In the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13, the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners read into the record and approved a letter Tuesday encouraging civil discourse and respect for the integrity of the democratic process.
The two-page letter was first discussed at a board discussion time on July 17 following the previous weekend’s violence.
It did not address the presidential election, Trump or the assassination attempt directly.
“As the November General Election approaches, we are seeing increasing and alarming political division across our nation,” the letter read. “This division has transcended beyond inflammatory rhetoric and is manifesting in an erosion of civil discourse, threats to our democracy, and challenges to the integrity of our elections and the public servants who conduct them.”
Instead, the letter urged the county community to listen actively, speak respectfully and seek understanding; to vote in an informed manner, be an active participant and respect the democratic process; and made the point that local elections are safe, accurate and transparent.
“Our collective efforts to demonstrate and uphold civil discourse, our commitment to democracy, and our belief in the integrity of our elections are vital to tempering the escalating division, violence and polarization that threatens to erode these underpinnings of our community’s and our nation’s social contract,” the letter concluded.
All three county commissioners expressed support for the letter.
“This fully reflects our philosophy, our beliefs and our action” Commissioner Clyde Church said from the dais.
Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton said the county clerk and recorder, Tiffany Lee, had also signaled support for it. Porter-Norton also praised the language of the document.
rschafir@durangoherald.com
