Bob Rothstein — more than a great lawyer

Thanks to The New Mexican for the fine article about Bob Rothstein’s legal work, which changed both individual lives and critical policies in the state (“S.F. civil rights attorney known as a ‘righteous warrior against injustice,’ ” Aug. 3). Fortunately, I never needed Bob’s legal help, but I was very lucky to live as his close neighbor in Seton Village for almost 40 years. He was generous, loyal, accepting of everything but injustice and had a great sense of humor. We in the village have lost a great friend, and our hearts go out to his family. We will remember him with deep affection. Lucy Moore Santa Fe

Being there

The Democratic Party in New Mexico and elsewhere, politicians and activists, nongovernmental and economic organizations, need to address the pressing issues facing voters in districts supporting Donald Trump. We need to build solutions for employment and rebuild marginalized communities — those that include sustainable projects incorporating renewable energy and are consistent with social and cultural tradition while fostering inclusiveness. I worked for years in the mountain villages north of Santa Fe to develop employment and income consistent with people’s skills and interests. It is difficult, but doable. These communities need to know that we are interested in their well-being, not just their votes. We need to be there when no elections are taking place. Jane Cook Santa Fe

Truck stop concerns

I am one of the residents at Rancho Viejo opposed to locating the Pilot Flying J truck stop at the intersection of Rancho Viejo Boulevard and N.M. 14, just off Interstate 25 (“Details trip up truck stop,” Our View, Aug. 3). The objection is that this would create a chokepoint at this important intersection. The La Cienega Fire Department and emergency medical technician personnel could also be slowed in responding to any emergency calls in their coverage area.

The design of that Interstate 25 off-ramp interchange could create problems in icy, monsoon or hail conditions. I would not have moved to this area if I had been aware of this truck stop. Walter Huzyk Santa Fe

Pretty, please

Add me to the “@hat is up with the weeds?” bandwagon. The citizens of Santa Fe should be showing off what the city has to offer as tourists arrive and depart. Instead, we allow weeds and shopping carts on Cerrillos Road and St. Francis Drive during our most visited time of the year.

Regardless of whether these are state, county or city government jurisdictions, the result should be the same — something pleasant to look at. I urge the parties responsible to please spend the money and time to plan and maintain beautiful landscaping (like the area on Paseo de Peralta near the Roundhouse). This also means watering the trees, removing Siberian elms on a constant basis and hiring staff well before summer begins. We, the citizenry, will notice and thank you for it. Mike Tompson

Santa Fe

Mystifying

What am I not understanding regarding city revenue shortfall and the city parking fees and citations (“City parking revenue up, citation rate tumbles,” Aug. 1)? A recent report showed that revenues are up by $77,000 per month (almost a million a year), citations revenue is down by $220,000 per year, and the city wants to spend a good chunk of the net revenue (approximately $700,000) on a system to improve the paying of citations — which may not be needed. Help me understand the point of that expense. Sounds like an ill-advised expense on the city’s part. Maybe give the citizens and visitors who are paying for all of this (via parking rates) a free parking day a month instead. Laura Hall

Santa Fe