Monthly Archives: December 2011

Rather than forgetful New Years Resolutions, I have unfathomable questions for the new year whose answers would enrich us all:

Why is the government in debt? How could it possibly be true that a government can endlessly spend and borrow beyond its means to create wealth?

How can it be that socialism is not dead and buried? After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 what explains California, Detroit and most university professors?

Why is the Greenhouse Effect still mentioned to explain Global Warming? It was just an english metaphor not science. Greenhouses work because of controlling convection, which doesn’t apply to the atmosphere.

Why is Darwin still lauded? Since species do not evolve as show by DNA, why is evolution still the atheist anthem?

If “pros” and “cons” are opposite, is congress the opposite of progress?

So, what are your “impossibilities masquerading as fact”?

Curiously,

Mike Maish
Boulder Continue reading →

As an avid city runner and walker I personally experience the cities sidewalk code enforcement
after every snow storm. The city itself clearly states “the whole focus of the code ordinance is to make sidewalks reasonable for people to walk.” So what benefit is there for people to use sidewalks if they lead to snow packed “city” crosswalks?

To enforce “private” sidewalk clearing without “public” crosswalk snow removal, can clearly lead to more harm than good.

Following our latest snow storms, the safety problems were not with our private sidewalks as much as they were with our “city” crosswalks.

What benefit is there to having a clear dry path that leads to nowhere? Oh, it does lead to
somewhere, a dangerous city crosswalk, which should also be maintained, if it is our community policy to encourage safety for public citizens.

The city and the university should receive high marks for keeping both the sidewalks and crosswalks on campus and the
city bike paths clear immediately after the latest storms. But as to to the rest of the city commitment I would at least give them an” incomplete ” at best.

My suggestion is that if we really want to encourage outdoor safety of our neighborhoods in the winter, we should also report snowy street crosswalks as well as sidewalks the day after a storm.

I guess Boulder residents can report crosswalk violations to the police department’s non-emergency line. But if I were a code
enforcement officer I would think twice before getting out of my car onto a snowy, icy, neighborhood city street, to cross an unsafe crosswalk, to enforce a violation that often
does little to promote the health, safety or welfare of our citizens after such weather events.

Let’s give the city a clear warning to clear street crosswalks if their snow removal problem remains more than a day after a snowstorm. If not, why not
neighborhood by neighborhood we hire private contractors to clear the problem and deduct the amount from our city water bills or maybe our soon-to-be generated city municipal electric bills.

Jim Martin
Boulder Continue reading →

To the Editor,

As a twenty-two year old who grew up swimming and fishing with my family in healthy lakes and rivers, I’ve come to appreciate and depend upon clean water for recreation. I can only hope that one day my grandchildren will have the same opportunity to splash carelessly in clean water while enjoying a wild Colorado landscape.

That’s why it’s so important that the Obama administration restore protections that safeguard the Boulder Creek watershed from unlimited pollution.

Lawsuits brought before the Supreme Court by big polluters ended three decades of Clean Water Act protections for thousands of streams and millions of acres of wetlands nationwide. Here in Colorado, headwaters are at risk of losing their protections, threatening 68% of Colorado’s streams. And in Boulder County, residents get their drinking water from public supplies fed by streams currently at risk.

President Obama and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have the chance to stand up for Colorado waterways by restoring the Clean Water Act. I urge the Obama administration to see this essential effort through, bringing us closer to the day when all our waters are safe for swimming, fishing, and drinking.

Heather Kryczka

Field Organizer
Environment Colorado
Denver Continue reading →

Dear Editor,

Fifty-four (54%) percent of Boulder County homes have unhealthy radon levels, which compares to
only 6% of homes with unhealthy levels of radon across the rest of country. Boulder County Public
Health (BCPH) urges Boulder County residents to take action during National Radon Action Month by
testing their homes for elevated levels of radon.

Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless gas that can become dangerous when trapped inside
buildings. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., causing more than 20,000 lung
cancer deaths each year. Unfortunately, because you can’t see or smell radon, people often fail to
test for it.

Testing homes for elevated levels of radon is simple and inexpensive. If discovered, radon problems
are usually easily fixed. Radon test kits that meet national requirements are available at local
hardware stores, home improvement stores, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension-
Boulder County Extension in Longmont, Center for Resource Conservation in Boulder or directly from
a National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)-certified laboratory. Many test kits cost less
than $25.

