Editorials

Editorial cartoon

Durango needs a residential recovery center

My name is Jessey Stiegelmeyer, and I am a longtime Durango resident who loves this community. One thing I believe Durango is missing is a residential rehabilitation center. I have…

The First Amendment protects us all

I know that during times of political turmoil and constitutional illiteracy, it’s hard for people to understand and appreciate that the way you live, regardless of where you fall on…

Our view: The Power of “Us”

Colorado's largest political party isn't a party at all

Questions about peace run founder

I read your recent article about the Sri Chinmoy Peace Run with concern. While world peace is a goal we all share, I was troubled to see city officials participating…

New York’s bromate ban jeopardizes its greatest products

New York lawmakers have passed legislation banning bromate. I know, shocking, right? This is not a ban that affects neighborhood bros, homeboys and mates. No, it’s worse. It is a…

Editorial cartoon

Transparency and the Tina Peters case

The judge in the Tina Peters case, a Gov. Jared Polis appointee, is not a Republican, as stated in the editorial, “Wrong call,” (Herald, May 20). The judge has been…

Site should remain focused on children

I’m looking at the front page of the Herald from May 27. The first story discusses Durango’s childcare access crisis and the desperate shortage of affordable childcare. The second story…

Our view: Democratic primary for governor

Two accomplished Democrats are competing for the chance to succeed Gov. Jared Polis, and the choice is genuine. U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, 61, brings an impressive record. Before his appointment…

From the mountains to the Capitol: Colorado kids need a champion for youth mental health

Colorado is a state that takes pride in its quality of life – our mountains, outdoor culture and thriving communities. But there is a quieter crisis that has been building…

Father John’s message was love

Father John Jatau, the parish priest at St. Columba Church, has left Durango. “God is great, all the time” was his greeting. His baseball hat said the same. You had…

Editorial cartoon

Phil Weiser: Why I’m running to be Colorado’s next governor

Editor’s note: The Herald Editorial Board invited Democratic and Republican candidates for Colorado governor to submit guest columns for publication. Columns are published as submitted, subject to editing for length,…

Addressing America’s growing wealth gap

Wealth inequality in the United States has reached levels that should concern every American. While millions of working families struggle to afford housing, healthcare, childcare and higher education, a small…

Naomi Riess is the right choice for HD59

I am proud to offer my full support and endorsement of Naomi Riess as the Republican candidate for House District 59. I have known Naomi for many years, and during…

Kelloff puts public lands at forefront

Alex Kelloff has been part of ranching and public lands for four generations. He and his family have lived, run cattle, hunted, fished and worked with local communities from Trinidad…

Editorial cartoon

Our view: Primary choices – attorney general and secretary of state

Attorney General – Democratic Party Primary Jena Griswold is an attorney serving her second term as Colorado secretary of state after winning election in 2018. As secretary of state, she…

Democrats still misunderstanding their 2024 defeat

Republicans seemed concerned about their electability in the wake of Donald Trump’s increasing unpopularity. But don’t worry – Democrats can still snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in 2028.…

Michael Bennet: Colorado’s future is worth fighting for, together

Editor’s note: The Herald Editorial Board invited Democratic and Republican candidates for Colorado governor to submit guest columns for publication. Columns are published as submitted, subject to editing for length,…

Geothermal energy legislation moves forward with strong bipartisan support

For many Americans, Washington can feel disconnected from the challenges people face at home. Too often, political debates generate headlines but little progress. When I ran for Congress, I made…

Policing homelessness worsens the crisis

A criminal record never helped me improve my life. I gained no benefit from mine and, though some people may think “that’s the point,” that is exactly my point. No…

Editorial cartoon

Phil Weiser shows up to listen

Since before his election as attorney general in 2018, Phil Weiser has crisscrossed Colorado listening to the concerns of communities across the state. That includes the coal communities of conservative…

Pay for gas tax relief

President Trump wants to suspend the federal gas tax to lower the price pressure created by his reckless war in Iran. A great idea! We could all use the help.…

Rethink watering unused grass in Bodo

With water restrictions arriving early this year, and given that we live in a high desert, one has to wonder why there is so much completely unused, lush green grass…

Primary choices: an early look

Colorado voters approved open primaries in 2016 when Proposition 108 passed, allowing unaffiliated voters to participate in either major party’s primary. Last month, a Denver judge rejected an effort by…

What we lose when politics becomes tribal and performative

I’ve posted political jabs online that felt sharp in the moment – and embarrassed me an hour later. They land exactly the way you expect: likes, agreement, a small rush…

Schools need shared values, stronger academic focus

The Durango Herald recently reported that 9-R may need to consolidate even more schools beyond Sunnyside and Florida Mesa. The district keeps pointing to declining enrollment and shrinking budgets but…