Libraries in Summit County are facing major cuts from the federal government. Libraries in rural areas like Summit face cuts to computer and internet access, which limits or eliminates access to those who cannot afford to purchase internet.

The U.S. Forest Service is facing significant budget cuts, leading to reduced staffing, limited services and impacts on public land, including trail maintenance, campground upkeep, and wildfire suppression. This increases the threat of wildfires here in Summit and a decimation of our wonderful trail system due to lack of maintenance even though the numbers of visitors remain high. 

Gas prices and the price of food in Summit continues to be much higher than the Front Range. I am very concerned when folks like Bruce Butler and our current president suggests that business people should be running the government, thinking that those people are so much more efficient. Businesses are in existence to satisfy the needs of consumer while turning a profit. Governments are in existence to protect individual rights to liberty within conditions of order and stability. Governments do not exist to make a profit. 

While I am in favor of cutting excessive spending in federal, state and local governments, the cuts need to be handled carefully determining what makes sense and not just slashing funding.  

Also for people who are driving in Summit County: don’t forget to use your turn signals in a traffic circle — everyone seems to have lost all they learned in drivers ed. If you are making a right hand turn or a left had turn, please use the appropriate signal. If you are going straight — no need for a signal.  What happened to drivers education — oh, the funding was probably cut.