You may not know me, but there’s a good chance you know someone in this community I’ve worked to help. As a nurse, volunteer and disability advocate, I’ve spent my career contributing to this place. Yet even I am struggling to afford to stay here as the cost of living rises. I’ve watched my patients, friends and working-class neighbors fall further behind – unable to afford housing, medical care or groceries despite working multiple jobs. This crisis has grown under both political parties and continues to accelerate.
When Election Day comes, I often find myself choosing the lesser of two evils rather than someone I truly believe in. That’s why I’m speaking out now. I never wanted to be involved in politics beyond voting. But when you watch patients develop chronic illness because they can’t afford prescriptions, see stress over basic needs erode people physically and mentally, and hear families agonize over grocery bills, you realize society is failing us. The wealth gap isn’t abstract – it’s happening here. I cannot remain passive.
One way forward is getting serious about primaries. We must stop accepting candidates shaped by lobbyists and super PAC money and start holding officials accountable. That’s why I’m supporting David Seligman for Colorado attorney general ahead of the March caucuses. Through his work at Towards Justice, David has fought for workers, consumers and small businesses against corporate abuse. He’s committed to rejecting corporate PACs and super PAC money and has a proven record of holding powerful interests accountable.
Iris Gardner
Durango
