The price at the pump

Gasoline prices are rising, but today it isn’t just about the price at the pump; it’s also about our nation’s character.

Sometimes I am compelled to just restate the obvious. For example, the intricately woven fabric of the global community resembles a China shop, requiring intentional and delicate diplomacy to effectively function. Our president has acted like a bull in that shop. I needn’t make a list; it is evident to anyone watching current events.

In some this creates a sense of euphoric superiority. But, after time reality will kick in, and we all will suffer the consequences. Today I heard the president say, “We don’t need anybody!” It was because nobody was coming to his aid. In our early years we all learned many life lessons. For example, reality is not what we wish it to be; ignoring this eventually kicks us in the pants.

Chaos is not a viable path forward. Breaking is easy; building is hard, requiring planning, competence, and midcourse correction. Insulting and hurting friends loses friends and creates enemies. Bullying only motivates those bullied to find ways to hurt us. Bluster is quickly exposed and strengthens defiance. Next November let’s draw on our early life lessons, our common sense, and our nation’s promise to send candidates to congress that will contain our current leadership. It isn’t just all about the price at the pump; it is also about who we are as a nation going forward!

Sam Gould, Divide

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Nakai is right for Woodland Park

Please vote for Catherine Nakai for City Council. Catherine is the type of leader we need for Woodland Park. She truly seeks to serve, having worked on many city committees prior to her appointment to the City Council. She understands the importance of tasks that may seem mundane to others; for example, she recently spent multiple hours working with staff and citizens to update the Unified Development Code, ensuring our city remains current on issues important to us.

Catherine is also fiscally conscious. While improving amenities like open spaces and recreational access is important to her, she insists on understanding the costs and benefits before proceeding. Notably, she worked to retire a bond early, saving the city approximately $800,000 in interest. She will continue to ensure the wise use of city funds.

In my interactions with Catherine, I have noted a deep concern for all things Woodland Park. She listens intently at Council meetings, asks thoughtful, relevant questions, and seeks further understanding by meeting directly with citizens. She pursues a comprehensive grasp of the implications of every decision before casting a vote. Doing what is best for the people of Woodland Park is her primary motivation.

I believe Catherine has served—and will continue to serve—Woodland Park with integrity. Please vote for Catherine Nakai.

Carol Greenstreet, Woodland Park

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Moral disconnect

It is interesting the disconnect between morals and actions in our culture.

While we decry human trafficking and while we attempt to curtail the commodification of women, the Courier printed on the front page a gala dedicated to the brothel business. Hmmm…do we really want our children to believe that prostitution is a business to be celebrated? Do we ignore the disease of physical bodies? Do we ignore the chaos created in families?

We should encourage our boys to grow into men who protect and care for rather than use women—someone they can pay for their sexual gratification?

Is prostitution a viable career option for our daughters? I bet there is not a man in Teller County that would encourage the women in his life into that profession. Let’s be honest.

You are conveying a message to memorialize the bygone wrongs of another age. Wrongs that we try to make right in our time.

Russ Frisinger, Woodland Park

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Still a bit confused

Drove to the Teller County Courthouse today for clarification. Talked to a very nice lady in the Teller County Tax Office, but still somewhat confused.

The “Courier” article is about the State trying to fill it’s $1.4 billion deficit by cutting the Homestead Exemption for possibility millions of senior citizens, of which we are two. Blaming the increased appraisal of homes today as the reason and no other hot button issues/cost increase not mentioned or could have been controlled in years past.

Will get down to it: Drove to the courthouse today to resolve my questions, but still confused by The 2026 Official Real Estate Property Tax Notice (we received) for taxes & due on Apr.30, 2025. .

As the clerk I talked to stated, the exemption is not shown on the notice – however per the clerks response “‘It is not shown on the notice, but it was processes with the Exemption applied” ???? Nothing showing the exemption being part of the final calculations. The Clerk stated things may be the same next year. A Note: A Poor professional practice!” This needs too be corrected..
Wll “ASSUME” all is correct, however still a bit confused. The Clerk stated the actual amount exempted is $200 and change for 2026. Not a large amount, but we are retired and $200 is a good amount for us. Will pay the 2026 real-estate taxes before the Apr. 30th 2026 deadline. Hope the $279.26 was trully already taken from the amount due.

R&C Patterson, Florissant