Colorado’s terrible roads

My wife and I recently drove from Colorado to Ohio via I-70. We drove U.S. 24 to Limon and picked up I-70. The road was terrible!

Once we crossed into Kansas, the road was better. Yes, there was road construction almost everywhere, however, the interstate from Colorado on was in very good shape.

On our return, the road was good until we got to the Colorado border. I-70 was a nightmare until just before we turned onto U.S. 24. The road to Colorado Springs was terrible. You can imagine my surprise when we returned home to read in The Gazette that very day, Mark Hillman’s excellent article (Here’s why Coloradans can’t have good roads).

Our roads are an embarrassment to our state! We’ve read countless articles about the damage to cars from driving on our interstates and city streets!

Yes, I see the work that is ongoing, and I appreciate what is accomplished. It does, however, concern me that roads “repaired” often fall apart again within a year. It is too bad that our roads have been so neglected over the years that it is now almost impossible to catch up. I think anyone who drives in any direction from Colorado Springs is aware of the danger. It makes me sad.

Steve Harter

Colorado Springs

Community’s need is clear

A rare and time-sensitive opportunity has been presented to the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD): Ismet Sahin, owner of the former Rockrimmon Library site, has formally offered to donate 10,000 square feet of property for a new Rockrimmon Library — steps from the original location.

On Aug. 20, during the PPLD Board of Trustees meeting, Sahin spoke about the offer publicly. Then he handed real estate documents outlining this generous proposal to CEO and Chief Librarian Teona Shainidze-Krebs.

This offer directly addresses the long-expressed community need. Rockrimmon Library was once the second busiest branch in the district before it was closed. Trailblazer Elementary Principal Ken Pfeil has testified that more than 100 students in his school lack internet at home — a gap that a neighborhood library directly helps to fill. The community’s need is clear, and now the solution is being offered.

PPLD’s recent audit confirms the district is in a moderately strong financial position, with at least $16 million in unrestricted funds.

This economic stability has allowed PPLD to purchase and preserve the Ruth Holley Library and Ute Pass Library. This stability underscores why this donation is a viable and strategic path forward. Sahin’s offer dramatically reduces barriers and provides a cost-effective, long-term solution to reestablishing a library on the northwest side of town.

We encourage others to contact PPLD Board of Trustees at jsmyth@ppld.org to ensure this opportunity is not overlooked or missed. The PPLD has told the public it is exploring options for reestablishing Rockrimmon Library. This donation is the concrete step needed to fulfill that promise.

The time to act is now. Please help ensure this donation is accepted and a Rockrimmon Library is secured for our community.

Veronica Baker

Colorado Springs

Why this beautiful location?

I like to patronize O’Malley‘s Steak Pub in Palmer Lake. My access is via County Line Road. Upon exiting I-25, and heading west, is the beautiful view of Greenland Ranch open space and the Rampart Range.

Is it really necessary that Buc-ee’s has to be built there? That location will result in traffic and infrastructure issues,not to mention light pollution. I agree with Douglas County Commissioner George Teal, (Gazette on Sunday ), why can’t the Texas company consider other locations such as Castle Rock or Larkspur?

It’s not in my backyard but I’m with those in opposition of construction. Joni Mitchell once sang a lyric, “You don’t know what you have till it’s gone. They paved Paradise and put in a parking lot.”

Hopefully, it won’t happen.

Billy Greer

Colorado Springs

Weak and incompetent overall

I agree with City Council member Dave Donelson! Natalie Lovell was appointed by City Council five months ago at an annual salary of $189,000. As a condition of her appointment, she agreed to receive her Colorado Certified Public Accountant (CPA) within two years. The CPA designation is the minimum requirement.

She failed to reach her agreed goal as a provision of employment!

Replace her unless she achieves the agreed goal as scheduled. After all, she might remain an employee.

The council is much like the cash bail and soft on crime courts. They are becoming weak and incompetent overall.

It appears that Donelson is the one council person who regularly watches our for and keeps the Colorado Springs citizens informed.

Garrie Fox

Colorado Springs

Actions have consequences

I am livid, so angry, that a coward trespassed on the private property of my friends and removed their pride flag. To invade someone’s property, and commit a crime of hate, trying to instill fear in an innocent family, with young children, is despicable.

I believe the hate directed toward the gay community emanating from the current administration encourages cowards to try to scare and threaten innocent people and to break the law.

This administration has issued executive orders and policy changes attacking, disenfranchising, and trying to erase the gay community. These actions have consequences actions have consequences and can embolden people to hateful actions.

When our City Council leaders fail to show leadership in supporting all our citizens, such as their refusal to issue a proclamation recognizing pride month this year, these actions can also embolden discriminatory and illegal acts. We can do better.

Stephen Lenzo

Colorado Springs