This year’s campaign is worse than any I have experienced thus far in my voting life. What strikes me is not so much the name calling as the casual misstatement of facts. On my mind is Gail Schwartz’s recent claims regarding U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton’s misuse of public lands.

Scott Tipton is well aware of and supports using public lands for the benefit of all, and is protective against assaults on our land and water. Especially those of us on the Western slope need someone who understands that agriculture must continue to play a part in our economy.

Several points of misinformation about Tipton and public lands include that he is selling off public lands. His record is that he does not support the selling of public lands. Rather, he supports keeping public lands accessible to the American people for appropriate multiple uses and to preserve them for future generations.

Tipton has never co-sponsored or sponsored any legislation that would sell public lands.

Close to home, please know that he has worked to protect public lands and important cultural and historic treasures. He sponsored and passed legislation to designate Chimney Rock, near Pagosa Springs, as a national monument. Another example is his work that resulted in nearly 100,000 acres of beautiful natural forest as wilderness in our Hermosa Creek Watershed.

Please be alert that what is claimed is not always the case in an election that seems to have thrown honesty out of the window. Vote for Scott Tipton.

Pat James

Durango