For more information about radon, radon testing, or radon mitigation, visit the Boulder County Public
Health radon website at www.BoulderCountyRadon.org or call BCPH at (303) 441-1176/(303) 441-
1560.

Sincerely,

Susan Martino, MLA
Environmental Health Specialist II
Boulder County Public Health

Patty Dooley-Strappelli
Environmental Health Specialist II
Boulder County Public Health Continue reading →

So far this winter (and fall) the is snow falling thick and heavy along the front range, a semi-arid environment, where normally citizens treasure and pray for more moisture. But when the snow flies the shovels and snow blowers come out and the snow is more often than not deposited right in the middle of the road. This is something I’ve only seen in Colorado though I’ve lived in much snowier areas of the country. I am vexed by this: Why shovel your snow into the street where it will eventually go straight into the sewers without first being absorbed by your lawn and trees before heading on it’s way to Kansas? Colorado water law does allow us to use the water/snow melt once before we send it on it’s way, but it seems that many Colorado landowners have no use for this winter water.

But more importantly, it’s a dangerous and rude practice. I assume that the thought is that the plows will come along and sweep it all magically away. However, this doesn’t always happen. Our most recent snow has overstayed it’s welcome and all the mounds of snow deposited in front of everyone’s driveways remain there, an impassible mush of slush and ice. As a runner I detest this practice. It makes no sense to me – and to be blunt, it’s anti-social and anti-community. It’s a hazard whether you are on foot (often the sidewalks are impassible), on a bike, or in a car. I do not understand why or how this can be legal – but regardless, it’s certainly selfish.

Please shovel or blow your snow onto your own lawn and use the precious moisture, or at least pile the snow along your driveway and keep the way clear and safe for others.

Caolan MacMahon
Boulder Continue reading →

The Colorado caucus-assembly system was instituted in 1912. Across
the state voters affiliated with a political party gather together at
the grassroots level to begin the nominating process for candidates and
to elect precinct committee persons and delegates to the assemblies.

Colorado doesn’t have a Presidential Primary Election. Instead, people
who participate in the caucus have an opportunity to become delegates
to the county and state assemblies (HD33, SD23, JD17, and CD2.) During
the caucus we select our neighbors who will represent our views at the
local assemblies where candidates are nominated, planks for the party
platform are selected, and party leadership is chosen.

In order to participate in the Broomfield Democratic Party Caucus you
must be affiliated with the party by Jan. 6 (2 months before the
caucus) and also be a resident of the precinct for 30 days prior. You
may update your party affiliation or register to vote by visiting the
Broomfield County website at www.votebroomfield.org or go to the City
and County Offices located at 1 Descombes Drive, Broomfield. Office
hours are 8-5, Monday through Friday.

The Broomfield Democratic Party caucus will be held at the Broomfield
High School on Tuesday evening, March 6. We hope that you will take
this opportunity to become involved at the local level!

Linda Mahoney, Second Vice Co-chair
Broomfield County Democratic Party Continue reading →

Yes siree…health care should be free! And health care professionals should cheerfully work for nothing, since altruism will surely cover all their expenses! (Except-of course-for those pesky lawsuits that remain unaddressed by Obama care, not to mention food, shelter, and taxes) Since there are no free lunches, the only way that this can happen is to raise income taxes on everyone (no if’s, and’s or but’s). Oh wait…close to ten percent of our population has no income to speak of. So much for raising taxes. And even if we take 99 percent of the wealthiest’s income, we’ll still come up short. (Never mind our national debt and deficit.) Let’s just keep reminding health care providers that they owe us! That should surely incentivize anyone contemplating a career in the healing arts.

June Warwick (retired RN)
Boulder Continue reading →

This letter is WARNING to all those who support the Boulder County Land Use
Comprehensive Plan, and policies – to those that believe it’s a legitimate use
of Governmental power to control private rural farmland, the methods of its
use, the types of produce grown, the species of animals raised, the subsidizing
of selected products and rents, and the commandeering of private property
rights by which to accomplish these, all under the guise of “protecting the
environment.”

The warning is simply this – YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS ARE NEXT – and don’t limit
your thinking of “property rights” to my farm; think all “resources” that you, your
business or employer uses.

