Loveland council should be on the side of children
I am responding to Bob Massaro’s guest opinion on ending the sale of flavored tobacco citywide, dated Dec. 20, 2020, directed to Loveland City Council, “Whose side are you on”?
When I initially saw this headline, I thought I knew. But after reading his opinion piece, I went back to council proceedings and realized I really didn’t know.
What I saw was an combative City Council, taking strategic and targeted aims against those supporting the ordinance, in a collective effort to deflect from the policy discussion.
Councilmembers Fogle, Olson, Overcash and Clark, over the course of several hours, worked to minimize the expertise of public health experts, and undermine the voice of Loveland’s youth, while glorifying those who represent the sale of nicotine products, at the expense of Loveland’s kids, claiming “adult rights.” Further, Councilmember Fogle, admitted to talking to a Denver-based lobbyist by the name of Joe Miklosi, who represents the vaping industry, with no known clientele in Loveland.
And it didn’t end with Mr. Miklosi. Others involved include an extensive list of additional lobbyists representing the tobacco industry, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets and the Petroleum Association.
It seems that history continues to repeat itself, same old tactics and same fear-driven policy discussions in the world of tobacco control, with allies willing to carry their water.
Illicit sales? Loss of revenues? Layoffs? Adult choice? Cross-border sales?
Which of these tobacco-industry claims would persuade you to make attempts to justify the sale of flavored tobacco, at the expense of kids?
I’m with Mr. Massaro. It’s one thing to say, as Mr. Overcash states, “I believe in protecting our kids.” It’s another thing to actually do it.
Loveland City Council, please protect our kids from becoming the adults who wish to quit their use of tobacco, by ending the sale of flavored tobacco in the city. Set an example for Northern Colorado. Our kids are counting on you.
Scott Finn
Fort Collins
Let’s find a way to keep Lake Loveland full
Fill the Love is a campaign focused on seeing Lake Loveland full 365 days a year. Fill the Love is about how Loveland represents ourselves to both citizens and visitors alike. With Lake Loveland empty 10 months out of the year, that picture perfect postcard image is, to put it bluntly, false advertising.
I am on the Fill the Love steering committee. I live about eight blocks from Lake Loveland and I walk to the swim beach with my children a couple of times a week in early summer when we have the opportunity. It is a staple of our summers. We also have an Airbnb. Though it is blocks from the lake, we get many comments from guests asking where the beautiful walkable lake is that they have seen in pictures. They are, of course, disappointed to learn that it is the giant mud pit they passed down the road.
Fill the Love is about all Loveland residents coming together to encourage City Council to find a solution for keeping Lake Loveland full. When the Lake is full, people stop. They enjoy the view and seek other things to do in Loveland. Perhaps they go downtown spending time in our restaurants and shops, go to our amazing sculpture garden, or simply stop in one of our glorious parks along U.S. 34 to eat their lunch. But quicker than summer fading, is Lake Loveland waning. We as a community can all do better, and I hope you will join us in our efforts. Please sign the petition at: https://www.fillthe.love and together let’s find a solution that doesn’t leave the crown jewel of our community blighted 10 months out of the year.
Jessica Gartner
Loveland
Committed to shopping local
My family and I committed to shopping locally as much as possibly this year. We hope after reading this you decide to join us. If you already have, thank you. It’s easier knowing there are people doing it with us.
I’ve realized just making the commitment to shop locally has pushed me to actually do what I think is best. I’m forming new habits, exploring new stores and making new friends. You can find some very kind people at small little shops. I learned something fascinating this month. I was studying about Switzerland with my kiddos and read that over 99% of Swiss companies are companies with fewer than 250 employees, and this plays into their strong economy. So why not take one year to see just how local you can shop? Your dollar is a vote that counts.
The day before we committed to shopping local, my phone broke. I did what I usually do and called the guys at the big box store. That same day I found out the guest opinion I had written had been published and now I couldn’t back out.
I browsed the web to find somewhere local to take my phone. It literally took me 10 extra minutes and I found the Cell Phone Recyclist, run by a local guy in Fort Collins. My experience could not have been better. It was faster, more intentional and even cheaper.
Because we live on a very tight budget, Esh’s grocery has been my go-to. They are owned by a wonderful family who lives right here in Northern Colorado.
I’ve been buying lettuce and eggs from Vibrant Life Farms. Her lettuce tastes like butter, it’s so delicious.
I found myself at a little country store called Eden Valley looking for some much needed medicine. It is a beautiful drive out to this farm, and they are very kind people.
Rachel Gresser
Loveland