For president: We want a president who has a healthy working relationship with talented and experienced Cabinet heads and advisers; who thinks long-term about the country’s and the world’s challenges; and who understands that the world is small and that people’s needs, climate, war and hunger require the combined efforts of many nations and not just one. Of the two major-party individuals who want the presidency, Joe Biden will come much closer. Joe Biden for president.
For U.S. Senate: On the most significant issue facing Americans, access to properly priced health insurance and medical care, Democrat John Hickenlooper easily deserves support. Republican Sen. Cory Gardner has done good things, but on this he doesn’t come close. We endorse John Hickenlooper.
For U.S. House: Republican Lauren Boebert’s ascendancy could be an example of what makes this country so special. Her repeated theme is to make Americans free of what she sees as government restrictions and limitations. But we are not convinced that is what we need to represent our 3rd Congressional District. Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush has been a small-business owner and manager, a Routt County commissioner and a three-term Colorado House member. The district is varied in its regions and citizenry; she has the background to do the best to benefit that diversity. We endorse Diane Mitsch Bush.
For Colorado House: Our 59th state House District has been represented by Barbara McLachlan, a former high school teacher and native Coloradan, for four years. She would like another two years to continue her focus on education, among other legislative pursuits. Republican challenger Marilyn Harris, from Pagosa Springs, is apparently a latecomer to the race and has not been visible in La Plata County. We endorse Barbara McLachlan.
For La Plata County commissioner, District 2: We find great choices in this race between Democrat Marsha Porter-Norton, a skilled facilitator, and independent Jack Turner, a local stalwart who has braved the obstacles an independent encounters hereabouts. Porter-Norton is approachable and a good listener. Turner will give those who are not Democrats more comfortable access to county government. We endorse Marsha Porter-Norton and Jack Turner.
For La Plata County commissioner, District 3: One candidate stands out for his multiple leadership roles in his community. Democrat Matt Salka has been Bayfield’s mayor and the secretary of the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, the organization that advocates for economic development for the county. He knows water infrastructure, smart development, grant-writing and economic development. Independent Charly Minkler deserves credit for gaining the ballot and devoting countless hours to the county’s land use plan. We endorse Matt Salka.
For 6th Judicial District Attorney: Christian Champagne is running unopposed for another four-year term. In 2016, Champagne said he would create more alternatives to incarceration and take more cases to trial. He has, and he is not done yet. We endorse Christian Champagne.
