Fiscal mismanagement at its worst
I was inspired to write this letter after reading Garett Reppenhagen's editorial in The Sunday Gazette that explains why he opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Republican leadership wants to open the Arctic Refuge to oil drilling and use the federal royalties from lease sales to help close the massive deficit created from tax reform.
Proponents of drilling in the refuge claim they will recover over a billion dollars in revenue from oil and gas lease sales in the Arctic Refuge.
By most estimates, this is magical thinking. For comparison, a separate study recently released estimates that drilling the Arctic Refuge would generate only $37.5 million over 10 years. Either way, drilling in the Arctic Refuge won't put a dent in the trillion-dollar deficit from the House's proposed tax plan.
Opening the Arctic Refuge to drilling is fiscal mismanagement at its worst: it's a handout to international energy companies that would decimate the crown jewel of America's public lands with oil rigs, pipelines, roads, and spills.
As Coloradans, we understand the social, economic, and ecological values of our nation's forests, parks, refuges, monuments, and other public lands. Sen. Cory Gardner, as a Coloradan who has repeatedly stated your support for smart fiscal management and public lands conservation, this is a "no brainer." Do not vote to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling.
Josh Hicks
Golden
Shameful results of Bergdahl decision
I just want to thank Robert E. Mulvaney, MSGT USAF retired for his letter regarding the shameful results of the Bowe Bergdahl desertion and misbehavior before the enemy trial. I believe Mulvaney is absolutely correct in that Col. Jeffery Nance, should be asked to submit his resignation and I further believe Nance should be fired for dereliction of duty.
I just read at Military.com that Bergdahl's attorney is now asking that Bergdahl be "awarded the Prisoner Of War Medal"! He was not a POW, he was a deserter, tried and found guilty but then let off the penalty hook by a lenient judge who should no longer serve in the military. If you missed Mulvaney's article, please go to Gazette.com and read it, then call your congressman as he suggested in the article.
Master Chief Petty Officer (SS) Robert Koelbl, U.S. Navy, retired
Colorado Springs
Military families overcoming challenges
I want to turn the public's attention to an issue not always top of mind: career opportunities for military families.
Like thousands of other military spouses, I know that the conditions involved, like moving around constantly, make it difficult to have a stable career, much less start a business.
A study last year by Blue Star Families found that military spouses face a staggering unemployment rate of 18 percent, compared with a national unemployment rate at the time of only 4.4 percent.
I recently learned of a program called Patriot Boot Camp, and my life was transformed by it. It's an entrepreneurial training program co-founded by Jared Polis.
Patriot Boot Camp is specifically designed to help veterans and military spouses overcome the unique challenges they face starting businesses.
Thanks to Patriot Boot Camp, I had the opportunity to access critical resources and mentors that helped me grow and expand small business. Together with a fellow military spouse, I started WISE Advise + Assist Team, a team of military spouse professionals who help small businesses grow through outsourcing.
So this Veterans Day, let's reflect on what we can do to help military families have not just health benefits and jobs, but the dignity and fulfillment of a career - because no one deserves that more than those who sacrifice for our great country.
Laura Early
Colorado Springs
Colorado has a chance to be a leader
Once again The Gazette editorial page shows severe conservative views, with facts that have no merit. Colorado and its children have not fallen apart due to legalization/recreational marijuana.
Further, Colorado Springs can only benefit from recreational sales as it does now from medical sales taxes.
Much of the recreational sales come from those outside Colorado, take Summit County as an example: sales there skyrocket during ski season.
The claim of double driving infractions due to marijuana is bogus as there are not truly accurate tests for the THC content at the time of testing, since THC can be detected in the system for up to 30 days. Also there is more testing going on since legalization, which of itself would cause this analomy.
Your quote by Justin Riley is simply fear mongering and the editorial's odious occasion and somber nature statement is funereal.
I'm glad the voters have given Colorado the chance to be a leader in the economics, regulation and taxation of marijuana for medical and recreational use and can see the benefits 25 years from now.
Susan Moore
Colorado Springs
An unpleasant surprise
The I-25 GAP Improvement is a yes. Yet all of a sudden immediately after the vote, the new north and south bound lanes are being referred to as "Express" or "Toll" lanes. When was this finalized?
Why was no reference to a toll road approach for these two new lanes included in the ballot question?
Are you surprised at this apparent pivot in the cost structures which really translates to "pay me now" and "pay me later". Surprise!
Gordon Reichal
Monument
