Raise your voice Nov. 4

With everything going on in the world and locally, it’s easy to forget there is an election in Durango/La Plata County next Tuesday (Nov. 4). But there are consequential decisions to be made. What better way to make an impact in the world and make your voice heard?  

First, you have the common-sense, related Propositions LL and MM to fund the Healthy School Meals for All program – free breakfast and lunch – for all schoolkids, regardless of their parents’ incomes. This program (HSMA) is in danger of ending as soon as this January if these propositions fail. LL and MM also fund healthier meals by sourcing ingredients from local agricultural producers. As popular as HSMA is, and though most people seem to support the idea of free school meals for kids, these propositions could fail if voter turnout is low. Turnout is often low in off years.

Next up, make your voice heard on the 1% tax increase for La Plata County. No one likes tax increases (the last I checked), but FYI, the county has not raised taxes since the ’80s – crazy, right? If the 1% tax increase fails, La Plata County Sheriffs will have to reduce patrols at night, and snow plowing on county roads will also decrease, along with other consequences. I’m not telling you how to vote on this, but keep in mind, the county is passing the hat for 1 penny on every dollar you spend (tourists will pay this tax, also).

Also, you have the chance to vote for the Durango 9-R School Board. It’s three incumbents (Rick Peterson, Andrea Parmenter and Erika Brown) versus three newbies (Pearl Stegner, Jody Trampp and Tamra Fenberg). Whoever you choose, just make sure you vote. 

If you don’t know where or how to vote, or need to update your registration, go to GoVoteColorado.com. 

– Joe Borum, Hermosa