Congressman Jeff Hurd, who represents Western and southern Colorado, is challenging the president by being one of two Republicans in the House so far to sign onto a bill that asserts Congress’ right to have a say in determining the country’s tariffs (Herald, April 7). That power is in the Constitution, Hurd points out, and it’s not for the executive office alone to decide.
The bill would require Congressional notification within 48 hours of the president’s intention to impose or increase import duties and afford legislators 60 days to approve, or not, any new tariffs.
While the legislative effort has no chance of passing given Donald Trump’s authoritarian control, and pledge to veto, Rep. Hurd deserves great praise for being willing to be visible in doing what all of Congress should be doing.
At some point, Republicans will find their voice. The sooner the better.
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We’re pleased that the city of Durango is not going full-tech with the parking meter app that is being installed (Herald, April 11). Parkers will be able to use their smartphone to pay for meters, and receive an alert when time is expiring. For those who use the ParkMobile option at a cost of 40 cents that is a bargain compared to a $25 ticket. Because of the transaction fee that goes directly to the company, it is a new convenience at no cost to the city. Win-win.
The non-full-tech component is that meter enforcement will still be carried out by a person, on foot, and not solely by signals through the atmosphere. So parkers will still be able to shout from across the street, “That’s me, I’m on my way,” or point out a meter that’s not working. Or, ask for downtown directions.
Be comfortable that using the app is optional. Quarters, dimes and nickels, and a credit card, will continue to work. And you won’t be sharing a photo of your license plate and billing data with the stratosphere.
The app is more technology, if you want it.
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The La Plata County commissioners did just the right thing this week in being the first U.S. county to proclaim via a new resolution (see bit.ly/3Gigcua) the importance of federal lands for their constituents (Herald, April 11), for agriculture, recreation, wildlife, water and other uses and as a significant part of the economy. Those lands should not be sold or transferred, as a chain saw-wielding individual with an office in the White House wants, and they should be properly staffed for management and use.
Many of these public lands – 42% of the county – are within walking and bicycling distance of Durango’s city limits, as well as the backdrop in all directions.
Speaking up is what the commissioners said is important and it’s what they are doing.
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Congratulations to Dr. Heather Shotton for, on Friday with unanimous support of the Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees, being named FLC’s president (Herald, April 11). Shotton has been in leadership positions at the college for three years, was intimately involved in crafting the new strategic plan, so knows FLC, the Durango community and the challenges of delivering higher education in Colorado.
Now the serious work continues. Demographic changes mean that there are fewer high school students in the state and in parts of the country who’ll be able to become college freshmen, and Colorado’s funding of both pre-K-12 and higher education is lacking. The value of a four-year college education is periodically questioned, and this is one of those times.
For workforce preparation, which some parents and students want, that can mean additional certificate programs that signify accomplishment in more specialized areas, and even more internships and academic related work experiences that the college is already so good at.
Housing? When limited and expensive, as it is here, that can affect enrollment, faculty and staff recruitment. And while FLC has been spared the challenges brought by student protests elsewhere, a college campus can be ripe for an issue that creates tensions among students, faculty, administrators, elected officials, donors and the community. And, there may be no single right response that pleases all.
It is not an easy undertaking to be a college president. We wish Dr. Shotton well and great success.
