Trump changes to Social Security

On the 90th anniversary of the Social Security System President Trump made a proclamation honoring the Social Security Program and outlining how he will protect it for future generation. In keeping with his campaign promise to protect Social Security for the 66 million American seniors he has made some dramatic changes.

Democratic leaders (and my Democratic representative Brittany Pettersen who represents the 7th congressional district) have stated over and over that President Trump is destroying the Social Security program — what an out and out lie!

Trump has removed 275,000 illegal aliens (many of whom have already left the country) from the program and 12.4 million people over the age of 120 years old. Trump warned that under Democratic leadership the program would inevitably collapse due to fraud and abuse.

When he came to office the average call wait time was 42 minutes and in person wait time was 32 minutes. Wait time has dropped 30% in the field and over 73% over the phone. Also, Americans now have 24/7 online access under the new leadership Trump installed.

He is strengthening the system! Democrats have lied and said there were no illegals receiving benefits and now thanks to Trump that is true!

Lylah Saunier, Woodland Park

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Where’s Bert West been?

As WPSD gears up for board elections, Bert West’s sudden candidacy raises eyebrows. For four years, our community has been embroiled in a crisis over school policies, teacher retention, and board decisions that have driven away educators and divided families. Meetings have overflowed with concerned parents, yet one thing has been noticeably absent: Bert West’s trademark cowboy hat.

West, a Kiwanis leader and entrepreneur, boasts international experience managing budgets and staff. But where’s he been locally? While traveling the world, he’s been MIA from the school board controversies that have defined our district since 2021 when our elections first became radically politicized by extremists. No sightings of West at public hearings on charter sales, superintendent changes, or the mass teacher and family exodus. West’s promise of visibility now feels like election-year opportunism, using his name recognition rather than being informed on issues that our students and schools face.

Quality leaders are engaged in the trenches, not parachuting in after years of no shows. West’s global perspective and contributions through Kiwanis are fine, but our kids deserve board members who are highly attuned to WPSD’s realities and who are ready to work on solutions from day one that address the absolute state of emergency our school district is experiencing. Our schools deserve effective and informed leaders, not another nice smile and mustache like Mick Bates, whose tenure has only amplified division rather than unity and permitted lawyer Brad Miller to push his outside agenda on our district.

Barry Harden, Woodland Park

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