What an exciting time in history – we can cast our votes for five intelligent, strong, progressive women who will work to make Durango, La Plata County, Colorado and our country a better place.

I am honored to vote for Gwen Lachelt and Julie Westendorff for county commissioner, Barbara McLachlan for our state representative, Gail Schwartz for the U.S. House and Hillary Clinton as the first female U.S. president!

I plan to thank U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet for his great work over the last six years with another vote for him and Christian Champagne for district attorney.

All of these candidates will work efficiently and effectively to advance conservation issues, promote diversity and fairness within communities, give equal standing to women, children, immigrants, the elderly and veterans as well as raise the bar of diplomacy at home and abroad with a respect and camaraderie not seen from their stagnant old guard opponents who have antiquated policies.

Please join me in voting for these dedicated public servants so that we all may work together to move our community and country forward with high standards, civility, experience and intelligence.

Anna Peterson

Durango