A more flexible approach to snow removal
Re: “Denver puts icy-street saga to bed,” Feb. 26 news story.
It’s encouraging to see that Mayor John Hickenlooper is listening to those who see a need to adjust Denver’s snow-removal policies and not to the libertarian lynch mob’s unproductive cries for people to “suck it up.”
I’m no expert on snow removal, but it seems to me that government officials in Denver and other Front Range municipalities would benefit from a more sophisticated and flexible approach to snow removal. Among the variables they might consider and assess prior to, and during, a winter storm:
The amount of snow forecast to fall.
The time of year and the amount of sun energy available to melt snow and ice.
The five-day, 10-day and long-range forecasts (if cold is predicted, work more quickly; if warmth is predicted, don’t work so frenetically).
Which side streets get more sun than others (clear those that get less sun first).
The traffic flow on a given side street (clear those that get more traffic first).
It would also make sense to keep a list of private contractors to call when a large storm hits in December and January. If it’s March, don’t call.
Finally, how about consulting an expert on the physics of ice and snow? He or she could help public works officials assess the variables above – and perhaps some additional ones – and help them determine what specific snow-removal approach to take when and where.
Christof Demont-Heinrich, Aurora
Bombarded (and disgusted) by party politics
In May 2005, I responded to a donation solicitation from the Republican National Committee with a letter denouncing the party, expressing my dissatisfaction and requesting to be removed from their mailing list.
Since that request, I have continued to be steadily bombarded with solicitations for contributions and I have responded each time by enclosing a copy of the original letter to Ken Mehlman, national party chairman, and including a sequentially numbered handwritten note, the most recent being: “This is the 28th time, since writing this letter on May 12, 2005 that I have mailed a copy in your ‘postage paid’ return envelope.”
I’ve kept up simply out of curiosity, wondering if my letter will be read and I will be taken off the list. This has become such a joke, I want you share it with others who may be as disgusted as I am with politics and political parties.
I truly feel that this is typical of the total “indifference” that we get, not only from “party headquarters” but from the politicians as well. Theoretically, constituents are supposed to be represented, not ignored, by their elected officials.
Richard Doran, Parachute
Embracing, not fearing, diversity in schools
Re: “The value of diversity,” Feb. 18 Colorado Voices column.
I couldn’t agree more with Joel Minor. I attended private schools and public schools in upper-middle-class neighborhoods. I then attended Metropolitan State College of Denver.
The elementary, junior high and high schools that I attended had minimal diversity, which fostered minimal tolerance for other races, religions and viewpoints; assimilation and conformity was the norm.
This conformity even extended to thoughts and ideas. If a student proposed alternative ideas in a classroom setting, that student was usually ridiculed. Even the curriculum contained very little information on “other than white” Americans and their accomplishments.
When I attended Metro State, I was amazed at the cultural and ethnic diversity of the student body, but because of my limited exposure I was hindered from really understanding and connecting with my diverse fellow students.
I applaud Joel for his courage to speak up on this issue. Diversity is something that makes this country stronger, not weaker, and it is something that should be embraced, not feared.
Michael Herrera, Broomfield
In defense of the majority of Jeffco workers
Re: “What’s in the Jeffco water?” Feb. 25 editorial.
The Post’s editorial highlighted a number of investigations involving Jefferson County elected officials. As a newly elected county commissioner, I feel compelled to point out that not all is wrong in Jeffco.
During the middle of January, I had the opportunity to speak with a county plow driver. He had worked 26 straight days of 12-hour shifts. He didn’t complain – he was doing his job by making our roads passable and safe.
Several weeks ago, I met a young staff member from the Jefferson County Transportation Department. He was excited about the opportunities to design roads, bike paths and hiking trails. He has taken on additional work after his former supervisor left – and was actually excited about his additional work.
It is true that allegations of fraud and illegal spying on citizens have been made of two elected officials. I would be the last person to defend any of those actions. Appropriately, they have been referred to the criminal justice system for investigation and, where appropriate, trial.
Despite these well-publicized problems, Jeffco is moving forward. I am proud to serve with many highly dedicated employees, like those noted above, who are committed to making Jeffco a great place to live and work.
Kathy Hartman, Jefferson County Commissioner, District 3
Iditarod’s veterinarians
As the Teacher on the Trail for the Iditarod sled-dog race in 2001, I witnessed the 36 veterinarians along the trail from Anchorage to Nome. What a wonderful group of dedicated people! They worked in teams of two, on eight-hour shifts. They moved along the trail as the mushers and teams traveled toward Nome.
I never once saw the vets do anything like Margery Glickman accused them of in her Feb. 24 letter to the editor. The vets were working in extreme conditions and always put the dogs’ best interests first. I saw them at the pre-race vet check, on the trail, and in Nome. The dogs of the Iditarod love to pull the sleds; that’s what they are bred to do.
I applaud Dr. George Stroberg from Westminster on his dedication to the care of sled dogs and his support of the Iditarod. He has joined an elite group of vets who specialize in the care of the world’s premier long-distance canine runners.
Diane Nye, Elizabeth
Decency in the movies
Re: “Too much R in Oscar,” Feb. 21 Colorado Voices column.
Rachel Ophoff’s well-reasoned assessment of the movie industry is an excellent example of constructive criticism. I concur with her conclusions. My hope is that her thoughtful commentary will be shared with the Screen Actors Guild and the various other industry associations in Hollywood.
It is particularly bothersome to see a movie that uses foul language that doesn’t really fit the situation and seems forced rather than a natural flow of dialogue. Why not use a nickel or dime word that is appropriate to the action on the screen? Has the industry lost its common sense and all sense of decency?
Helen McHugh Brauer, Fort Collins
Historical designation
I support the historical designation of the DeBoer neighborhood and the people who live there. As a native of Denver, I am very interested in maintaining the historical sections that have not already been bulldozed and torn down. I understand the desire for growth, but I also believe it’s important to maintain the openness and substance of Denver for future generations.
Mike Clem, Denver
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