Plan to lease Northwest Parkway toll road
Re: “Lease plan may aid Northwest Parkway,” Aug. 30 editorial.
In all the coverage regarding the Northwest Parkway, no mention is given for the true cause of low usage: the refusal of Golden and Jefferson County to allow 470 to complete its hookup with Interstate 70 in Golden. Of course, no one is using the Parkway ($2 for a quicker ride to FlatIron Crossing?). Once it connects through, it will be as busy as E-470, if for no other reason than a quick route to the ski areas. I resent that Golden and Jeffco have stalled on this issue for so many years, and I am troubled that the state would allow privatization for a portion of the complete 470 circle. Once it is privatized, the tolls will rise, and we will be paying for decades. Keep it state-owned; don’t sell it. And get Jefferson County to allow completion of the road.
Jake Fratkin, Boulder
…
The Post’s editorial endorses a “new” plan to solve the Northwest Parkway’s financial problems, but it fails to ask the most important questions: How did this happen, and how can we prevent it in the future? Now is a good time to wake up and smell the asphalt.
The problem with tolling in Colorado is the lack of oversight. Infrastructure such as highways should not be turned over to private companies without independent scrutiny. Although the Colorado Department of Transportation “oversees” toll roads, the relationship is too incestuous, with no independent check-and-balance to protect the public’s interest.
Toll roads must be viable and must have independent oversight. Moreover, tolling should not be seen within the context of road building, but within the context of all transportation options. With higher gas prices, more roads, especially failing toll roads are not the magic bullet CDOT has touted.
Rob Medina, Golden
The writer is a member of Citizens Involved in the Northwest Quadrant.
FDA’s decision on emergency contraception
I am a high school junior who attends Mesa Ridge High School. I have been part of Pure by Choice for five years. I have made a public pledge to remain pure for my husband on our wedding day. I have testified in front of the legislature about purity among young people.
I was sadly disappointed in the news the Food and Drug Administration is going to allow emergency contraception to be sold over-the-counter. This will increase sexual promiscuity and STDs among young people.
The FDA claims it is protecting teenagers from this powerful drug by not selling it to anyone under 18 without a doctor’s prescription. I have news for you: Alcohol is illegal to obtain for anyone under 21, yet, in any high school in America, any student can get alcohol. What makes the FDA think that emergency contraception will be any different than alcohol?
I hope for the sake of young people, the FDA will reconsider its decision
Mistin Williamson, Colorado Springs
Denver water rates
Re: “Denver Water floats rate shift,” Aug. 24 news story.
For the second time in several years, Denver Water is asking for higher rates because consumers are conserving water. It wasn’t long ago that they were raising rates because consumers were using too much, so the rates were designed to make people conserve. In The Post’s article, they play both themes. On Page 1B, several paragraphs are devoted to the idea that rates have to increase because of conservation on the part of consumers. Where the story continues on Page 3B, the headline is “Rate plan would reward conservation.” Do they mean like we have been rewarded for past conservation? Needless to say, I’m sending this article to Jay Leno’s “Headlines.” It is an epitome of government doublespeak.
Anytime government is involved in what should be private industry, such consumer-gouging practices are inevitable. The Denver Water commissioners are appointed by politicians and therefore politically obligated. Cut costs or commissioners, lay off people if necessary to cut costs. Ah, but that would not be politically expedient.
Chaun Cadwell, Parker
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