Steamboat Today: Viewpoints

Our View: Thankful for man-made snow

We were reminded this week that there is ample reason to thank Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp.’s snowmaking, lift maintenance, slope maintenance and grooming crews (as well as staff we’ve failed to mention) for the many hours of work that go into getting the mountain ready to ski for the November holiday.

Katy Vineyard Post: Thanks, Steamboat

On Oct. 27, Cotopaxi Schools were honored to have Rachel’s Challenge present at our school. I couldn’t have brought this wonderful program to Cotopaxi without the generous donations made by my grandfather, Donald Lufkin, and my mother, Donna Vineyard.

Jessica Philip: Seeking tortillas

In reference to the article on the Mendoza family’s tortillas: I live a bit outside of town, but I would be very interested in buying some of their products while also supporting a local family/local business.

David Ihde: Salazar is wrong

I would like to respond to the article written by Congressman John Salazar in the Sunday edition of the Steamboat Pilot & Today.

Our View: Permit fee increase not so cut and dry

Logic says it’s counterintuitive to raise building permit fees during a construction slump, but deciding whether to approve the Routt County Regional Building Department’s controversial proposal is not so black and white.

Tracy Barnett: Sorry, Del

I want to apologize to Del DelHaute and his family for what has been perceived as an insensitive e-mail I sent Tuesday entitled “Epilogue Books is NOT going out of business.” This e-mail was sent from Mainstreet Steamboat Springs to let those on the Mainstreet e-mail list know that the bright neon signs on the windows in the space next to Epilogue announcing a Going Out of Business sale were not for Epilogue but for Del’s Jewelry. Epilogue was receiving calls very concerned about the sale and their pending demise. The letter was prompted by me and not by Epilogue. In these tough times, it is all every business can do to survive, let alone have to deal with conditions beyond their control. Impact from the economy and the recent downtown construction has been bad enough. Many people have thanked me for clarifying the question.

Best of the Web: Large-format retail

I don’t know if these numbers are still applicable, but earlier studies in Maine and in Austin, Texas, found that 14 percent of a dollar spent in a chain stayed in the local economy. The studies found that 45 percent of a dollar spent in a locally owned store stayed in the local economy. That’s 31 cents of every dollar getting recirculated in Steamboat if you shop at locally owned stores.

Our View: 1st step is the hardest — and most important

The onset of winter means a lot of things here in Routt County — the excitement of another ski season, the promise of increased business in the local economy and the anticipation of celebrating the holiday season with friends and family. But it also signals the time of year when depression is most prevalent and when suicidal thoughts and attempts peak.

Pat Adams: Mountain lion sightings

I hope Jim Haskins, of the Division of Wildlife, will read “Beast in the Garden.”

Grant Fenton and Paul Strong: Thanks, Pilot & Today

We would like to thank the Steamboat Pilot & Today for a most rewarding experience. Having the opportunity recently to serve on the Editorial Board as community representatives proved to be meaningful and educational.

Bob and Bert Rundell: A great community

We would like to thank this wonderful community for all the outpouring of support and kindness shown to us and Grease Monkey and Big O Tires employees since the loss of our son, Dustin Dahlin.

Damon Schneider: Slap in the face

What Congress is doing is repugnant to the Constitution and is a slap in the face to individual liberty.

Our View: Taxpayers deserve better

Taxpayers of Northwest Colorado deserve a clear and honest explanation for why our regional Board of Cooperative Educational Services overspent last year’s budget, withheld federal funding from districts and increased what it said districts would owe in 2009-10.

Ron Krall: Health care reform

Today, I want to break from the spirit of impartiality in which I tried to moderate the fireside chat and offer some comments about the pending health care reform legislation.