I was born and raised in Cortez and although I have not lived there for many years, I keep an eye on what is happening in my hometown. I was stunned in 2020 when Scott Tipton lost the Republican primary to political novice Lauren Boebert. Although I didn’t always agree with Tipton’s policies, I came to appreciate the dignity with which he approached the office. Boebert brought none of that with her.
Her time in office has been divisive. This summer, she crossed the line by promoting her Christian nationalist cause. In her worldview, which rendition of Christianity would direct the government? The church in Rome? Salt Lake City? Or her own evangelical version? We deserve to know.
But it need not be this way. Here in Alaska where I now live, we recently chose a different path. Rather than sending MAGA firebrand Sarah Palin to Congress, we chose moderate Democrat Mary Peltola. Peltola’s victory owes largely to her civility. At a gathering this past week in Anchorage, she illuminated: “This is what democracy is built on: Unity. Coming together. Compromising. Building consensus, building coalitions, working together. Seeing each other as humans.”
We need this return to community now more than ever, and the people of Southwest Colorado can help with a vote for Adam Frisch. Frisch has promised to join the Problem Solvers Caucus, where he would be well-positioned to serve Southwest constituents and help foster a return to civility.
Wayne Howell
Gustavus, Alaska
