I know I am just a little turtle in the murky pond of Durango government, but I use what I have.

I resent Amy Phillips, city clerk, putting a letter in my mailbox, asking me to vote “yes” on the city tax amendment. It was to save the ½-cent tax for the parks and trails. I had already decided to vote “no,” and I also did not vote for the two who pushed for it. There are ways that money could have been used; kids 7-14 could use a bowling alley. We used to have one, and the kids spent many hours there. Mom could leave the kid there to bowl and have a snack while she shopped or visited with other mothers. Yes, we have a lovely bowling alley in Ignacio, but it is costly, regarding time and money to get there. And give those who qualify free passes.

And do not ever, ever put the STEAM (Science, Theatre, Education, Arts and Math) Park in downtown Durango! We have such a little bit of a view of the mountain downtown. If we don’t stop it, we will see only buildings and asphalt. So much for the idea of a unique mountain town! You have said that north Main needs improvements, and it does. It would be a wonderful walk or bike ride (trolley?) from town. We have all the theaters, shops, galleries and bars that downtown and Fort Lewis College can fit in. Please, think twice or three times before putting the STEAM Park downtown! Just simply for looks, it would be a travesty for downtown Durango.

The children’s science building is having trouble with finances, and it is a nice reminder of the history of Durango. I resent putting a bar there (and everywhere). It’s not a good thing for the kids to see, and the building should not be used for such.

Just call me an old grandma, but I have seen so much going on through all the governments today: national, state, county and city – I just wanted people to know how all this is affecting me.

Bobbie Ledgerwood

Durango