LETTERS: Celebrate life; Sallie Clark; and more

Not looking for an encounter

I am writing in response to the front-page article regarding the “Ferocious” Akbash dogs being used in the Uncompahgre National Forest.

I have owned an Akbash for 10 years, and the presentation of the breed in this article is alarmist and poorly researched. Maybe the writer should have done a little research on the history and use of this breed. This dog has been around for thousands of years and is used on the Anatolian plateau in Turkey as a livestock guardian dog. This is not a guard dog. It’s purpose is to keep predators away from the herd.

They bark like mad and run like the wind, but the last thing they are looking for is an encounter. They just want the threatening person or animal to leave. They bark when you approach them and shut up when you are going away from them.

The tourists and bike riders are in more danger from the natural wildlife in the area than they are these dogs. Introducing the nature of this breed as akin to a pit bull is irresponsible and unfair. Maybe there should be some research as to how the Anatolian’s have been able to coexist with the Akbash for all these years.

Carol Ann Gierard

Colorado Springs

Celebrating a life

I am an aunt of Bethany Maes, who died in the tragic car accident on Dec. 27. Thanks to all the media outlets, Dr. Luauna Stines, my pastor from A Touch From Above Ministries, the Cimarron Hills Fire Department (Capt. Love), Pastor Mark and Debbie Garcia of Fresh Wind Church; there are too many to name. I am grateful to all of you.

In Bethany’s short life, she made an impact, she brought joy to us all. In her death, I have decided to celebrate and honor her. There are tears; yet we cherish the memories, her beauty, laughter, basketball, courage and quiet strength.

This is a powerful lesson; I will be slow to pass judgment and blame, instead quick to give compassion and prayer.

Yes, parents should monitor their teenagers; teens should obey laws; engineers should make the roads safe. Terrible accidents just happen. Bethany’s parents must live with this for the rest of their lives; Bethany and Grace have paid a horrible price. I will pray fervently for everyone involved; the young man driving the electricity truck, too.

Beverly Maes

San Diego, CA

Support for Sallie Clark

I’ve read a few letters lately taking unwarranted pot shots at Sallie Clark, and I feel compelled to respond.

Sallie has been active in service to this area, both as city councilwoman and as county commissioner. We’ve never known her to do anything out of “self-interest,” as her opponent claims. Instead, she works hard to get out and meet her constituents and listen to their concerns. She goes out of her way to keep lines of communication flowing both ways, and she is one of few leaders these days who actually listens to people’s ideas, and answers mail.

She is a voice of reason and puts heart and soul into doing the best she can for Colorado Springs and El Paso County.

There is no one who can agree with everyone all the time, but Sallie Clark works overtime to try to find a way to make things better. And she’ll explain WHY things can or can’t be done, if you have an interest in a project’s success or failure. You don’t get that kind of caring and legal expertise as a private citizen from many of our civic leaders.

People keep harping on this election that legally extended a commissioner’s tenure to a possible third term, it’s not her fault for either writing the change, nor for some voters claiming they “didn’t understand the wording” of the bill. The bill clearly stated that commissioners would be capped at three terms. If a voter didn’t know the law had previously been two terms, then there are plenty of places to get information about any ballot before making an uninformed choice.

And as long as the law passed to make three terms possible, it would be a shame to lose the expertise, experience, and community compassion of Sallie Clark. Ever since she struggled as part of her little community to save a local fire station from destruction, she has worked with and for her community, city, county, and country.

Sallie is also a businesswoman, and she thoroughly understands the problems of too much government intrusion in small businesses. She fights where necessary to try to protect from such intrusion, so her opponent shouldn’t have anything to oppose on that score.

Let’s put our efforts into keeping someone in office like Sallie Clark, who actually listens to her constituents.

Margaret Brettschneider

Colorado Springs