The Profile encourages readers to express opinions about any of the articles that appear on our pages, or to simply let us know about any topic of relevance to the residents of central, south-central or near southeast Denver.

Letters To The Editor may be submitted in several ways: Click on the Contact Us button above and send your letter as an e-mail message or attachment; fax your letter to 303-778-7918; or mail your letter to Washington Park Profile, 617 E. Jewell Ave., Denver, CO 80210

 

Global Warming: Fact Or Fear-fed Boondoggle?

Dear Editor,

My goodness! Take time to get off the emotional bandwagon of Global Warming; take the attached test on warming issues. Are you really ready to spend billions/trillions of dollars to chase a presumed man-made problem with no certain results? We are so “fat and sassy” in the U.S. we have time to worry about 1⁄2 degree rise in world temperatures. We have 30 types of potato chips to choose from, we are obese with time to worry. We can’t fix our public education system but we can control global warming, ridiculous.

Your paper is full of emotion. Print facts to educate. That is a noble undertaking that is currently spat upon.

Take this test on the Global Warming issue and see what you know about Global Warming. 10 Questions: very educational.

The Global Warming Test
http://www.geocraft.com/WVFossils/GlobWarmTest/start.html

Ed Quinn

Breakfast Table Solutions For Our Economic Malaise

Dear Editor:

My son and I own a very small restaurant. Because of its size, it lends itself to a great deal of customer interaction ... particularly in the early morning breakfast group. Lately, the discussions have been focusing on the government’s solutions for boosting our failing economy. As a listener, not a participant, I felt that two of the solutions mentioned would be of interest to your readers.

The first solution was concerning the gasoline tax. At present, in Colorado, the gasoline tax is $1.04 per gallon, $.60 of which is federal tax. If the government would give up their share of tax, it would lower gasoline by $.60 a gallon. Immediately, those who drive would have extra money in their pocket. It would reduce the cost of shipping and public transportation, which would eventually drive prices of food, etc. down. Everyone gains.

The second solution was concerned with corporate production overseas. If the federal govenment required all major corporations to produce 60 percent of their products in the U.S.A., more jobs would continue to be available for the working class. Prices would be higher, yes, but unemployment, welfare, etc. would be less.

Both of these solutions were good ideas, in my mind. What do you think?

Sincerely,

Jeanette Mueller
Cozy Cottage Restaurant
2423 S. Downing St.

 

Problematic Poop Pick-up Stresses Pet Owner’s Resources

Dear Editor,

I am writing for two reasons. First and foremost, I want to remind all our neighborhood dog owners that just because it snows does not mean that dog poop magically disappears.

Has anyone taken a walk in the neighborhood after a good thaw? After a snow and thaw, all I see is dog poop. When Fido poops and it sinks into the snow, that does not mean it is gone forever. No, it means that you need to position yourself and get your poop bag good and wet as you scoop up the poop. That way, after a good thaw, all we see as neighbors is grass waiting to become green for the spring!

This brings me to my second point. I would love to have feedback from readers about the means in which I can pick up dog poop. I get about 6-8 poops per day to clean up by the Labrador loves of my life, Chester and Stanley. With our new sustainable culture (anyone ask for a plastic bag at Wild Oats ... oops ... Whole Foods these days and get a lecture?)

I am at a loss of how to clean up my dog’s poop. I don’t get a newspaper (again ... sustainable culture ... get news online ...) so the newspaper bags are out of the picture. I could drive to PetSmart to purchase clean-up bags (again, a question about sustainability because I do all my pet shopping online) but then that is just replacing the bags I get at Wild Oats (Whole Foods). I would love suggestions, as I feely strongly about my point number 1 but don’t know how to resolve it with point number 2.

Thank you!

Melanie McClanahan
West Wash Park Resident
(Feel free to write me with your suggestions at mmcclanahan2328@yahoo.com)

 

RTD’s Response Misses The Mark Says High-Rise Foe

Dear Editor:

I was surprised and flattered that RTD general manager Cal Marsella took his valuable time to respond to my criticism of RTD regarding their cozy relationship with Mile High Development at the University Light Rail Station (February 2008).

The problem with his response is that apparently he didn’t read my letter. Nowhere did I say or even imply that RTD acquired that sliver of land at the station by eminent domain. We all know the city “vacated” the land after rezoning was approved (and opposed by every neighborhood organization in the area). So much for my “fabrication.”

The argument that it’s fine to put a 12-story high-rise building there because the space was previously occupied by an apartment building is ludicrous. The point is, now the space is occupied by a light rail station – and a lot of neighbors think that’s just fine, and that’s enough. If my recollection serves, the Woodwinds apartment building was no more than four stories, not a 12-story monstrosity dominating the station area, Buchtel Boulevard, and our neighborhood.

All this makes one wonder who’s the one “twisting information” and making false accusations. Seems like Mr. Marsella is hypersensitive on this issue – as he should be.

Allan Ferguson
1743 S. Marion St.
303-722-3441

 

South Denver Market Brighter Than You Might Think

Dear Editor:

In spite of much-publicized reports in the media concerning poor home sales, the number of sales in south Denver for the 4th quarter of 2007 were about the same as sales for the 4th quarter of 2006. While prices have remained flat – they haven’t declined as we are led to believe. The single biggest challenge to selling a home in 2007 was the “lending crisis” that began in July. It created a situation in which many loan programs disappeared overnight and put a lot of buyers in a holding pattern. If not for that, sales volume probably would have increased from 2006 to 2007.

The future looks bright for our market in south Denver. After some attrition in the lending business and some tightening of loan guidelines, there again is money available for buyers. In fact, the loan rates have been lowered to the 5 percent to 6 percent range, and are starting to bring more buyers into the market. Many buyers are already out looking for homes early this year.

I expect 2008 to be a healthy year for home sales. It may be the most balanced year of the last few years – for stable prices and an equal number of buyers and sellers. For sellers, it means you have to price correctly for the location, condition and amenities to attract a buyer. For buyers, it means there will be a decent inventory of homes to choose from, at a fair price.

Sincerely,

Michael Craig