The United Nation’s Agenda 21, and its implementing organization ICLEI, of
which Boulder is a current paying member, clearly state their objectives of
controlling and allocating all “resources” by government decree – the purest
form of Socialism. These resources include all land, water, mineral, energy, and
agricultural products. Imagine the shelves at Safeway being emptied of all food
that the UN thinks is not “appropriate, fair, sustainable, or equitable”. Imagine
local farmers being told what type of wheat, corn, or sugar beets they can or
cannot grow.

Boulder County already dictates house size limits – what’s stopping them from
limiting the size of your next car, tractor, TV, anything – nothing but your voice
and your vote.

Even if you’re pleased that Boulder County is commandeering my property rights,
be advised that by supporting these policies, or by apathy toward them, you’ve
abdicated your own rights.

Read for yourself Agenda 21 (www.un.org/esa/dsd/agenda21/ ) and ICLEI
(www.iclei.org/) plans for Socialist controls on all resources. After all, you’re
paying for Boulder’s ICLEI membership.

“But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be
restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” – John Adams.

Donald R. Cage
Longmont Continue reading →

I was appalled by Bob Greenlee’s column [Sunday Camera, December 25, 2011] characterizing people who oppose allowing GMO crops on county open space land as “agribusiness Luddites.”

“Luddite” is a pejorative term which , in addition to some of the other language he used, indicates that Bob does not respect the intelligence of people with whom he disagrees.

Further, he does not seem to understand the issue. He says the “issue was always about competing economic interests.” Evidently by this he means that it is just a bunch of organic gardeners trying to get an economic advantage over farmers who use the methods recommended by the big chemical companies — the one percent twisting the noses of the 99 percent! That is nonsense.

The real issue is concern that GMO crops have not been adequately tested and proven safe for human consumption.

Jeffrey Smith’s book “Genetic Roulette” documents numerous SPECIFIC EXAMPLES where researchers have found harmful effects in feeding GMO crops to laboratory animals. Farm animals have reportedly died after eating GMO crops and autopsies discover awful lesions in the stomach. There are voluminous specific footnotes in the book documenting all this.

These are the specific concerns that need to be addressed if a truly intelligent discussion is to be held. So far everyone who has spoken in favor of GMOs has ignored these specific concerns and has just made general statements assuring the public there is nothing to worry about. There was a time when asbestos and smoking were “nothing to worry about.” Probably Bob would have called anybody who raised concerns “Luddites.”

It is better, I think, to be a living, healthy Luddite than a dead or sickly Alfred E Neuman [the "What me worry?" face of Mad magazine]!

David Hunsberger
Erie Continue reading →

As Louisville struggles to appoint a replacement for its new mayor, Bob
Muckle, it’s becoming evident that the ideological morass we so detest
in Washington, has come home to roost in our communities.

Over the past decade, we’ve seen the forces of centralization closing in
around us. Communities are expected to follow unfunded mandates “from
above,” to follow long-term recommendations made by planners and
accepted by county and regional committees, to grow dependent on federal
grant monies to ensure cooperation on federal initiatives, whether
transportation or green energy. Business interests now demand perks
from tax dollars before they will consent to do business in communities.
Our Council needs to be on top of things to keep our interests paramount
in these new times.

The stalemate we see in Louisville is not a good sign. If Council is
looking for someone to “go along to get along,” or worse, individual
Council members just looking for who will be an ally “on their side,” we
are not well served. “Pick a box to think inside, and then defend it”
is just as useless as “whatever everyone else wants to do.” Either way,
Louisville loses.

If the choice were mine, I’d pick an independent business owner. They
need to work with everyone, regardless of party affiliation or
ideological stripe. They hear all the voices of the community, and need
to get along with all of them. After all, it’s the Community we want
served, not the preferences of the sitting Council.

Sure, all that extra discussion before a decision is made is more work,
but well-thought-out decisions with fewer unintended consequences is
exactly what Louisville citizens have shown time and again that they
want. Only then can we see real confidence in local government.

Eva Kosinski
Louisville Continue reading →

Parks & Open Space Cloture

Can we please all get along?

Have you given any thought to the people in Boulder that work split/midnight shifts, and need to chill for a little while on a park bench before going back to their minimum wage jobs – especially on a balmy summer night?

Are you suggesting that it is a threat to our general well being if a couple, on their way home from a late evening at a restaurant, linger for a moment on a park bench and reflect on their future?

I know athletes that completed a 100 mile back and forth endurance run from Chautauqua to Eldorado Springs soon after a 14” snowstorm one March. Their spouses met them for encouragement and hot cocoa at each end to help them attain their goal.

