Housing opportunities may open when university closes

Although it is unfortunate that the Santa Fe University of Art and Design will be closing next year, the city has a wonderful opportunity for reuse of the dormitories at the university (“School to close in 2018,” April 13). There is a severe shortage of available apartment housing in Santa Fe that could be alleviated with the use of the existing dormitories on the campus of the university. Perhaps one of the buildings could be used, as well, for housing the various trades that come to Santa Fe to film at Garson Studios. I know that there is a great need to provide housing for those craftsmen, as well. Please, Mayor Javier Gonzales and the City Council, consider this idea as the city moves forward to solve this problem. Clarice L. Coffey

Santa Fe

Ounce of prevention

I have United Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plan. I just got notice telling me that if I have my annual physical, they will send me a $50 gift card. Also, discussing how to prevent accidental falls with my doctor will get me an additional $10 gift card. Why would they pay me to use their insurance more?

United is not stupid. They know that if everybody gets an annual physical, they will save a lot. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That is to say, it is much less expensive to prevent a broken hip than it is to replace one. President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold cost-sharing reduction payments, which help pay copays, etc., as a means of destroying the Affordable Care Act. I’m not sure about the “act,” but it’s a good plan to destroy affordable care. Mike Plantz

San Jose, N.M.

Piñon blight and memory

I found this note in my late mother’s many piles of papers. It is appropriate as we face piñon blight this season. She wrote this in June 2008. No matter where she traveled, she maintained her love for Santa Fe. The life and death of the Piñon Needle Hold us Mother Piñon We, your needles have a fear of falling. Help us stay in your sheltering arms. We cling one more time, Father wind tell us “you must go.” Oh cruel Mother, stern Father, Farewell, we obey, we drop to earth and are no more.

— Leah Kellogg Barbara LaMont

Santa Fe

Learn why

I am in strong support of a public bank as an investment for our community. This is not a brand-new idea. See the Five-Year Model at www.BrassTacksTeam.org for starting a small chartered public bank that funds public projects. Learn why we call it a “debt reduction, budget easing, income generating strategy for the city of Santa Fe.” Debrianna Mansini

Santa Fe

About pesticides

How I wish that your coverage of a recent City Council meeting had focused on the real news that occurred — numerous citizens speaking up to get the city to enforce its own long-standing Integrated Pest Management ordinance. As an observer at the meeting, I was amazed to learn that the city does not seem to be obeying its own ordinance regarding use of toxic pesticides on city parks and property. And I was humbled by the earnest and selfless efforts of those who spoke about the harmful impact of toxic pesticides upon city residents — children, pets, users of the parks, the soil and water nearby. It is discouraging when those who raise a ruckus get all the coverage. How about more coverage for those working with such longstanding diligence for the public good. Judith Shotwell

El Rito

Goldenlocks and the bear

Once upon a time in an alternative, grim fairytale, Goldenlocks becomes despot via an election coup. Tragically, he is an uninformed bully, habitual liar, delusional, erratic, narcissistic and greedy. Goldenlocks surrounds himself with family and collusive, wealthy vultures — some ignorant, some duplicitous.

Curiously, Goldenlocks has a faux ally, the villain Russian Bear. Treacherous Bear engineers a subversive plot to help Goldenlocks’ revolution. Together, they embody the worst treasonous threat to democracy. Poorly educated forest critters assist Goldenlocks, ignorantly disregarding the peril to their own welfare and Earth’s climate.

Gentle forest animals possess qualities of conscience, naiveté, compromise, decency, trust and a belief in societal good. Suddenly, optimism blossoms with an unexpected, newly awakened, respectful counterrevolutionary resistance movement by citizens. There is growing confrontational participatory protest activism throughout the forest. Of course, this fantasy could never happen, or could it? Gary Reynolds

Santa Fe