I enjoyed reading the articles about the county updating use codes and also the program to combat weeds (Journal, June 23). Good work, Montezuma County!

Now about the City of Cortez. I live on North Harrison and love the Rodeo community, even though it is surrounded by weedy fields. I know these vacant fields were originally set up for phase two and three of the Rodeo development. Those phases and the land usage didn’t happen due to the past years’ failed housing crisis. Can’t blame anyone for that – however, according to city code as I understand it, vacant lots are still the owners’ responsibility. And one of those responsibilities is mowing and cleaning up those lots.

Of course there will be those who think mowing overgrown city lots isn’t a big deal. And I can understand some indifference. However, I and many of my neighbors have lovely homes next to these weedy lots. So I ask you to consider what is a serious concern. This has been, and still is, a consistently windy spring and summer. And every day I wonder just when some fool will toss a cigarette butt out of a car or truck window.

With all respect to our remarkable and capable fire department, nothing becomes more threatening to nearby homes than fields of dry weeds, some very dense and tall, and all in flames on a windy day.

Please make the owners of these properties mow their lands annually, according to code. If they refuse, then the city should do it and mail them the bill.

Terry Marsden

Cortez