It’s bad enough that they couldn’t park and wait for them after an arbitrary hour, but now you are saying that they cannot wait in the park to greet them on their relay?

Why don’t you enforce existing laws instead of attempting to pass new over-reaching regulations that are a thinly veiled attempt for another agenda? This whole approach reeks of impropriety.

This is my 33rd year as a Chimney Sweep, and I know when someone’s blowing smoke up my flue!

The citizens of Boulder do not want their hard earned tax money to go toward unnecessary attorney’s fees defending a capricious abuse of their trust.

Please, shall we step back for a moment and think this through?

Jeff Charlebois
Boulder Continue reading →

On December 14, 2011 the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved HR 1905. Four hundred eleven members of the House voted for the bill and only eleven members opposed it. The bill is now before the Senate for approval. Section 601 of this bill could be the prelude to another American war in the Middle East. Section 601 of HR 1905 not only increases sanctions against Iran but also prohibits United States officials and Diplomats from having any discussions with members of the Iranian military or Iranian government. When both parties to a conflict want to avoid war they communicate to find resolution such as in the Cuban Nuclear Crisis of 1962. When a party prohibits all levels of communication they begin preparing for a military solution.

Remember Iraq.

During the worst times of the Cold War the United States maintained open channels of communication with the Soviet Union. In fact it was through the open channels of communication during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 that the world was speared a nuclear war.

Most Diplomats and Conflict Resolution Specialists would attest to the need to have dialogue with the group you are in conflict with. Absence of communication leads to war preparation. Once you prepare for war – war is going to happen. Witness the massive troop build-up prior to the American war in Iraq in 1993. That war cost us just shy of one trillion dollars. Deficits?

Members of The House of Representatives on December 14, 2011, not able to address our serious unemployment and budget issues, somehow did miracously find the time and unity between parties to move us closer to war with Iran by passing HR 1905 essentially ending communication between Iran and the United States leaving military intervention as the only option. This war would lead to higher oil prices (huge profits for whom) increase our deficit and negatively impact our employment problem. Why war????

Before listening to all the hype about Iran going Nuclear and presenting the biggest risk to peace in the Middle East review the history of the three players in this conflict – the United States, Israel and Iran. In the past 100 years Iran is the only country that has never invaded or occupied another country.

Iran has never been in a war with Israel. Of the wars Israel has fought with its neighbors none of them involved Iran.

In 1980 Iran was attacked by Iraq. They fought a brutal war for 8 years. Tens of thousands of people died. The United States supported Iraq and Saddam Hussein in this war. Yes we supported Saddam Hussein. Prior to that Iran was invaded by Britain and the Soviet Union in 1941 and occupied by them till 1946.

Israel has been in about 6 wars since 1948 and the United States has been in approximately14 wars since World War 2. Iran’s only war since World War 2 was in 1980 when attacked by Iraq.

Iran has a military budget of approximately nine billion dollars approximately seventy-five million people and zero nuclear weapons. The United States has a military budget of approximately seven hundred billion dollars, three hundred million people and approximately 2,000 nuclear weapons. Israel has a military budget of approximately sixteen billion dollars, approximately six million people and approximately 200 nuclear weapons.

All of the of above information can be verified on Wipedia.com the online encyclopedia. Source of HR 1905 search HR 1905 on line and read section 601. This legislation was passed on December 14, 2011 by the House and will soon be going to the Senate. It was not reported by any major newspapers in the United States. It was passed when we Americans thought the members of the House were busy working on legislation to address our sorry and pathetic economy. But no, Congress was busy working on laying the groundwork for yet another war.

If the facts above are true why do we want to attack Iran? Why were members of the House working on legislation that could lead us into another Middle East war? Iran could never defend themselves against the United States Military. What is their threat to us? Why would they ever think they could attack us or Israel? Israel is the super power of the Middle East and the United States is the super power of the world and we are joined at the hip.

Who is behind this legislation, who is marketing war as the only solution to the Iranian problem, and what is the problem?

