Printed letters, August 26, 2012

By Staff
Sunday, August 26, 2012

I have had my suspicions that the changes School District 51 made to the busing schedules were not only about saving money but were also about punishing parents for voting down the property tax increase last November.

The Aug. 22 article in The Daily Sentinel, “Busing complaints flood D 51,” confirmed these suspicions. The president of the Mesa Valley Education Association reportedly said, “he hopes people have learned there are consequences for the community voting against a property tax-raising ballot measure,” and “now folks are realizing those repercussions.”

This proves to me that MVEA and District 51 are not in the least concerned about our children but, as stated in a commercial by one of our local attorneys: “It’s all about the money.”

FRED STROH

Grand Junction

Dan Robinson an excellent 
choice in House District 55

Recently, there has been much in the news regarding the Republican Party. We have a county commissioner who has tried to use his position to bully others into fixing tickets for him and another running for office who has lied to the voters about some problems he has had. Maybe it is time for people in Mesa County to stop and think before they vote for candidates with an R by their names.

We have an excellent candidate running in House District 55 — Dan Robinson. Having worked with Robinson in the past when he was a member of the school board, I found him to be an honest, hard-working and caring person. He would not use his position to better himself, only to help others.

So, as voters consider whom to vote for in November in House District 55, don’t just keep voting for the person with the R by his or her name. Consider Dan Robinson.

JEFF PHILLIPS

Whitewater

 

Rep. Ray Scott repeatedly 
demonstrated effectiveness

At a recent candidate forum in Fruita, Democrat Dan Robinson attacked Rep. Ray Scott in ways to which I take exception.

First, Robinson demonstrated a complete lack of understanding for the duties of a state representative. He seems to think that after 120 days in session, the job is finished. This is far from the case. There are committee meetings, hearings, constituent requests and countless duties and obligations that occur year-round.

Second, Robinson clearly has no idea of what Rep. Scott has accomplished in his first two years in office. Contrary to Robinson’s contentions, Ray Scott is recognized as one of the most effective legislators in the House.

Scott’s very first bill, allowing individuals to owner-finance their own home sales (a common-sense practice made illegal under the Democrats’ banking reforms in 2009), passed unanimously within his first few weeks in office.

He was among the only lawmakers at the Capitol to introduce legislation this year to actually shrink the size of state government and return power to the local level with his bill to eliminate the public trustee position.

And, when the time came to protect the voters of Colorado from the Democrats’ attempt to overturn their decision on same-sex marriage, it was Scott who defended the will of his constituents by voting against civil unions.

He has fought time and again to protect Colorado’s voters, small-business owners and taxpayers from government excess and attempts to undermine the Constitution.

How effective has Ray Scott been? Effective enough that Gov. Hickenlooper felt compelled to handpick someone to run against him. If the governor doesn’t want Scott in Denver, it’s a sure sign we need to send Scott back.

LINDA DEATON

Fruita

 

John Leane is a Democrat 
in independent’s clothing

On the whole, I believe The Daily Sentinel’s election coverage has been fair.

However, in the interest of accurate reporting, I wish the Sentinel would always mention that county commissioner candidate John Lane is a former Democratic county commissioner.

While it is true that Leane is running as an unaffiliated candidate this year, it is just as true that in his long political career he was previously elected as a Democrat.

One need not pass judgment on why he switched parties in order to believe that it is important to mention that Leane is a prominent former Democratic leader in this community.

This is not a small point, and the voters deserve the whole story. If Mark Udall or Scott Tipton were to switch parties and run for a different office down the road, you can bet that their past party ties would be front and center.

The same is true of Leane, a current independent candidate who was previously a Democrat. His long history as a liberal Democrat should not be swept under the carpet.

JACK LUCAS

Grand Junction

 

Gerow has qualifications, 
character for commissioner

My husband and I moved to the Grand Valley in 1951, purchased our home on the Redlands and have resided there since. We have been actively involved in the community.

My husband, “Fuzzy,” served as a Mesa County commissioner in what is now District 1 for eight years in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Although some of the issues have changed since that time, I can still appreciate the responsibilities associated with the position.

During the growing-up years of my own children, we were privileged to have as neighbors the Bingham family. My daughters went to school with and enjoyed a great friendship with the Bingham girls.

Jana Bingham Gerow was raised in a good family with parents who taught her the true principles of life. It has been a pleasure to watch and hear about Jana as she has advanced in her career in construction management and has served her church and community. She is a woman who has displayed a good work ethic and integrity.

I believe she is qualified and capable to serve our community well. As a Mesa County citizen for most of her lifetime, she will have the long-term commitment needed for the job.

I am happy to endorse Jana Bingham Gerow as a candidate for Mesa County commissioner, District 1.

CLAUDIA AUBERT

Grand Junction

 

Attack on ‘tidal wave’ 
of regulations unsurprising

In “Regulations topic of business forums,” a business-lobbying group announced an “issue-oriented” attack on what it claims is President Barack Obama’s “regulatory tidal wave.”

The attack is not surprising, since it comes from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, which has so far this year given 98 percent of its donations to GOP candidates, including Rep. Scott Tipton.

But it is shocking that the story’s one example of horrible federal regulations involves a Colorado businessman who tried to take advantage of a voluntary worker retention program and is now unhappy he didn’t make money off it.

I guess the “tidal wave” hasn’t reached Colorado yet, but thanks for the warning.

CHARLIE QUIMBY

Grand Junction

 

Contraception should not 
control women’s vote

If the women’s vote can be bought by the offer of free contraception, then we have defined ourselves and we get what we deserve.

JOAN BLOSSER

Grand Junction