Letters to the editor of up to 250 words may be sent to the Coloradoan at opinion@coloradoan.com or submitted online at http://noconow.co/opinionsubmissions. Submissions should include the writer’s address and phone number.
Smoke-free air is up to all of us
Regarding the Coloradoan article “Smoking citations down almost 90 percent” (Nov. 24), the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment thanks Fort Collins Code Enforcement and Police Services for public education and enforcement of the city’s smoking ordinance.
The smoke-free downtown policy was passed almost two years ago and fewer citations may indicate that smoke-free public spaces are becoming the norm in Fort Collins.
Prior to the smoke-free/vape-free rules being implemented, the 2016 Health District Community Health Survey found that 79 percent of Fort Collins residents supported smoke-free public spaces including downtown, parks and trails.
TobaccofreeCO.org gives some positive reasons to have smoke and vape-free environments:
- Even outside, exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor negatively impacts the health of those nearby.
- Youth/young adults in communities with strong smoke-free protections are less likely to smoke compared to those living in communities with weaker protections.
- Most people who smoke want to quit; smoke-free environments encourage quitting or cutting back on use.
- Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world and they are not biodegradable; smoke-free places help reduce litter and its effects on the environment.
At a recent presentation at a local middle school, students were amazed to learn that smoking used to be allowed on airplanes, at hospitals, and at restaurants. Children understand that smoking is bad for health and that Fort Collins has strong smoke-free policies.
It’s up to us – non-smokers and smokers, residents and visitors, employers and employees – to do our part in keeping public spaces healthy and smoke-free.
Jan Moraczewski, health educator
Cut the gas to save the beer
As co-founder of Snowbank Brewery, I can state with assurance that Coloradans care deeply about two things; beer and our natural environment.
This holds true especially in Fort Collins, where we nestled up to the Rocky Mountains. But our oasis for beer drinking and outdoor adventuring is being threatened by our dirty transportation sector, which is damaging our environment and health.
Our dependence on gas-guzzling vehicles is contributing to climate change and air pollution, threatening our economy and my livelihood.
My business, craft beer production, will be directly affected by climate change – impacting quality, price, and availability of my ingredients.
Our city already ranks 19th in the country for having the most polluted air and rising temperatures will only exacerbate this problem. As climate change and air pollution create instability and uncertainty for the future of Fort Collins, we have to act now by adopting low emission vehicle (LEV) standards.
These standards would ensure all new cars are more fuel efficient, protecting the environment and improving public health and saving car owners money in fuel costs. That’s more money that can be invested in businesses like mine. As a local business owner who depends on a clean environment and a booming economy, adopting a standard that would make our cars pollute less is a no-brainer.
Dave Rosso, Fort Collins
Johnson represents his constituents
On Nov. 19, in front of a full hearing room the Larimer County commissioners voted 2-1 in favor of the Loveland Ready Mix’s proposed gravel pit and batch plant to be placed within the community of Laporte.
This culminated a multi-year battle by residents opposed to it. As usual, there were hours of testimony opposing the pit but only a handful of speakers favoring it. Commissioner Steve Johnson voted “no;” commissioners Sean Doughtery and Tom Donnelly voted “yes.”
I thank Johnson for being the only member of the board who represented his constituents. It was obvious that only he had read and listened to arguments from both sides. And only he appeared to care about the welfare of Larimer County residents over the plans and requests of a corporation.
We can hope that Johnson continues to stay in public service.
Mary Lea Dodd, Bellvue
Later school start has consequences
I am the great grandmother of two children in Eyestone Elementary School who get on their bus at 6:30 a.m. I’m grandmother of three men who went through Poudre School District schools.
My two daughters graduated from Fort Collins High School when it was on Remington Street.
I believe those who favor the new and very much…
