Christopher Ketcham’s presumed “expert “opinion on problems he perceives in Moab are not appreciated by some long-term Moab residents (”Hyper visitation, national parks and tourism toxification in a small town,” The Tribune e-edition, April 20). I do wish he would not have attempted to exploit the murder of two beautiful Moab women inappropriately.
Most places in the U.S. have inadequate low- to middle-income housing, Moab’s issues may seem bigger and uglier since we are a small and rural city, and yes, it is infuriating and unfair. We should all seek fairness, decent housing, medical care, civility, tolerance and gun control.
Many residents in all walks of life have supported all of Arches efforts to limit tourism. Many have strongly supported efforts to use tourism tax money to help mitigate the problems created by the “huge” influx of tourists, while never being supported in this by the state of Utah, which has legislatively and administratively exacerbated all the issues Ketcham lists.
Growth in the wild west will always bring out power issues and greed. Yes, there is pain in the growth and also strong benefits. Many still smile and chat with fellow residents, familiar faces are all around. The land still offers quiet, beauty and withdrawal if one seeks. Many arts, sports, spiritual expressions, medical practices, teams, classes, meetings, exhibits are also growing.
I am not Pollyanna, I am not rich in money, and will steam with frustration as much as anyone.
I remain sorry that you published this article.
Susan Jamieson, Moab