Noise mitigation not effective

The Colorado Supreme Court upheld the 50 dB noise limit in April 2026 despite attempts to amend the law to accommodate the entertainment industry and other businesses.

The Colorado Springs mayor and police chief granted a noise variance for the commercial area around the Ford Amphitheater. However, the noise does not stop at Northgate Blvd, Voyager, or any street in the residential areas. For the June 3rd concert, I recorded 70 dB (100 x over the legal limit); an hour later, I could still hear the concert in my home.

On Oct. 5, 2024, Roth had a gathering at his venue to address the noise concerns of those impacted. Regarding the next concert season, he said “you will have to buy a ticket to hear the concert”. We are fine with concerts as long as our rights are respected. His noise mitigation efforts are not effective. Yet, our city leaders flaunt the law, cater to businesses, and ignore the citizens. Is this the kind of leadership you want?

Janine Sledz

Colorado Springs

Democrats’ choice in Maine

It amazes me that “One Political Party – The Democrats” and their rhetoric Party Members use such name-calling about President Donald Trump and the Republican Party Politicians and those voters who vote for Republican candidates as: Fascist, Nazis, Hitler, and other extremist names.

But, recently, the Democratic Party is embracing a politician from Maine, who is running for the Senate Seat as a Democrat. But, Graham Platner, the so-called politician, has made news about his involvement with a “Nazis tattoo” that he proudly says, “Totenkopf – German compound word for “Death Head” was part of his ideology and was “Very Proud Of Having the Tattoo”, but, since he became a politician, he had it “Tattooed over with something else.”

Platner has admitted to being a “Communist Socialist”, but still embraces the idea of someone embracing the “Totenkopf”. So, the wonderful “Democrat Party” wants this type of person in their party, for his ideological thinking, his “Hatred Towards Donald Trump,” and his disdain towards those who have different political views.

Some of Platner’s “Love Life” is also affecting his political run for the next “Senator From Maine”. Why does the Democrat Party embrace such an individual makes one wonder if they have not “Lost Their Mind” about how we the people see what they are actually about, “Destruction to Our Constitution,” their belief in Socialism, and their total control of our government in perpetuity.

Will Shipley

Falcon

Try another country

I have words of advice for the anti-American, anti-ICE, rioters in Minnesota, New Jersey, and other blue states and cities. Many of these rioters are professionals and are being paid by George Soros and other far-left billionaires. If you don’t like the United States, get out. Move to countries that support your radical agenda, like Iran, Russia, or China. See how far you get in those countries.

You will be arrested or worse, shot. You can disagree and protest but don’t threaten, physically harm or intimidate those with whom you disagree. Free speech is not free, and many patriots have fought and died to ensure it stays free, including my son, a US Army CW3, helicopter pilot who died in Iraq. These demonstrators (rioters, really) and those who fund them should be ashamed of themselves. Getting paid for their anarchy should be a crime, but our two gubernatorial candidates support their radical agenda, as do most of the Democratic Party.

The law that created ICE was passed by Congress. It is a federal law enforcement organization, yet many states and cities have chosen to declare themselves sanctuaries and to openly defy ICE and make their officers out to be criminals. Let us not forget that they are ridding the country of illegal immigrants, starting with the worst of the worst: rapists, pedophiles, murderers, drug dealers, etc. Yet, they are being physically attacked for just doing their jobs: to protect the American public. Many of these illegals are released only to commit other serious crimes.

So what have these far-left politicians accomplished – nothing. President Trump was elected to rid the country of the millions of illegal immigrants that Joe Biden let in.

Barry S. Oswell, LtCol, USAF, (ret)

Colorado Springs

Article was incomplete

In a recent column, Star Parker discussed Americans’ opinion of the federal government. Parker complained about Democrats and her belief that they are hurting the country.

Nowhere in her piece did Parker mention Donald Trump. The president’s disapproval rating is presently at 55%. With a majority of American citizens looking upon Trump with disfavor, Parker’s article was incomplete without saying anything about the presidency

As titular head of the Republican party, the president has to be included in any discussion of how the country is headed. Star Parker’s analysis of America’s political situation is incomplete and worthless without this most important information.

David J. Baker

Colorado Springs

Endorsement deserves closer scrutiny

As a local conservative volunteer who is closely following the Colorado Republican gubernatorial race, I was surprised when The Gazette threw its weight behind Barb Kirkmeyer in March. While Victor Martz is clearly not a serious candidate—he has no meaningful legislative record, has avoided all debates, and struggles to answer questions directly—the choice of Barb Kirkmeyer deserves closer scrutiny.

Barbara Kirkmeyer has publicly embraced establishment positions, such as affirming that Joe Biden won the 2020 election despite evidence to the contrary and denying that Colorado faces a serious budget problem. During her April 17 appearance on the Jeff and Bill Show, when asked about her 48% Liberty Score Card rating, she claimed to know nothing about the organization and disparaged its work. Liberty Score Card Chairman Sue Moore then called in to correct the record. For comparison, Scott Bottoms earned a 97% rating for the 2025 legislative session.

A review of Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) ratings for the past three sessions tells a similar story. Kirkmeyer received scores of 62% in 2023, 56% in 2024, and 61% in 2025. While better than her Democrat colleagues, these are modest marks for a Republican legislator.

Even more telling is Kirkmeyer’s own legislation. Her SB24-223, marketed as a “Property Tax Cut,” received a “No” recommendation from CUT. The organization noted that the bill, rushed through in the final days of the session, offered “largess for multiple local elections but only table scraps for taxpayers.”

The Gazette’s endorsement of Kirkmeyer raises serious questions. Why support a candidate with a mediocre conservative voting record when there are other options?

Nancy Murray

Colorado Springs