Letters

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 9, 2008

Amendment 47 could not eliminate "mandatory union membership" since it does not exist. There is currently no such thing as a "closed shop." A closed shop means that a person must be a union member in order to get a job. A closed shop is illegal. A union shop requires union membership within 30 days of being hired unless an employee chooses to remain a nonmember. An employee can remain a nonmember, provided they pay their fair share of fees necessary for the union to negotiate and maintain the contract under which they work and from which they benefit.

No political activities may be funded with union member's dues. Federal law requires that any funds used for such activities must be separately established and maintained.

Colorado law already provides a balance between business interests and labor. For this reason, the Denver Chamber of Commerce has opposed this amendment, saying that it is not needed. The Gazette's statement that unions engage in "extortion" to promote various causes is unfounded and is clearly intended only to be inflammatory.

Individual employees certainly do not need any protection supposedly provided by Amendment 47, and the proponents certainly have no interest whatsoever in improving unions. They want to put them out of business entirely.

Diane Merrill

Colorado Springs

Workers deserve freedom amendment would provide

As usual, The Gazette editorial board is right on. By endorsing Amendment 47, it shows The Gazette still believes in personal and economic freedom. Amendment 47 would give every worker the freedom to choose whether or not to join a union -- something we all deserve.

Patrick Davis

Colorado Springs

da race

Newsome's actions after report proves he's the man for the job

The primary will determine the person who will be our next district attorney and this race is one of the most important decisions for the citizens of this area will make.

In early May, a local TV news station aired a secretly taped video of John Newsome drinking beer at a local establishment, then driving away in a county vehicle. Newsome was neither working nor stopped and arrested for any crime.

If the news station actually thought Newsome was committing a crime, why didn't one of the TV news crew call the police and report Newsome?

Newsome has apologized for this and has promised that it will never happen again. And, to date, it has not happened again. What more can he do than what he already has done on this matter? Nothing. His actions reflect a high degree of integrity and honor.

The core issue for me is which candidate is of high-enough standard and quality to competently run the prosecutor's office.

My choice is John Newsome. I want a person who has the courage to stand-up and assume responsibility and hold himself accountable for his actions and for the actions of the office he leads.

Addy M. Hansen

Colorado Springs