Ken Wood
Boulder Continue reading →

The International Journal of Biological Sciences recently reviewed the initial studies for GMO safety and highlighted inadequate research protocols and insufficient evidence (Vendomois et al. 2010). Negative health consequences are associated with ingestion of GMO’s. Research indicates a strong link between Non Hodgkin Lymphoma and exposure to Roundup (Eriksson, et al., 2008). Animal studies based on the consumption of GMO’s have shown liver, pancreas and kidney mutations suggesting toxic cell responses (Malatesta, 2003; Mackenzie et al, 2007). Over 50% of rat offspring died within 3 weeks after being fed GMO soy, survivors had stunted growth (Ernakova, 2005). Numerous animal studies reveal hematological changes, immune system alterations, organ toxicity, endocrine disruption, decreased fertility and biochemical changes that indicate potential serious health complications (Dona & Arvanitoyannis, 2009; Gasnier et al., 2009; Finamore et al 2008; Maletesta et al, 2008; Killic et al, 2008).
Many countries are requiring empirical research evidence for safety of GMO’s. The U.S. and most recently Boulder County, ignored worldwide scientific health concerns. These include unknown side effects of ingesting genetically modified DNA, ingestion of higher doses of Glycophosate (Roundup), and unknown side effects of consuming plants that produce their own pesticide. At least 20% of GMO plants continuously produce their own pesticide that remains inside the plant.
Although, we care about farmers, our primary concern should be children’s health and environment. Numerous officials in Boulder County are torn because they grew up with farmers. Although, I grew up in a very rural area with many ranchers and farmers that were family friends, I would not put my children’s health behind those friendships. As a healthcare provider and mother, I resent my tax dollars used for growth of food crops on open space that lack substantial, long term, repeated scientific studies with data that support health and safety claims.

Vicki Grossman
Boulder Continue reading →

Republican leaders, and in particular, Senator Minority Leader Mitch Mc
Connell and Speaker of the House John Boehner, are always stressing what
they are doing for łthe people?˛
Yeah, sure – but what people? Those who really support them, of
course, and that does not include their legal constituents, but the ones who
bribe them to do their bidding in Congress. Yes, but now the Supremely
Oligarchic ( certainly no longer the peoplesą ) Court has made it legal to
take those bribes, and illegal for anyone to try to find out who makes them,
thus perverting ( further ) our Democratic system.
If, However, weąre talking about regular people, the 99 percent plus who
cannot afford to pay these bribes, but pay the taxes for their Congressional
salaries, McConnell and Boehner should realistically put the words (
łscrew,˛ or łcheat˛ if you prefer ) before each use of the word łpeople.˛

R. Kiefer
Arvada Continue reading →

I stumbled upon the editorial cartoon in today’s Christmas Eve edition.

The cartoon showed faces of three humans who were assassinated or died this year.

One appeared to be a leader of a terrorist organization, responsible for 9/11.

The next face was a dictator who was murdered after being caught by the opposition, aided by a NATO bombing.

The third was the face of a Communist leader who is accused of great oppression of his people.

Underneath each person was the word, DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!

Then, I read the words beside these pictures, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… ”

How Christian?

I can only think that the Daily Camera printed this editorial cartoon to elicit an emotional response.

Is it appropriate to relish in hatred on Christmas? Jinge bells, Jingle bells, let’s kill our enemies!!!

Personally, I doubt that much positive change will occur through the deaths of these individuals.

One of the more striking features of this cartoon involve acts of extraordinary injustice and an ultimately, unwarranted, state-sponsored execution.

And, may I ask about the conception of human life as having sacred value.

I thought this was one of the most basic of Christian values?

Vengeance and hatred, It is a natural, and often quite understandable, response to the trauma of violence and social injustice, murder.

But to submit to this emotion—for it is an emotion, and not an argument—and, ironically, show it to be a Christmas present to the world?

What’s wrong with this picture ?

It seems we’ve got no shortage of bible-beating zealots who ump for joy in the killing of another human being.

Don’t kill fetuses they say… but grown men are fine and dandy for the killin’…

We’ll fly you over to where the men we want dead are. Let’s roll.
Stop.

Think about the beliefs you hold dear.

What was that the message of this editorial cartoon?

And to you, a Merry Christmas!

Seth Brigham
Boulder Continue reading →

How could you? HOW COULD YOU? How could you run an editorial cartoon that celebrates killing and the birth of Christ in one frame? While I am not a practicing Christian, I understand the man whose birth we celebrate on December 25 to have been a man of peace and wisdom – not a killer. Deepest shame on you.

Kappy Hall
Lafayette Continue reading →

Recent events have been rather rough on my Boulder personhood–my belief I am part of a great community with a big brain and kind heart, that does more to help, less to harm, sending mostly positive vibes into the universe. In Boulder, reason and compassion trump prejudice, crass commercialism and cultural intolerance. Boulder likes dogs, bikes and open space. Boulder eats clean, thinks green; appreciates the unusual and accommodates the offbeat. Or so it seems.

The first big hit to my image of Boulder came when City Council dropped its longstanding opposition to the Jefferson Parkway boondoggle despite the clear danger to public health posed by plutonium contaminated construction residue. Never mind the massive carbon-spewing Sprawlville that roadway will facilitate. True, an important section of west metro open space was part of the deal; but at what human and environmental cost?

Next, a vocal crowd of NIMBYs nixed a modest attempt to build permanent housing for some of Boulder’s homeless. Apparently, these concerned residents believe the new tenants would still pee in their neighbors’ yards. When it comes to housing, Boulder seems content keeping it unaffordable for many.

My Boulder Concept suffered a particularly painful blow when our county commissioners approved GMOs on County open space, ignoring contrary evidence and dispensing with any notion of environmentally sustainable agriculture. A Monsanto-backed Astroturf lobby group overwhelmed local residents, but that didn’t seem to bother the Commissioners as they casually brushed aside the Precautionary Principle, asserting the opposition failed to prove there’s anything wrong with GMOs.

And most recently, in response to the Occupy encampment, the City has proposed closing public parks at night. Hats off to the police and the 1% who evidently will be the big winners here. .

Boulder faintly resembles the kind, principled and “liberal” Republic I once knew.

Ken Bonetti
Boulder Continue reading →

To the editor:

David Rubinstein has written an op-ed that seems to have been inspired by Newt Gingrich’s claim that Palestinians are an invented people — a bit of shameless pandering to the pro-Israel lobby for funding and votes.

(Somehow Palestinians, who share a history, language, and culture, are an invention and not a nation, but world Jewry is a nation and has a “right” to a state that must not be questioned. Go figure.)

For anyone who cares about an equitable resolution to the stalemate between Israelis and Palestinians, Rubinstein’s obvious distortion of the historical record (refuted by a wealth of scholarship) is a waste of time. Mandate Palestine will have to be shared by Israelis and Palestinians (including those who were forced out in 1948 and since, and their descendants); there is no other alternative. The indigenous Palestinian population is not going to disappear, nor is it going to learn to love its inferior position. Jim Crow did not work in the US south, and it is not working in Israel, where discrimination against the 20% of Israel’s non-Jewish (Palestinian) citizens is institutional. (Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip fare much, much worse, of course.)

Can Rubinstein and other cheerleaders of Israel – including those who respond to letters and op-eds in the Daily Camera with virulent and often racist attacks against those who disagree with them – offer a constructive thought about the role the US could play in resolving the conflict? If not, can they explain why Israel deserves US taxpayer support when it violates the single principle that most Americans consider non-negotiable: full equality under the law for all individuals irrespective of race, ethnicity, and religion?

Ida Audeh
Boulder Continue reading →

Dear Daily Camera:

Thanks to the Camera and to Heath Urie for the follow up to his October story about the federal labs participation in the local Eco Pass program.

The best reason that the labs should be allowed by the powers-that-be in Washington, D.C. to hand out Eco Passes to any employee who will use it – at any time – was voiced by Martha Roskowski, program manager for Go Boulder. She pointed out that having an Eco Pass in your pocket makes it more likely you will take the bus if the opportunity presents itself.

I am a NOAA employee, and cannot take the bus every day. In an effort to reduce my carbon emissions, however, I try to commute by bus at least weekly. Having an Eco Pass helps me do this. Also, I almost always take the bus to business meetings in downtown Denver or to the CU campus. Without an Eco Pass, I would apply for reimbursement of these expenses accrued while on official travel, including taking the bus to the airport when I am on official travel. That would cost my local labs’ division more money each year. How silly, when the Eco Passes already are paid for by the agencies.

Eco Passes for federal employees makes sense, saves money and helps us reduce our carbon footprint. Win-Win-Win.

Carol Knight
NOAA
Boulder Continue reading →

I can certainly appreciate Hope Steffens-Nett’s sentiments about not voting to fund open space after the recent decision by County Commissioners to allow GMOs on public land. I, myself, will continue to vote for open space, but will be voting the County Commissioners out of office ASAP. Their hypocritical and lame attempt to pacify voters with their support of GMO labeling is the last straw. Join me in educating them at the polls.

Jim Gregorich
Boulder Continue reading →