I take exception to the editorial, “Appoint a Republican,” (Herald, June 27). The thesis implies that La Plata County commissioners do not seek input on policies and decisions from our broad spectrum of political viewpoints.
It’s important to note that the May 2025 data (sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/VoterRegNumbers/VoterRegNumbers.html) from the secretary of state’s office shows that voter registration for Democrats is 10,336 and Republicans is 9,782. The majority of our citizens are unaffiliated, 23,276. No one is elected in our county without the support of this significant group who vote independently and participate actively.
Having witnessed countless county commissioner meetings, town halls, on-the-road meetings, office hour, phone calls and emails to gain input, I know they don’t follow a party line. To say so is a disservice.
Commissioner elections should not involve party affiliation because they work consistently to make the best decisions for all of our county residents. Did you know they require the input from county boards and commissions on issues, as well as staff research and guidance, before they reach a decision?
Tough times are ahead with disastrous federal and state funding cuts. Expanding government is not an issue. We are going to lose staff, lose services, and find our facilities and equipment falling even further behind on maintenance.
We all need to bring forth the best candidates for all offices. We all need to actively engage with our BOCC to shape the decisions made to address critical issues so they can make wise decisions.
Paulette Church
Durango
[Editor’s note: Paulette Church is the wife of the recently resigned La Plata County Commissioner Clyde Church.]
