When evaluating finalists for a job, sometimes committee members suggest that an applicant is “owed” a job, that the person has “put in their time,” that there is a valuable professional or family connection – rationalizations for hiring that are not in the best interest of the people served.

When a candidate is hired this way, the outcome is not always disastrous, but never results in most effectively addressing the complex and changing demands of these important jobs. Evaluating our local candidates on their experience and demonstrated ability to intelligently analyze issues, understand the future, solve problems and take action I am confident that our best choices are Mike McLachlan, Sean Smith, Allison Morrissey and Cynthia Roebuck.

These competent Democrats will complement Republican incumbents, State Sen. Ellen Roberts and County Clerk Tiffany Lee Parker, who, because of their excellent work, the Democrats did not field candidates against. Know the facts. Vote smart.

Sandra Berman-LaFrance

Durango