Does that Candidate Deserve Your Vote

November 4, 2020 Lost Creek Guide Page 3 Does That Candidate Deserve Your Vote? Dave Kisker President, People United for Responsible Government A good friend likes to say that “when someone shows you who they are, believe them…” Perhaps this is just a more personal way to observe that “actions speak louder than words”. But, in either case, this principle should be part of how we decide to cast our votes, not only in this election, but always. As a lifelong registered Republican, I can confirm that it is often easier to take shelter with the rest of our tribal members and vote a straight “red” or “blue” ticket, independent of the candidates themselves. But, doing so ignores the urgent need that our country has for leadership based on the only “litmus test” that matters: integrity. For far too long, we have “settled” and stayed in line, despite the corruption and dishonesty that is so prevalent today. Simply saying “they all do it” is just not good enough anymore. Here in Weld County, in Colorado and indeed, in the Country, we are challenged to choose integrity over the tribal colors. Although there is a current effort at revisionism occurring, do those of us who live in State Senate District 23 really believe that the Republican candidate will protect our health, safety and welfare if elected to State office? After all, she has, as a County Commissioner, repeatedly approved heavy industrial operations that directly impact adjacent residents? After minimizing the importance of emissions of toxic materials adjacent to schools? After collaborating with industrial cronies to attempt ex-parte communications out of the sight of citizens? After misusing funds contributed to a charitable organization? She’s shown me enough. I KNOW who she is. My vote will go to her opponent, Sally Boccella. The Weld County Commissioner District 3 race is another example. The Republican candidate has repeatedly shown us who she is. As when she claimed on Martin Luther King Day, 2019 that whites were once lynched in “almost equal numbers” as persons of color. Or, when she “accidentally” carried a concealed firearm to DIA in 2017. Is that supposed to be “responsible” gun ownership? Or, when, in 2015, she was the first “member of the public” to speak in favor of allowing Martin Marietta Materials to establish a massive concrete and asphalt operation directly adjacent to a neighborhood of over 100 homes and businesses, without regard to the health or financial impact on the neighbors? Crony capitalism at it worst. She’s shown us who she is. If I were in District 3, my vote would go to her opponent, Mike Welch. But, it’s not just the Republicans who show us their character. Democrat Senate candidate, John Hickenlooper has done the same thing. He’s demonstrated his disregard for ethics as he has violated the State’s gift ban numerous times, been found in contempt by the Independent Ethics Committee, and even used public funds for his defense. In addition, he started the trend towards accepting California standards for everything from emissions to auto restrictions. And, he’s even flipped on the issue of oil and gas. While his opponent, Cory Gardner is no doubt not perfect, in my opinion, I’ve seen enough from Hickenlooper—he’s showed me who he is. My vote goes to Gardner. - Baseline By Linda Meyer November 3 is coming fast, and if you have not already done so, VOTE!! Of course our national election is very important, but there are also state and local elected positions on the ballot, as well as amendments to our state constitution. There are also local town elections and school bond issues on the ballot. Some of these items make create a tax increase, so pay special attention to those. In my opinion, anything ballot measure that concerns safety (such as fire departments, police) or education are generally worth voting for, even if it means a tax increase. Please research all of the issues and every candidate, and make an informed decision. I vote for people, based where they stand on various issues relative to my beliefs. Most households should have received the 2020 “State Ballot Information Booklet”, also known as the Blue Book, in the mail. It explains all of the state-wide propositions and amendments. I have always found it to be very helpful in looking at both sides of an issue. The booklet also has information on judges who will be on the ballot. The Weld County Clerk’s Office also mailed out a booklet with additional information on ballot measures within Weld County. If you are voting by mail, be sure to allow at least one week for your ballot to be delivered. I believe October 26 is the last day to mail your ballot. Please double check you have the proper amount of postage on the envelope, to make sure it will be delivered on time to be counted. If you want to vote in person on election day, Keenesburg Town Hall will be open 7 am to 7 pm. There is a ballot drop-off box at the Hudson Library. According to Weld County’s website, it will be available until 7 pm on November 3. Want additional information? Weld County information: https://www.weldgov.com/maps/votinglocations/ , or call 970-304-6525 Adams County information: https://www.adamsvotes.com/ , or call 720-523-6500 Morgan County information: https://morgancounty.colorado.gov/elections-department , or call 970-542-3521, Option 5 I hope after the election we can go back to being kind and considerate with everyone around us. Over the last twenty years or so, our country has become so divisive. I feel like a lot of our world is broken; our communities aren’t quite the same. People don’t respect other people’s possessions or opinions like they used to. Remember when the two conversation topics to avoid were politics and religion? Now it seems like politics is all we hear about on the news. There is a lot of blaming going on – without offering solutions. Congress used to work together, across party lines. Now when a Republican and a Democrat work together on a bill, it becomes big news and everyone is surprised they could work together for a common goal. We are much more alike than we are different. We breathe the same air, we need to eat to survive, we love our families (even if we act like we don’t), and we all know how to smile and laugh at a good joke. Most of us are immigrants to North America, whether our family

