Soap Box

To the editor,

On Aug. 21, I spoke at the City Council meeting in opposition of the forthcoming tax increase. I encourage everyone to watch minute 24 to 32 on Durango Government Television, DGOV.

In the past, the response I have received from city staff and city councilors when I suggested that our extremely high water rates were limiting local food production, decreasing property values and eliminating green space is “Where were you when we were originally discussing this issue?”

Now that I am at the table at the right time questioning the need for another sales and property tax, harassment and anger are being expressed since I have a differing opinion. This isn’t the Durango I grew up in. Everybody in this community deserves to have a voice, whether it is properly timed or contrary to city leaders.

– John Simpson, Durango

To the editor,

Last week, when a Women’s U.S Open tennis final was nearly over, a famous figure, Serena Williams, had a major tantrum with a longtime umpire. She called him a liar, demanded an apology that was not deserved, her racquet shattered once it hit the ground, screamed her head off, and more. All this disgusting behavior took place in front of her opponent, age 20, and a world-wide audience.

Serena should have been escorted off the court, by present USTA rules and regulations, but she got to finish with a minor punishment and commercials in which she makes money off of were heavily played right up to the Men’s final today.

In the early 1900s, when my father, Johnny Hope-Doeg, won major tennis tournaments, thankfully he was modest with no hordes of silver trophies littering our living room. Civility was a must on the court or face suspension or get kicked off the court forever. Obviously, now, if you are “bankable” you are given the royal treatment despite bad behavior.

Unfortunately, today in sports, politics and even in the school classroom (where teachers hands are tied if little Billy or Betty bullies), there needs to be a Renaissance of Respectful Behavior.

Remember the Golden Rule: treat the person in front of you like you want to be treated. I am so thankful for an upbringing that required respect for one another and was able to not stoop so low to scream back at someone who recently verbally abused me.

– Sally Florence, Durango

To the editor,

We were affected, as most were, by the 416 Fire. It started about a mile from our home, and having just moved here from the Denver area in April, we were immediately concerned. We attended one of the first community information meetings held in Durango and were extremely impressed listening to Sheriff Smith address the crowd. He had control and command of a tense situation and seemed confident that everyone responsible for fighting this raging wildfire was doing their jobs without interference from other agencies.

We talked with Sean personally afterward, and since we’ve both been around law enforcement for many years (Wes was a Colorado State Trooper and coroner for Douglas County for 16 years), he impressed us with his knowledge of law enforcement and especially the La Plata County Sheriff’s office.

In addition, Julie has worked for over 15 years in Denver for a well-respected lobbyist who represents the county sheriffs of Colorado at our state Capitol. The lobbyist Peg Ackerman’s personal opinion of Sheriff Smith is that he’s smart, knowledgeable and manages his department honestly, with integrity and transparency and as a true leader. More recently we had a chat with officers of his department, and they are extremely supportive of him as a leader in a complicated profession.

We urge you to re-elect a proven leader.

– Julie and Wes Riber, Durango