Member Feedback

Tire pressure monitoring systems

I am responding to the Auto Talk article printed in the March/April issue. Yes, tire pressure is important, but not to the extent that warning systems be mandated by federal law. Free, do-it-yourself air pumps should be mandatory at every facility where gasoline is sold.
-John C., Johnstown

Your article on tire pressure monitoring systems points to the ease with which manufacturers can be diverted from adding real economy and safety to new vehicles. Technotrash such as the TPMS add cost to vehicle research and development, as well as increasing purchase price and maintenance costs for minimal gain. I have had an older type of TPMS in all my vehicles since 1962. It is called a TPG (tire pressure gauge) and can be purchased in many locations for about a buck. It requires no batteries, is about the size of a ballpoint pen and is so simple to use that instructions are not needed.
-Bill M., Alamosa

AAA Colorado truck in California

I have been an AAA member since I was 16-nearly 50 years ago! Here is a photo of my 1928 Graham Brothers pickup truck. It originally came from Colorado and there is a logo on each door that says AAA Rocky Mountain Motorists Inc. We named it "Rocky" and that is what our grandkids call it too.

The truck spent its early life as a AAA service truck at New Ramer, Colorado and then at Fort Morgan. After retirement it was sold to a fellow in Lakewood.

I purchased it from Robert Scafani of Fremont, California in late 2005 and put it in covered storage until bringing it home this past weekend to start replacing the rotted-out woodwork. We would love to hear from someone who might take an interest in it or have information about these trucks.
-Ron Kaye, PO Box 723, Diamond Springs, CA 95619

Paying for roads

If all the counties and municipalities in Colorado would actually follow their attitude that growth will pay for itself, new roads would be built by the new subdivisions and the state would be able to maintain the roads with the gas tax income. Instead, we spend maintenance money on trying to keep up with the growth and let our existing roads deteriorate.
-John D., via email

Aggressive driving

It would be very beneficial if more people would read this article [March/April]. I live with a person that is a very aggressive driver and it is not enjoyable being a passenger in his car. Some day he might meet his match with another aggressive driver. No comments from me have ever made any difference.
-Name withheld

Hawaii turns 50

I can't believe you left out our favorite Hawaiian island, Molokai! Molokai has a maca-damia nut farm, coffee plantation, leper colony tours (Father Damien), the highest sea cliffs in the world, walking tours through the rain forest, a golf course, some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii and not one traffic light! It is "old Hawaii" at its best.

The only national chains are Ace Hardware, NAPA and Subway: everything else is local. There is the local Molokai Hotel and many condos to stay in, especially at the west end. A short walk to the beach at sunset and one can watch the surfers and the sunset over Oahu, with just the "noise" of the friendly neighbors. And the stars touch the ground at night! It is truly a quiet place to vacation and get the feeling of the ancient times and peoples. "Molokai mo' bettah!"
-Nancy O., Lakewood

Editor's note: While Hawaii's smaller islands weren't mentioned in last issue's article, readers interested in Molokai and Lanai may enjoy a previous article on these islands at www.encompassmag.com -Sept/Oct 2007).

Let us hear from you

Letters less than 200 words are considered first. Letters published in EnCompass do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AAA Colorado. Due to space limitations, we reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. Send letters to the editor, EnCompass, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222. Email: editor@colorado.aaa.com. Letters become property of AAA Colorado and are not returned.