching and reading the news, as has everyone else. My heart goes out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. They desperately need our help. However, they do not need our help at the expense of the local charities.
With all the media coverage of Katrina, funds for local charities are being funneled to hurricane victims.
I have heard that the food banks are in great need here in Colorado, and that most of what they used to get is going to the South. Our neighbors here are in need. Who was it that said charity begins at home? It surely wasn’t a politician.
Dale Manchion, Aurora
More bad apples?
Re: “Reforming the state employee pension plan,” Sept. 20 Open Forum.
Letter-writer Melinda Reed suggests that the Public Employee Retirement Association continue to be run by elected PERA members, whether they have financial expertise or not.
She feels that these individuals will keep other members better informed than potentially more qualified individuals who have a financial background or education.
She justifies her position by pointing out that Ken Lay, airline pension benefit executives, and former savings and loan board members were bad apples.
Disregarding the possibility that PERA’s financial crisis was at least partially caused by the election of unqualified board members, her implication is that anyone with financial expertise might be a bad choice to run a retirement association board.
Since she puts so much trust in the elected PERA members, regardless of their qualifications, perhaps she would choose these same individuals to perform her next surgery, or pilot her next airline flight. After all, doctors and pilots may have bad apples among their ranks, too.
Jeff Metcalfe, Highlands Ranch
Um, kettle? You’re black
Re: “Holtzman on hot seat over ads” Sept. 21 Denver & The West.
I’m confused. I appreciate Marc Holtzman telling us about all the bad things “the politicians” will do with our refunds if Referendum C passes (i.e., pork … oink oink … blank check). But isn’t Holtzman a candidate for governor? Doesn’t that make him (gasp!) a politician?
Gary E. Smith, Centennial
Another noise problem for homeowners
Re: “Council OKs plans for homes near DIA,” Sept. 20 Denver & The West brief.
The Denver City Council’s rezoning approval for development of 3,000 homes near Denver International Airport is a total disservice to future home buyers. The warning from Park Hill residents about Stapleton’s noise was heeded by three council members. Ten council members have proven they have few brain cells working.
The story said, “Council members who supported the plan said they were confident homebuyers will be warned they are moving into an area where aircraft could fly at altitudes as low as 500 feet.” This is ludicrous. People can be warnedof things, but few take heed. Park Hill residents knew about noise from Stapleton (which was there FIRST) but after years of complaints: the result, with much political posturing and who knows how much graft, gave us DIA.
When noise becomes a “hazard” to these 3,000 homeowners, will there be a proposal to move DIA to Limon so it can be followed by industries dependent on air transport and by more new housing?
J.R. Evanger, Denver
