Colorado’s Democrat-controlled House of Representatives killed SB18-221, which would have allowed voters in less populated counties the option to vote for their county commissioners by district rather than at-large. People, especially from La Plata County, provided comments for and against the bill in letters, emails, in person and via remote testimony locations.
During the committee hearing the members asked only one question twice. The chairman acknowledged peoples’ passion. Then each member voted yes or no. Killed! Period! Colorado voters witnessed a spineless charade. At the very least these legislators owe it to the people to provide their rationale for their yes or no vote.
Western slope liberals, Conservation Colorado and their ilk are lockstep with this farce. They don’t want to have voter options brought home for small rural counties; to debate that may reduce their advantage. They express the concern that it will “balkanize” the county. They have division on their mind when I have fair representation on my mind.
Our own Commissioner (Gwen) Lachelt opposed the bill because in her words it would pit county commissioners against each other. This is a cynical view, and likely to occur when county commissioners have no leadership skills. Proponents for the bill sought to improve representation for rural voters so their perspective is at the table to bring understanding, for county commissioners to make educated, balanced decisions.
Who doesn’t like that?
Sandy Young
Durango
