Author - The Durango Herald

Colombia has lessons on retaking extreme center

Last week I interviewed Colombian President Iván Duque, who took office in August and calls himself a man of the “extreme center.” In an era of rising populism, I asked, how should politicia...

DATE: Oct 14, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Vote No on 2; city can afford new police station now

The upcoming election is not, as our city officials claim, about whether our community supports our police department. The facts below show there is ample money for a new police station – wi...

DATE: Oct 13, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Problems with immigration at border began with U.S. meddling abroad

To separate children from their parents for no reason is inhumane anytime. But to separate families when they are fleeing violence, trauma, and poverty is approaching evil. What ...

DATE: Oct 13, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Setbacks in Prop 112 would devastate Colorado

Having served our southwest Colorado community as an elected official for many years, I’ve had a front-row seat to the recent devolution of our nation’s political discourse. I’ve spent my en...

DATE: Oct 9, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Finally, I have a reason to be grateful for Trump

For the first time since Donald Trump entered the political fray, I find myself grateful that he’s in it. I’m reluctant to admit it and astonished to say it, especially since the ...

DATE: Oct 7, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Is Hickenlooper out of step with Dems on energy?

For eight years, Gov. John Hickenlooper has won favor on both sides for successfully navigating the political tightrope on energy issues. As a former geologist who once worked for a petroleu...

DATE: Oct 6, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Help is on the way to access mental health care

A teenager trapped by depression. A daughter addicted to heroin. A son lost to suicide. More than a million Coloradans face a mental health or substance-use disorder, but only hal...

DATE: Oct 6, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Trump steamrolls the West

Our air is imperiled by regional methane emissions. Now this administration seems to wants more. But why?

DATE: Sep 29, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Durango City Council: Our new tax is essential

“Take care of what you have” is the primary message from citizens to the city of Durango during a nearly year-long civic engagement effort. The response is the “Back to Basics” ballot issue ...

DATE: Sep 29, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

America needs to hear from Christine Blasey Ford

In amoral political terms, Senate Republicans have been skillful in handling Christine Blasey’s Ford’s allegations that the Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when ...

DATE: Sep 24, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

A tax for public safety? City council is confusing the issue

By John Ritchey Durango resident Two years ago, the Durango City Council unanimously voted to support the $100 million airport tax. Fortunately, the voters wisely and o...

DATE: Sep 21, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

We need the Antiquities Act Established in 1906, the act is by no means obsolete

Representative Scott Tipton believes that the Antiquities Act of 1906 is obsolete. In July, I sent him a request to sign on as a co-sponsor to a bill, S.2354, the Antiquities Act...

DATE: Sep 15, 2018 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns