To tell you the truth, I think maybe society isn’t a very healthy to be in with today’s technology, AI (artificial intelligence) and all the techies who keep coming up…
The Animas River path is an added asset to Durango, enjoyed by many people of all ages and abilities. It’s a multiuse path for various activities, and with the growth…
The desire to paint the Biden administration in a negative light during this election often recalls the tragedy of the Afghan citizens and 13 U.S. military personnel who were killed…
La Plata County is in need of greater diversity on the Board of County Commissioners, particularly in representing our rural communities. Currently, commissioners are elected at large, meaning urban areas…
Diane Carman We can argue all we want about who won the Harris-Trump debate, but there’s no question who lost: Aurora. The people of Aurora were slandered in the service…
cca If you’ve read any of my previous columns, you know, I struggle with depression. For 2½ years, I’ve gone in and out of severe clinical depression. I am free…
Amendment G to the state’s constitution will provide an estimated 3,700 veterans who are deemed unable to hold a job with a reduction in their property taxes. It adds them…
Amendment H creates a board of lawyers, judges and citizens (four each) to evaluate charges of judicial misconduct with some transparency than exists now. Currently, accusations are handled by a…
Marstondu1-i-syn The Colorado Trail, an iconic 567-mile high-elevation trail that crosses the Rockies, owes its existence largely to Gudy Gaskill, a charismatic, 6-foot-tall woman who could make tough things seem…
As a lifelong Republican, I don’t take my votes lightly. I look for candidates who have the experience, a proven track record and the ability to represent all of us…
Next Step would permanently change downtown Durango. Perhaps for better, perhaps for worse. Such a consequential, and a controversial, decision should not rest solely with five city councilors or a…
We keep hearing cries of “protect our democracy” from the Democrats and our news media does little to shed light on the silliness. The Democrats have refused to enforce the…
A recent editor letter invited readers to explain how countywide voting for commissioners is protecting democracy. To begin, La Plata County elects three commissioners, all three representing all La Plata…
There’s an analogy that says democracy is like two wolves and a lamb voting on what’s for dinner. This is especially true for sin taxes. The public believes it’s a…
As a small-business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how Matt Salka’s leadership has positively impacted our local business community. During his time as the mayor of Bayfield, Matt worked tirelessly to…
The title of Mike Littwin’s Opinion page article in Sept. 8’s paper includes this startling statement: “Too bad your vote doesn’t count.” He raises a question that should finally be…
Amendment K to the Constitution would give election officials an additional week to process issue signature petitions and require publicizing ballot measures 30 days before the election rather than the…
As a water and land lawyer, I have worked closely with Paul Black for many years. Paul is a farmer, rancher, business owner, president of Upper Pine Fire and Conservation…
As an educator who taught preschool through grad school, I implore you to vote for teachers and friends of education in our political races. Term-limited, former teacher, Rep. Barbara McLachlan…
I can sympathize with those who oppose abortion. I do not believe that any woman considers abortion lightly. But what happens when the government intervenes in a decision that should…
Sheri F. Shink All these decades later, I can still remember the outrage I felt the first time I sat in a Colorado courtroom. I watched everyone from the attorney…
The deadline to vote in the La Plata Electric Association election is quickly approaching on Tuesday and is worthy of your attention. One seat in each of LPEA’s four districts…
It’s been nearly 80 years since the first atomic bomb was tested in New Mexico. Communities have been reeling ever since. Aspen Coriz-Romero Anila Lopez Marks For generations, Americans who…
Sept. 17, Constitution Day (and Citizenship Day) is the beginning of Constitution Week, Sept. 17 through 23. This year marks the 237th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution by…
Biden’s greatest achievement was the evacuation of our troops from Afghanistan. Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump all failed to get us out of Afghanistan. Biden got us out with minimum…
Politically, I respect the gifts of conservatism and the gifts of liberalism. They each have useful contributions and ideas for us to hear, measure and blend. Where things go awry…
Cross Those of us who live in Durango West and beyond are not happy (Bayfieldians, too). During the month of August we had to endure the chip sealing road project…
Jason Mietchen’s letter to the editor (Sept. 6) had a number of interesting points ranging from good observations to misinformed facts to snark. Mr. Mietchen is absolutely correct that the…
I want to share my experience with Matt Salka and why he has my full support for reelection as county commissioner. When my son was diagnosed with cancer, our family…
