The Herald’s editorial board has weighed in on three critical local election issues: the School Board race, the La Plata County funding measure (1A) and Fire District proposals (2A, 7A, 7B). Across all issues, our message is consistent: Maintain stability, protect our successes and invest in essential services.
School Board – Vote ‘For’ Brown, Parmenter and Petersen
When it comes to the Durango School District Board of Education, the message is simple: Don’t mess with success. The Herald’s editorial board strongly recommends reelecting the three incumbent candidates (Herald, Oct. 10) – Erika Brown (District A), Rick Petersen (District C) and Andrea Parmenter (District E).
The incumbents have built crucial momentum and maintained a productive relationship with Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser. Their leadership has delivered impressive results:
Academic Excellence: Durango School District ranks ninth in the state among peer districts – the only rural district on that top-tier list. CMAS math scores are up nearly 10%, and 86% of graduates earn college credit, saving local families about $7 million in tuition annually.
Financial Stability & Investment: Voters have twice reaffirmed the board’s direction – first with the 2020 bond (rebuilding Miller Middle School and creating the Impact Career Innovation Center), then again in 2024 with 61% voter approval for a new elementary school and $20 million for workforce housing, enabling the Lightner Creek Village Apartments purchase.
Challengers bring differing motivations and no detailed plans that justify disrupting a successful trajectory. Continuity and experience remain key to continued progress.
Fund Essential Services – Vote ‘Yes/For’ 1A
La Plata County faces a severe financial squeeze, which is why the Herald’s editorial board strongly supports a “Yes/For” vote on Ballot Issue 1A (Herald, Oct. 8).
County revenues are shrinking due to declining natural gas income and state-mandated cuts to the residential assessment rate. Combined with rising costs, the county faces a projected deficit of up to $14 million in 2026. This financial squeeze is not theoretical: layoffs have already occurred and will only get worse if the sales tax doesn’t pass.
Measure 1A proposes a 1% increase to the countywide sales tax – which has not changed in 43 years – to stabilize budgets for all core departments, including law enforcement, emergency management, and human services.
Everyone contributes, including visitors, who will pay about one-third of the tax. For locals, the county estimates the share averaging $23 per month. Crucially, this tax does not apply to necessities such as groceries, prescription drugs, diapers, basic utilities or farm and ranch supplies. This modest measure is fiscally responsible and essential to generating the $18 million needed in the first year.
Fire Districts – Vote ‘Yes/For’ 2A, 7A and 7B
Strengthening one fire district strengthens all, as our local emergency and EMS systems are interconnected. The Herald strongly supports all three measures proposed by the Durango Fire Protection District and the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District (Herald, Oct. 5).
Durango Fire Protection District (2A and 7A): Funding will construct and staff a new station at Three Springs, an area expected to reach 4,000 residents, and offset the $2.5 million annual gap created by state property tax cuts. The $3 million in annual funding will support competitive wages and purchase essential equipment such as ambulances and fire engines. DFPD covers 325 square miles and responded to more than 6,400 calls last year.
Upper Pine River Fire Protection District (7B): This district faces reduced revenue and a surge in EMS calls – up more than 75% to over 1,100 per year across 292 square miles. Issue 7B proposes a 1% sales tax to raise $490,000 annually for staff salaries and station improvements.
Supporting these measures is a necessary investment in community safety, self-reliance, and emergency readiness.
Look for your ballot early in the week and vote Brown, Parmenter and Petersen; “Yes/For” 1A; and 2A, 7A and 7B.