And, then we come to the President of the United States. Both candidates have has been here three hundred years, or three weeks. clearly demonstrated who they are, and, in my opinion, neither meets the integrity As a pastor, I try to see the good in people. I hope we can find a way to put away our difstandard. ferences and work together again, and to be friendly to other people again. Let’s bring back

Although one will certainly prevail, it will be without my help. the days of working together with our neighbors, and build a better community.

They won’t care. But I do. Do you? Thanks for reading, and remember to VOTE!!

Colorado Department of Ag Signs Agreement ____ Linda Meyer is the Pastor of Community United Methodist Church in Keenesburg. between USDA Natural Resources and the Connect with Linda: Pastorcumc18@gmail.com , Twitter @RevLindaMeyer Mental Health Resources: Colorado State Conservation Board Broomfield, Colo. - The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s (CDA) Conservation Services Division is pleased to announce the signing of a five-year, $5 million agreement between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB), housed within CDA. The visionary agreement creates new employee roles to bring new voluntary conservaNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741 Colorado Crisis Hotline: 1-844-493-TALK (1-844-493-8255) Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ Youth): 866-488-7386 Mental Health of Colorado: https://www.mentalhealthcolorado.org/ Farm Aid Farmer Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) tion and regenerative agricultural assistance programs for agricultural producers to incorporate into their operations.

“We’ve had a good relationship with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and expanding our agreement for technical assistance funding helps us achieve our mutual goals for soil health and expand our focus to include urban agricultural producers and military veterans,” said Clint Evans, Colorado State Conservationist for NRCS.

The new expansion of federal and state agency collaboration is an innovative and efficient initiative to make progress toward Colorado’s soil health and conservation goals addressed in the Colorado Water Plan and the state’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap.

“Our state’s farmers and ranchers are leaders in the stewardship of Colorado’s agricultural land,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “The fruits of this agreement will provide support to help them be successful in voluntary and incentive-based efforts to maintain and enhance the health of Colorado’s soil.”

Specifically, the funding will provide 75% support for 25 existing conservation jobs, and up to six new conservation jobs, throughout the state. The agreement also expands funding for existing conservation technical assistance jobs and will eventually add five new positions to support the CDA’s Soil Health Initiative. Further, it will create an Urban Agricultural Specialist within the Department of Agriculture to help small urban and peri-urban agricultural operations implement water and soil conservation practices and boost production.

For more information, please contact Cindy Lair, State Conservation Program Manager. ###COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The Colorado Department of Agriculture exists to support the state’s agriculture industry and serve the people of Colorado through regulation, advocacy and education. Our mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado agriculture, promote a safe and high-quality food supply, protect consumers, and foster responsible stewardship of the environment and natural resources.

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS)

NRCS is a federal agency committed to helping private landowners care and make healthy choices for the land and water, while using them productively. Through voluntary incentive-based programs, the NRCS works directly with farmers, ranchers, forest owners and other land stewards to provide technical expertise and financial assistance to make conservation work on private lands. For more information about NRCS, please visit www. co.nrcs.usda.gov. Linda