Letters to the Editor – Page 12 – Coconino County Democratic Party

City caves to another student housing development

With the approval of the latest mega-student housing development at the old Jeld-Wen industrial site on Butler Avenue, the city of Flagstaff (Planning and Zoning Commission) has once again capitulated to outside (Texas) developers whose fabulous profits for projects such as The Hub, The Standard, and now this monstrosity on Butler Avenue continue to degrade […]

Guest Column: Shutdown is disrupting the park experience

While the government shutdown may seem abstract to many, it has very real and devastating consequences for national parks and the people who care for them. National parks protect our nation’s culture, wildlife, history, and natural beauty, and we need to protect them in return. During this government shutdown, it is estimated the national parks […]

Lobbyists make America as a plutocracy

It probably won’t do much good complaining, but we don’t really have a democracy yet. There are 23 registered lobbyists in Washington for every Congressman: 535 Senators and Congressmen and 12,719 lobbyists. This number will vary a little every year. But this is the number for “registered” lobbyists. Analyst James A. Thurber, Distinguished Professor of […]

Shutdown a show of Trump’s lack of leadership

Federally employed Indian Health Service workers, such as ones in Chinle, Whiteriver and Phoenix, not involved in direct patient care, have been furloughed. They are at home, not getting paid. Those involved in direct patient care, are mandated to work without pay. Border Patrol Agents are also working, but not being compensated. Most Federal Park […]

Ban those plastic bags now

Plastic bags defile and pollute our environment. Our state legislature has preempted the power of citizens and cities in their efforts to ban the bag. And they need to clean up the consequences of their law by witnessing first-hand the impact the bag has on our city’s landscapes, forests and ephemeral streams called “washes.” During […]

Tackling climate change now a bipartisan issue

Climate change is a defining feature of modern life, and the issue is now even spanning party lines. The past few months have seen key policy changes that begin to address the effects of climate change. After the release of the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s Fourth National Climate Assessment, it is clear that if […]

Gun control reform still needed six years later

December 14 is the sixth anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School; this slaughter of six year olds was the event that a mourning nation hoped/believed would be the path towards a conversation on sensible gun reform, not the repeal of the 2nd Amendment but a rational discussion on background checks, high capacity […]

Fair Pay Benefits All

It was instructive to read the comments of restaurant managers and owners in response to voters having rejected Proposition 418 which would have rolled back the minimum wage approved in 2016. [“Businesses ponder the future after 418 fails,” 11/27/18] The Flagstaff minimum wage will increase to $12.00 an hour on 1/01/19. This is hardly enough […]

Push businesses to halt assault weapon sales

Save Our Children from Gun Violence (SOC) is a Flagstaff dedicated citizens group concerned about the national epidemic of gun violence. We’re fortunate that in Flagstaff there has been very little gun violence. But, true of potential hazards, it’s not if, it’s when. Gun incidents have increased each year over the past several years as […]

Climate change plans crucial to the future

Thanks for covering breaking news on climate change, including two major scientific reports and the city’s new Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). From frightening to hopeful, each underscores the urgency to take swift, decisive action and some strategies that can get the job done. The 4th National Climate Assessment sets the U.S. price tag […]