What is alienating some of us from public lands
Re: “RMNP kept entry system while other parks didn’t,” May 23 features story
My family has visited Arches National Park more than a dozen times in the past. We began prior to the campground reservation revolution. In the early years, we went, not knowing if we had a campsite. Sometimes we did, and had the most wonderful times in Arches. Other times we didn’t, and somehow found a way to make it into a memorable trip. On all those trips we took advantage of not only Arches, but of everything surrounding the Moab area. There is so much to see and do.
I must make the following observation about the removal of the timed-entry system at the park (which we have experienced and found worthwhile). While the county commissioner’s opinion was that the entry system caused a reduction in sales tax generation, I must suggest another cause. Perhaps, just perhaps, people are not going to the Moab area because of the current state of both the local and nation political scene, and their views of our national lands. Both the U.S. government and the state of Utah continue to alienate tourists with plans to reduce the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, and sell off our national lands to be exploited by a few select individuals. Once gone, we will never get this land back in its pristine form.
The ultra-right-wing political stance of Utah in general has caused me to avoid, actually boycott, the state. If the local, state, and national authorities want to continue with this trend, they should expect further declines in visits. Please, don’t insult us by blaming this on the timed-entry system.
There is a way to change this. It’s called the ballot-box.
Mark Geyer, Denver
Restore basic traffic enforcement in Denver
Denver’s recent shift away from enforcing so-called “low-level” traffic violations is a policy choice with visible consequences. While the intent may have been to reduce unnecessary stops and limit interactions between officers and the community, the practical effect has been a steady erosion of accountability on Denver’s roads.
Traffic laws, such as valid registration, tint, modified mufflers, functioning lights, and speed limits, are not arbitrary rules. These laws create a baseline of order and predictability. When those rules are no longer enforced, following them becomes optional, and safety declines. This can be observed in the growing number of vehicles with expired tags, missing plates, and unsafe driving habits, including street racing.
The distinction between “low-level” and “serious” violations is also less clean than it appears. Minor infractions often serve as the entry point for identifying uninsured drivers, impaired driving, stolen vehicles, or individuals with outstanding warrants. Removing enforcement was shortsighted and weakens the entire public safety system.
There is also a fairness issue. Law-abiding residents who follow the rules are subsidizing those who choose not to with higher insurance costs.
The city should restore comprehensive traffic enforcement, including so-called low-level violations. The city should also pursue and arrest the street racers who make our roads significantly less safe. Public safety depends on responding to major incidents and maintaining everyday order.
A functioning city cannot selectively enforce laws and expect long-term stability. Denver should recognize the mistake of deprioritizing low-level infractions and correct course on addressing major safety issues on our roadways.
Erik Clarke, Denver
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