Columnists - The Journal

Scott Bottoms: Reclaiming Colorado for families and freedom

I am running for governor of Colorado to reclaim Colorado from reckless spending, rising crime, failing schools, and out-of-touch elites who prioritize mandates and special interests over th...

DATE: Jun 21, 2026 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Barb Kirkmeyer: Real solutions, proven leadership for a stronger Colorado

Colorado is one of the most beautiful places in America. From the ranches and farms that feed our communities to the mountains, rivers and small towns that define the Western Slope, our stat...

DATE: Jun 21, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our wins for HD-59 and advancing affordability in Southwest Colorado

We brought real progress home to HD-59 this legislative session. I’m proud to share that 14 of my bills were signed into law. We also worked across the aisle, successfully passing seven bipa...

DATE: Jun 19, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Understanding who does what: A lesson in municipal, county and state responsibilities

When residents have questions or concerns, one of the most common sources of confusion is determining which level of government is responsible for providing a particular service. In Colorado...

DATE: Jun 17, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Phil Weiser: Why I’m running to be Colorado’s next governor

Editor's note: The Journal Editorial Board invited Democratic and Republican candidates for Colorado governor to submit guest columns for publication. Columns are published as submitted,...

DATE: Jun 14, 2026 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Michael Bennet: Colorado’s future is worth fighting for, together

Editor’s note: The Journal Editorial Board invited Democratic and Republican candidates for Colorado governor to submit guest columns for publication. Columns are published as submitted,...

DATE: Jun 14, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

From the mountains to the Capitol: Colorado kids need a champion for youth mental health

Colorado is a state that takes pride in its quality of life – our mountains, outdoor culture and thriving communities. But there is a quieter crisis that has been building in Southwest Color...

DATE: Jun 12, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Geothermal energy legislation moves forward with strong bipartisan support

For many Americans, Washington can feel disconnected from the challenges people face at home. Too often, political debates generate headlines but little progress. When I ran for Congress, I ...

DATE: Jun 10, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Pre-statehood water rights still govern Southwest Colorado water use today

With the celebration of Colorado’s 150th anniversary, we old water buffalos couldn’t remember – even though we were there – which water rights were diverting water in Southwest Colorado befo...

DATE: Jun 5, 2026 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Timeout, not cop-out

How to pause a heated conversation without abandoning the relationship Several years ago, a commercial featured a soap opera star dressed like a physician, saying, “I’m not a doctor, but I d...

DATE: Jun 3, 2026 | CATEGORY: Lessons from the Sandbox

‘No one should freeze to death’: The Bridge Shelter’s 20 years in Cortez

Homelessness in Cortez is not new. MB McAfee recalls that while growing up, it wasn’t unusual for several people to freeze to death in Montezuma Park every winter. However, it was a death in...

DATE: May 29, 2026 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Colorado lawmakers keep dodging debate over public stream access rights

It’s perplexing that preserving legal public stream access remains one of the most untouchable topics in the Colorado legislature. Our state’s constitution boldly proclaims that every natura...

DATE: May 17, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion