A new threat on the trails

We have lived in Village 7 since 1974. There are trails consisting of five miles of paved, lit, maintained walkways, which we happily utilized all these years. There is a new threat on the trails— E-Bikes and scooters.

I was pleased to see the well-written and researched letter from Jim Robinson of Wolf Ranch addressing this problem (Your viewpoint June 9: Reckless juveniles on electric scooters). He points out that the city code reads that anything on wheels must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalks and walkways. I want to point out that children and adolescents aren’t the only offenders.

Twice lately, I have been frightened by young adults, one female and on another occasion, a male. The female was dressed in fancy exercise clothes and wearing a helmet on an e-bike; the male was on a pedal bike, coming toward me so fast I had trouble getting my little dog out of the way. There should be posted signs on the trails reminding people to be conscious of walkers, especially older people who often have hearing loss, as well as the inability to quickly avoid a collision with a fast-moving bike. The real issue here is the growing lack of manners and kindness.

June Heimsoth

Colorado Springs

Problems with the USPS

I certainly agree with a recent letter about the incompetence of the USPS. I mailed a very important certified document to Childress, Texas on November 7, 2025. It never arrived, and the USPS does not know where it is. I had to mail a second certified document, but it certainly was not sent USPS. It went FedEx.

My sister-in-law mailed me a card that came via an individual that was coming to Colorado. It was returned to her a year later. I sent a friend a sympathy card that has just now arrived and that was 2 years ago. And they have the nerve to go up on the cost of postage by 4 cents in July. Many times, my mail ends up in someone else’s mail slot because we have a kiosk, but there is a name on each slot. So, what is the problem with the USPS?

Cherry Burger

Colorado Springs

All the pesky voters

It is hard to believe the sincerity of the recent writer who suggested that the increased revenue from a progressive tax ballot proposal will be spent by our arrogant legislators on roads. He is surely aware of Initiative 175, a citizen proposal to spend motor vehicle taxes and ‘fees’ on roads instead of whatever dream catches a legislator’s fancy. He may, or should, also be aware of HB26-1430, passed by the legislature explicitly to make sure 175 will have no effect, as it strips out all said taxes and fees and dedicates them to an ‘Enterprise’. HB26-1430 only takes effect if 175 passes, meaning we are going to spend your tax money on what we, the legislators, want, no matter what citizens vote for. Take That! You pesky voters.

Dave Vandenberg

Colorado Springs

Extraordinary leadership

A recent visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo reminded me just how fortunate we are in Colorado Springs to have had Bob Chastain as our leader for the past 30 years. Under his stewardship, the Zoo has grown into one of the finest in the nation—currently ranked #2—and now offers world-class exhibits and an extraordinary animal collection that truly spans from delicate butterflies to magnificent elephants.

This year, CMZ proudly celebrates 100 years of dedicated conservation, wildlife protection, and support for endangered species through the SAFE (Save Animals From Extinction) program, as well as valuable consulting work with zoos around the globe. Bob’s leadership has left an indelible mark on both the institution and our community.

As he steps into a well-deserved retirement, I encourage the Zoo’s board to honor him with the recognition he so richly deserves. A prominent bust or large portrait would be a fitting and lasting tribute. Though Bob is a modest man who would likely brush aside such suggestions, it’s important that he knows how deeply his contributions are appreciated by grateful citizens across Colorado Springs.

Thank you, Bob, for everything you’ve done. Wishing you a long, joyful, and fulfilling retirement.

Don Addy

Colorado Springs

Different opinion on the interview

I could not disagree more with Sam Taylor’s letter in the “Your Viewpoint”. Of course, he has watched the news coverage on FOX News, the most trusted news source in the United States. They are completely impartial (I am just kidding).

I watched the entire interview, and my takeaway was a petulant President who is showing immense signs of dementia, who is only used to FOX interviews where they fall all over themselves to make him happy. As President of the United States, his number one job is to maintain composure in any and all situations.

Mr. Taylor. Take off your rose-colored Trump glasses and re-watch the interview. The President of the United States was the unprofessional participant, but he has a long history of treating, bullying and being obnoxious to female journalists. His track record speaks for itself (“Shut up Piggy!” comes to mind)

And, just for clarification purposes. I became a registered Republican 51 years ago. I continue to believe in Republican values and directives, but that does not make me blind to some of the actions of this Administration.

It truly baffles me when I see the Trump spin on everything he says or does being acceptable. Presidents of the United States do not stand up, step on a microphone to make a point and then storm out while the cameras are still going.

Our enemies watch these interviews. They can see for themselves the President’s trigger points. Let’s not blame the journalist.

Trish Beyer

Colorado Springs