Printed letters, June 12, 2012

By Staff
Monday, June 11, 2012

I love Grand Junction for its blue skies, dramatic vistas and wonderful people. Grand Junction represents the greatness of these United States — a volunteer spirit, a code of service and a sense of community.

Those who host the Alpine Bank Junior College World Series are among the best I have encountered anywhere. Thank you to the friendly people I met in convenience stores, the staff at our hotels and restaurants, the Rotarians who hosted us and so many more.

As president of San Jacinto College North, I have traveled to Grand Junction three times, in 2009, 2010 and 2012. I come for the baseball and the sense of community that is such a part of JUCO week.

At the close of the World Series, two San Jac North baseball players behaved in a way that is inexcusable. Coach Arrington and I have sent apologies to JUCO and NJCAA officials, and I use this forum to apologize to the citizens of Grand Junction and JUCO fans.

The hasty actions of two players immediately following the final game reflected terribly on our team, our coaches and our college. Such behavior does not represent the character of our team or the values that define San Jacinto College.

At the end of each year, I ask our players what they learned from their coaches. This year answers included: “the importance of believing,” “to leave it all on the field,” “how to make good decisions,” “the value of hard work” and “to pursue in life, to grow as men and to enjoy the game.”

One player tweeted during the fireworks on Memorial Day, “Today was the best day of my life.” For the rest of their lives, our 26 young men will recall their 10 days in Grand Junction. Thank you for your hospitality.

DR. ALLATIA HARRIS

Houston, Texas

Ken Henry has demonstrated support for small business

Ken Henry means it when he says he supports small business. He has the right idea about public service — he truly serves his constituents. We’ve had a small business in Fruita for the past seven years, and both as City Council member and then as mayor, Henry has maintained his interest in our success.

When we first opened, a street closure threatened to close off our only access to a storage lot. Henry, then just a council member, met with the city engineer and the contractor to guarantee our access.

A few years later, when another road project was planned, Mayor Henry proactively came by our store to explain ways the city would mitigate the project’s impact on our business. He did the same with all the businesses in our area.

In fact, Henry dropped by numerous times during his two terms just to say hello and see how our business was doing. He worked for us. He served our interests. He’s a proven community leader who will make an excellent county commissioner.

KENT and SANDRA HAULMAN

Fruita

 

House abortion vote was a disappointing loss

I wonder how many citizens are aware of what happened in our U.S. House of Representatives June 1. Unless you read The Daily Sentinel June 4, “How Your Lawmakers Voted,” you would not know, because there was no mention in the news.

HR 3541, a ban on sex-selection abortions, was up for a vote.

I thought this was a certain win for the pro-life cause. I mean, abortion is barbaric enough, but some people choose to abort just because they prefer a boy. And unfortunately for little girls, boys are overwhelmingly preferred.

This is the true war on women! But the bill needed a two-thirds majority to pass. The results were 246 for and 168 against — not the two-thirds necessary. And our president was (surprise!) against this.

I am sickened by this. Is our great nation any different than the People’s Republic of China? Demand to know how your representative voted. Is this the person you want representing you?

PATTI BROWN

Grand Junction

 

Community support made fundraiser a success

The outpouring of community support for The Gauntlet fundraiser was amazing. This first-time event, held May 19 in Grand Junction, raised more than $12,000 for Special Olympics Western Area competitions and Western Area local programs (teams).

Thanks to the Gauntlet’s main sponsor, Western Colorado Contractors Association and its staff, plus many businesses for their sponsorship.

Also, a big thank-you to the organizing committee and their employers who allowed committee members to take off early, arrive late or even take entire days off without docking pay so this event could come to fruition. All of their time and energy is most appreciated.

Finally, a big thank-you goes out to all of the “day-of” volunteers and participants who helped make the day a special one.

On behalf of our Special Olympics athletes in this area, thank you all.

JULIE FITE

Western Area Manager

Special Olympics Colorado

Glenwood Springs