What readers had to say this week about local stories, June 3-9

Thursday, Jun 9, 2022 7:42 PM Updated Thursday, Jun. 9, 2022 9:52 PM

People weigh in on Durango police active shooter protocols, Purple Cliffs, the baby formula shortage and fire mitigation

Each week we highlight some of the most insightful, passionate and witty comments shared on Facebook in response to stories in The Durango Herald.

This week, readers weighed in on the evolving active shooter protocols at Durango Police Department, residents at Purple Cliffs wanting a say in the move to a managed camp, the baby formula shortage and using prescribed burns or mechanical thinning for fire mitigation.

We enjoy readers’ input and reactions to local stories: People can weigh in by writing a letter to the editor, via our Facebook page or at the bottom of local news stories at www.durangoherald.com.

Here are a few comments that stood out this week:

Story: Durango police chief says active shooter protocols have evolved over the decades

Durango Police Chief Bob Brammer said the protocol for responding to active shooters has changed since the Columbine High School massacre in April 1999. (Durango Herald file)

“It’s not appropriate to rag on our law enforcement. Have any of you ever met the school resource officers? They are awesome and do a great job. What you should be asking is why doesn’t our school board and local government find the funds to put a policeman or deputy in every school parking lot, all day every day, instead of on a rotation? Ever been to the airport and not seen TSA guards?” – JJ Wilson

“Uvalde police were trained the same way and still didn’t respond swiftly.” – Natán Rebelde

Story: Residents of Purple Cliffs want a say in move to managed camp

Roy Melead and his dog Drake hang out Tuesday at a kitchen in Purple Cliffs. Melead is among those Purple Cliffs residents who want to be more involved in La Plata County’s decision to close Purple Cliffs and create a managed camp. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

“As a taxpayer, I too want a say in how the homeless population are treated in La Plata County. A structured camp will end up being a disaster. Look at the mess that is the ‘self-governed’ camp at the Purple Cliff. There is a local nonprofit looking at tiny houses and the bid is for 35 units. Bids are about $12,000 each with the proviso that the bids are limited to 10 units as costs rise! Nothing has been said as to what will happen to those that refuse to go to a structured camp. Jail? A one way ticket out of town? There are more and more illegal campers north of town and I suspect that that will increase when the structured camp is opened. It’s about time that the city and county discuss ‘tough love’ when it comes to the growing homeless problem.” – Dennis Pierce

“The Herald keeps referring to these folks as ‘residents,’ which seems to attempt to paint a rosy picture of some sort of established neighborhood. The reality is that these folks are squatters on a hillside. Let’s be clear here... this temporary slum called Purple Cliffs is not a neighborhood of taxpaying citizens.” – Derek Thielin

Story: Baby formula shortage challenges Durango families and their support programs

Sparse baby formula shelves Monday at south City Market in Town Plaza in Durango. The nationwide formula shortage has proved a challenge for families in Durango. (Aedan Hannon/Durango Herald)

“Totally avoidable! This story is a prime example of how the media protects Biden. Not a single word as to why it took four months to investigate a whistle blower’s report. Nor did it mention that Biden was unaware of the situation until recently.” – Dennis Pierce

“And the toilet paper shortage? Why did it take Trump so long to solve that? Perhaps watch/read different, actual news sources to get your answer.” – Lisa Self

Story: Can we replace fire with mechanical thinning in Southwest Colorado?

Colton McLaughlin with Telluride Fire Protection District uses a drip torch while spreading the Pine Tree Fire north of Arboles in 2019. The U.S. Forest Service is conducting a 90-day review of its prescribed burn policies and procedures after agency burns ignited a number of wildfires this spring. However, forest ecologists say fire is crucial for Southwest Colorado’s mixed conifer and ponderosa forests. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)

“Know that the climate crisis is contributing to fires in Colorado and across the west. Trust the science of fire and forest ecology. Fire is a natural element of the ecosystem. Understand that accidents happen and that we’ll need to adapt to the natural environment we’re impacting in many negative ways. Prescribed burns work but come with a certain level of risk. We’re all in this together.” – Danny TheKing