Policy and Politics Digest https://www.durangoherald.com/section/policy-and-politics-digest/feed/ Stay informed with the latest breaking news, local stories, sports, business, weather, and community events from Durango, Southwest Colorado, and the Four Corners region. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:45:50 -0600 en-us 30 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/they-say-all-politics-is-local-then-export-it/ The result, as Mann depressingly points out, is that government does not get much done — at least at the national level. And the media does a weak job pointing out just how bad things are. “Yet many political scientists,... Sun, 30 Oct 2016 03:32:58 -0600 A8A97D77-489D-4CD0-85DF-38F767356943 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/busy-colorado-ballot-will-be-energy-heavy/ Far and away, though, energy-related measures dominate the list of proposed initiatives. There are at least a dozen such initiatives vying for a spot on the ballot. They range from attempts to expand local control over whether gas and oil... Thu, 15 May 2014 02:47:44 -0600 DF91D3DF-C7B7-4E7A-8E6A-8424732F8192 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/food-safety-rules-must-consider-growing-reality-in-southwest-colorado/ Of particular concern are proposed rules governing water used to irrigate crops. The FDA is considering two standards — one that would allow no E. Coli at all in irrigation water, and one that would have no more than 235... Wed, 07 May 2014 06:14:08 -0600 D715A3C2-62BF-4071-955E-03807A4A7F1B https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/are-you-for-or-against-obamacare-show-your-work/ http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/01/politics/obamacare-signups-target/ http://foxnewsinsider.com/tag/obamacare http://www.msnbc.com/topics/affordable-care-act http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/comment/2014/03/young-healthy-and-not-so-important-for-obamacare.html http://www.cbo.gov/latest/Health-Care/Affordable-Care-Act Wed, 02 Apr 2014 07:33:48 -0600 AB4C5409-8FFF-4176-B04E-29ECCD341DD4 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/health-care-savings-an-economic-good-despite-the-sting/ It will be interesting to see how the information is politicized, though. It is not difficult to imagine those opposed to certain comprehensive health care legislation using these numbers to decry its effect on the economy. Listen carefully, though, to... Mon, 10 Feb 2014 23:23:20 -0700 6D877352-40FC-4FF2-827B-59516F7E3A8E https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/canceled-meetings-do-disservice-to-voters/ These are friendly and informative conversations where we have the opportunity to get to know candidates who are volunteering for important and largely thankless positions. They also provide candidates the chance to articulate their positions — something that anyone seeking... Tue, 29 Oct 2013 04:36:25 -0600 947C7474-4EB5-460F-B936-935A340BCEBB https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/pancakes-and-policy-meet-with-transportation-discussion/ To make things even more interesting, we will hold the gathering at the Kiwanis Club’s annual Pancake Day at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Come talk transportation and money over pancakes — $10 will cover your breakfast, with proceeds going... Wed, 18 Sep 2013 03:33:43 -0600 DB1F7C6B-C277-464B-A157-7A052E6B87EF https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/city-looks-in-wrong-direction-for-cuts/ The program — as well as weekend Trolley service — is on the chopping block for the 2014 budget cycle and it should not be. City Manager Ron LeBlanc’s justification for the cut is that the city should not be... Wed, 11 Sep 2013 03:57:24 -0600 1BEBBCC8-3231-487A-82DB-164B12F9178F https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/patience-precision-key-to-pot-regs/ Colorado is at the leading edge of the discussion, with voters in November having soundly supported legalizing marijuana cultivation, possession and sale for recreational purposes. From a values standpoint, this was a relatively short leap from the legalization of medicinal... Sat, 31 Aug 2013 08:48:54 -0600 ED150E79-6C67-4C97-B911-71811A0DB944 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/marijuana-fades-into-sunset-of-citizens-concerns/ Despite the fact that both the city of Durango and La Plata County are considering moratoriums on recreational marijuana businesses until the devilish details are ironed out, and that a previously illegal substance is now perfectly legal, these are not... Tue, 06 Aug 2013 05:05:17 -0600 D5B939C6-0B28-44FC-9CE4-7A7A1A6B45C7 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/rush-to-arms-an-interesting-response-to-states-laws/ In Colorado now, those seeking concealed carry permits are required to have some of their training in person, all gun purchases are subject to a background check for the purchaser, and magazine capacity is now limited to 15 rounds. That... Wed, 31 Jul 2013 04:04:27 -0600 6A68AC98-C5A9-48D0-B583-EDB99D2ED6C5 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/climate-getting-congressional-nod-with-small-meaningful-measures/ The Senate panel is also advancing legislation that encourages energy efficiency in industrial buildings. It is hard to argue against such a notion and business owners of all political stripes stand to gain from making investments in efficiency. Doing so... Mon, 13 May 2013 05:50:11 -0600 9EC191CD-9629-4A44-92FB-60CD9388CD95 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/policy-and-politics-digest/waning-session-weariness-wont-eclipse-need-for-action/ The regulatory framework governing recreational marijuana in Colorado is at the top of the docket, and lawmakers have to get this done as per the language of Amendment 64, which legalized marijuana. This is a complex undertaking, with little to... Mon, 06 May 2013 05:56:58 -0600 A58F2F70-A324-4235-B6D5-5320DDC84F3C