It should come as no surprise that the Republicans who voted Rep. Lauren Boebert into office would turn to another fringe candidate to represent Durango, Cortez and the rest of CD3 on the state school board.
The GOP nominee? Former Montezuma-Cortez School Board President Sherri Wright.
While she was on the board, Wright fought state-mandated COVID-19 policies and launched a witch hunt into Critical Race Theory in school materials. Two board members resigned rather than follow Wright down her dark hole of conspiracy-mongering.
Like Boebert, Wright is skilled at creating conflict. She signed a petition to recall a fellow board member. Why? He posted pro-Black Lives Matter support on social media (“I am ANTIFA”) and delivered pizza to the high school’s LGBTQ+ Club’s lunchtime meetings. The board member was recalled and the board ended lunchtime club meetings as a way to disband the LGBTQ+ Club.
So what will Wright do if elected? Her only promise is to obtain more funding for rural schools, but she doesn’t specify a funding source. Lobby the Legislature for a tax increase or cut other programs from the Department of Education budget?
Wright is counting on her base in Montezuma County and voter apathy in red-leaning CD3 to win an under-the-radar campaign.
The Democratic candidate, Ellen Angeles, is a teacher with a strong commitment to public education. Her views are detailed at EllenForColorado.com and on Ballotpedia.
So what’s it going to be, CD3? Elect a conflict-loving Republican with Boebert-like opinions, or a teacher who is dedicated to public schools?
Carl Young
Pagosa Springs
