License plate readers are a good and valid tool for public safety
Re: “City keeps license plate cameras,” April 1 news story
I was relieved to see the article about the Denver City Council approving the new Axon automated license plate reader (ALPR) contract. I was surprised at how close the vote was. Itap difficult to understand how some council members seem to weigh the imagined potential harms over the real help ALPRs have provided in solving over 400 auto thefts and aiding in 16 homicide investigations.
Voters in Denver should pay attention to how council members voted come election time if they want their elected official to prioritize safety for the residents they represent. I applaud the council members, especially President Sandoval, for their support of the contract. Kudos to Mayor Johnston and Chief Thomas for providing facts that helped sway some council members to support the contract.
The top 25 largest cities in the US all use ALPRs. Do the council members who opposed think these cities all got it wrong? Why would anyone want to handcuff the police from doing a better job in helping keep our city safe?
Don Ku, Denver
Denver City Council’s 7-6 vote concerning license-plate readers is a stellar example of democracy in action. While the readers were approved by only a single vote, no one questions that is all that is required in a representative democracy.
Now the real test of that democracy must take place. Those council members in the majority must make certain that the contract is fulfilled. Those in the minority must make certain that the data gathered is not used in any fashion beyond what is spelled out in the contract.
The readers are of tremendous value to law enforcement. However, the data they collect could also be used to the detriment of law-abiding residents. All council members, the mayor and the chief of police must be vigilant in preventing the latter.
Vic Reichman, Denver
Airport funding dependent on retaining assets
Re: “Top attorney accuses city officials of misconduct,” March 19 news story
I know nothing concerning the merits of the suit Mr. Everett Martinez brought against the city regarding revenue diversion of airport funds, but I am very familiar with why the federal government and specifically the FAA, prohibits money generated on an airport from being used for non-aviation purposes.
A condition of federal grant acceptance of all federal funds states in part that all assets owned by the airport may not be transferred from the airport without equal compensation. Quite simply, the law was passed after it was noted that many governmental entities were found to have syphoned airport revenues for political purposes, thus negating the benefits presumably achieved from grants designed to improve the safety and operational capacities of airports.
James DeLong, Castle Rock
Editor’s note: DeLong is the former director of aviation at DIA.
The origins of harm in this world
In 1949, T.S. Eliot wrote that ‘Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important.” Seventy-seven years later, as we navigate a world of constant self-promotion and political grandstanding, one wonders if we have learned anything at all.
Mike Enright, Lakewood
Hey, coach, what about the sixth man (or seventh or eighth)?
Re: “Duke survives 16-seed Siena,” March 20 sports story
I played basketball in high school. I’ve watched it since I was 5 years old. I have never seen a coach eschew substitutions. Playing but five players is a recipe for disaster. An eight-man rotation would have given Siena the best chance to take down the mighty Blue Devils. The Siena starting five ran out of gas in the second half. Their coach let them down.
John Amari, Denver
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