If we are short-sighted, we run the risk of investing in a facility not accomplishing what we need it to. Simply getting something up and running right away is just putting a Band-Aid on the situation. We need to consider all of the training needs of law enforcement in the region – and take a leadership role in designing a training facility serving law enforcement and the community well into the future!

We face just as much liability by driving our vehicles to emergency situations at a high rate of speed. Unfortunately, we are only given the opportunity to conduct driver training once or twice per year because we must utilize a facility in Farmington.

With an expanded vision and regional partnerships – both public and private – we could lead the way on developing a training facility benefiting many communities in Southwest Colorado. A facility of this nature may sound expensive, especially with the fiscal challenges the county is facing. However, we do have the ability to think outside of the box and build regional partnerships that will bring nontraditional funding options and additional resources to the project to mitigate costs.

If necessary we can design it now and build it over time as funding permits.

Sean Smith, candidate for La Plata County sheriff

Durango