Opinion & Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor
Slow down: Time’s a’wastin’
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…
Letters to the Editor
Looking over your shoulder
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…
Letters to the Editor
U.S. departure from Afghanistan
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…
Letters to the Editor
Elect Paul Black for District 3 county commissioner
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…
Guest Columns
Truth is out there for all to see in Aurora while Republicans promote a dangerous lie
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…
Guest Columns
A remedy from depression and/or anxiety is out there
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…
Editorials
Our view: ‘Yes’ to reducing some vets’ property taxes
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…
Editorials
A ‘yes’ to Amendment H will add breadth to judicial review board
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…
Guest Columns
Volunteers power the Colorado Trail
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…
Letters to the Editor
Matt Salka: A leader for all of La Plata County
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…
Letters to the Editor
Put Next Step on the April ballot
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…
Letters to the Editor
The stealth assault
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…
Letters to the Editor
Protecting democracy
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…
Letters to the Editor
Vote down the Colorado gun and ammo tax
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…
Letters to the Editor
A proven champion for small business
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…
Letters to the Editor
Public needs more information about Electoral College
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…
Editorials
Vote ‘yes’ on Amendment K
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…
Letters to the Editor
Vote for Paul Black to make county government work better for the people
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…
Letters to the Editor
Vote for education
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…
Letters to the Editor
Vote for the party that respects and honors women
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…
Guest Columns
Colorado’s foster kids are still worth fighting for, all these decades later
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…
Editorials
Our view: Re-seat Wheeler for another term
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…
Guest Columns
America’s nuclear ‘downwinders’ deserve justice
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…
Letters to the Editor
Constitution Week is Sept. 17-23
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…
Letters to the Editor
Biden and Harris got us out of Afghanistan; Trump made sure the Taliban took over
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…
Letters to the Editor
Make respect real again
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…
Guest Columns
Chip sealing not appealing
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…
Letters to the Editor
A response to school bond letter
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…