Opinion & Letters to the Editor

Editorial Cartoon

Electric cars make sense for drivers, planet

As communities across the country grapple with rising fuel costs, air pollution, and the growing impacts of global warming, one solution is becoming increasingly clear: the widespread adoption of electric…

School tech policy needs a parent-driven update

It takes a fair amount of time to read the “Student internet and Electronic Mail Acceptable Use Policy” before registering kids for school in the Durango School District. That is…

Paint the roundabout, save the sculptures

I’ve been thinking about this suggestion for a couple of weeks, and if I had followed through earlier maybe the latest wreck on the Chapman Hill roundabout wouldn’t have happened.…

Kip Koso has the skills to lead

I had the honor to work with Kip Koso for years on the Local First Board of Directors. His leadership during my term was exemplary. He has the patience and…

My View: Memorial Day weekend

Southwest Colorado, three enduring traditions celebrate resilience, remembrance and hope

Editorial Cartoon

DHS students bring community together to build a more resilient future

Just a stone’s throw from the too-low-for-April Animas River, more than 100 community members and Durango High School students gathered at the Powerhouse to learn, discuss and ultimately prove that…

Hands-on transplant science lesson gave students unforgettable look inside the human body

I held the lungs in my hands, thinking about how apparent the effects of smoking were. That moment stuck with me throughout the day. On April 13, what started as…

Dog left in hot car, city slow to respond

On May 9, I reported a dog locked in a hot car. I had to leave the scene but trusted that police would promptly respond. Thirty-eight minutes later, I received…

Fossil fuels, solar must coexist for now

In a recent letter, “Affordable energy requires honest accounting” (Herald, May 6), the author made interesting arguments regarding the debate over fossil fuels vs. solar and wind energy. However, the…

Council’s power play undermines public trust

Honest and transparent communication is essential for public servants. It takes hubris and hypocrisy, then, for city council members to quietly orchestrate behind closed doors the sidelining of a colleague…

Support, don’t shortchange, local nonprofits

Thank you, Briggen Wrinkle, for your well-reasoned article about what we think we know about nonprofits (Herald, May 1). Having spent much of the past 40 years creating, leading, supporting…

Who is behind the Code Rights Project?

In 1980, I arrived in La Plata County to begin a new chapter as CEO of Burns National Bank (currently Bank of Colorado). Our core lending was in business, construction…

Prison needs better management, not expansion

One April 17, the Herald reported Gov. Jared Polis’ lament for a new prison. He is wrong. What we need is competent management. Over the past two decades, we’ve been…

Taxpayers should not fund Trump’s ballroom

When President Donald Trump went on his destructive East Wing rampage, he reassured an anxious nation that his ballroom would not be paid for with $400 million in tax dollars…

Editorial cartoon

Dougherty most prepared at AG debate

During the May 7 attorney general debate in Denver, I quickly observed that the responsibilities facing the next attorney general will be as serious as a heart attack, but only…

Executive experience matters in governor’s race

There’s a writer on Substack, David Thielen, who explained the upcoming June primary decision for Colorado governor this way: “This race isn’t about ideology – it’s about competence. … On…

Our View: Wrong call

abandoned Colorado’s election officials

Colorado wolf recovery shows encouraging signs

After a challenging third year in Colorado’s citizen-initiated program to restore the gray wolf, some good news has finally arrived – particularly regarding the high number of pups that have…

Editorial cartoon

Lot F should benefit the broader community

As the new Head Start nears completion, the question is how Lot F, the site of the old Head Start, will be used. This is a city-owned lot, and there…

Jodi Zuber brings trusted leadership experience

Jodi Zuber cares deeply about our community, and that is one of the many reasons I am proud to support her for the LPEA Board of Directors. I have known…

LPEA needs practical, dependable community leadership

As a lifelong resident of La Plata County and someone who has spent years working community events around Ignacio and Durango, I want to support Jodi Zuber for the LPEA…

Jenn Jenkins puts community first

As an educator, I believe in leading by example. Connection and kindness matter. We are fortunate to live in a small town where we see people we know at the…

LPEA needs practical energy leadership

We need to elect new La Plata Electric Association board members, ones who will seriously consider the impact rising electric costs are having on families, seniors and businesses in our…

Phil Weiser for governor

Sen. Bennet is running in the Democratic primary for governor of Colorado against Attorney General Phil Weiser. Sen. Bennet questions Weiser’s ability to fight Trump, saying, “I understand that Phil…

Colorado voters should participate in June primary

Did you know that there will be a primary in June for us in Colorado? The primary ballot, mailed June 8, will select the final candidates to represent either the…

CPW’s role under SB25-003 raises concerns

Colorado’s new firearm law, SB25-003, takes effect Aug. 1 and places Colorado Parks and Wildlife in charge of developing and approving firearm safety courses that will be required to purchase…