As a person who is lucky enough to call one of the most beautiful places in the country his home, I feel a responsibility to preserve the beauty around me. I know that many of my community members feel the same way.
Now more than ever, we must act as a leader in responsible decision making when it comes to energy choices. The small local election for La Plata Electric Association board members is a truly “every vote counts” type of election. The outcome actually affects voters directly.
Despite our desires to maintain an environmentally friendly self-image, we have a long fight ahead of us to achieve clean energy in this community. This election poses an opportunity to take a step in the right direction.
In the city of Durango there is one clear choice for the LPEA board and that choice is Rachel Landis. Landis has dedicated her life to protecting our environment and fighting for our community.
As the coordinator of Environmental Center at Fort Lewis College, Rachel plays an invaluable role in training the next generation of environmental leaders. Rachel will work hard to fight climate change at a local level, keep our energy rates low and create good paying local clean energy jobs.
Her opponent, on the other hand, Michael Bell, has shown through his political donations that he is not a friend of protecting our environment or our community values.
Mr. Bell has made large contributions to climate change deniers such as Tom Tancredo, who many consider one of the most conservative members of Congress from Colorado in the past 20 years. He also donated to Ken Buck who embarrassed our state while running for Senate in 2010 by making derogatory comments about women.
Please join me in supporting Rachel Landis for the LPEA board so that we can protect our environment and our community with smart energy choices going forward. At the very least… vote.
Ballots are due at LPEA offices by May 12th or at their annual meeting on Saturday the 13th.
Trent Swisher
Durango
