Mixed messages leave community uncertain

Reading at the Rock in Rockrimmon, Colorado Springs, will celebrate its first anniversary on May 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. COS Reads, a nonprofit organization, established the interim Reading at the Rock library after the Pikes Peak Library District closed the Rockrimmon Library and ended library services in the community. It is remarkable that dedicated volunteers stepped in to meet this important need, while it is disappointing that the well-funded library district has still not provided a long-term solution after a full year.

Reading at the Rock continues to offer many of the programs once available at the former library. At the very least, I had hoped the library district would hold community meetings and involve local residents in finding a new library location. Instead, I continue to hear about a new fence at the downtown library, a kiosk library in Ute Pass, and the continued leasing of space for the Cheyenne Mountain Library.

The district had clearly indicated that ownership was its preferred direction, yet it continues to renew the Cheyenne Mountain lease. These mixed messages leave our community uncertain about the district’s plans. It may be time for new leadership at both the board level and among its staff.

Alan J. Goins

Colorado Springs

Your vote matters

Depending on how you voted, to get your vote, the politicians will tell you what you want to hear and, in some cases, make promises that they can’t keep or intend to keep. At the end of the day, whether you voted for the
Whether you choose a candidate or not, you will still have to endure the positive or negative consequences that the chosen candidate will bring to the table.

Ask yourself these questions: Did you vote for:

 Higher gas prices
 Higher inflation and interest rates
 Higher medical and insurance costs
 Higher cost to purchase a home
 Higher costs on products and goods based on the tariffs
 A senseless war in Iran without Congressional approval
 Dismantling the Voting Rights Act of 1964
 The elimination of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
 The restructuring of education- Pre-K through higher education
 The attack on religious freedom
 The attack on free speech and peaceful nonviolent protest
 The due process right for immigrants
 The demolition of the East Wing of the White House without Congressional approval

These points are only a few facts. In order to restore democracy in our country, we need to have checks and balances for all politicians, regardless of party affiliation and respect for the three branches of our government, to
which everyone is held accountable to the Constitution and the People. Make your Vote Count to restore our Democracy as the Founding Fathers of our country intended.

Dr. Ronald J. Wynn

Colorado Springs

Lifelong process of learning

On May 19, 2026, I attended a Greenberg Center for Learning and Tolerance presentation entitled “A Conversation with Alexander Hamilton”, at the Ent Center Chapman Recital Hall. As a Black man and active community member, I was impressed with the fact that Alexander Hamilton a self-taught lawyer, and military officer who was raised in the Caribbean area stood alone opposing slavery among the nation’s founders.

His rationale, his experience, suggested all men are created equal. What a concept. For many readers, his revelation was not news, but to me, it was refreshing. Just a quick thank-you to Dr. David Greenberg and his staff for continuing to educate those who are willing to pursue the lifelong process.

Willie Breazell

Colorado Springs

Public confidence in officials

On May 14, the D20 Board of Education voted on the district’s proposed 2026-27 budget. District officials noted that final adoption will occur in June, but this was still a public vote advancing a financial plan involving taxpayer dollars. Included in that proposal was nearly $4.85 million for security services, along with additional funding for school resource officer contracts, security equipment, vehicles, and the salary structure for the district’s Director of Security position. That position is held by Rich Payne. D20 board member, Susan Payne, is his wife. Susan Payne voted “aye.”

This should not be treated as a partisan fight or another ideological distraction. It is a straightforward question of ethics, stewardship, and public trust. Colorado Springs taxpayers have long believed public officials should avoid not only actual conflicts of interest, but situations that reasonably appear conflicted to taxpayers’ funding of government operations.

No one disputes the importance of school security. Families expect trained personnel, emergency preparedness, and strong coordination with law enforcement. Those are legitimate responsibilities of the government. But when an elected official votes on a budget connected to a spouse’s department and salary structure, public officials should err on the side of transparency and avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

A simple recusal would have protected both the board and the public. It would not have implied wrongdoing. It would have demonstrated caution, discipline, and respect for the institution.

Maybe the D20 district attorney concluded the vote was legally permissible. If so, explain the reasoning publicly. Taxpayers should not have to search through board packets and state law to understand whether obvious conflicts were properly handled.

Public confidence in government is strengthened when officials voluntarily step aside from decisions connected to their own household finances.

Emily Vonachen

Colorado Springs