Voters in Montezuma and Dolores counties have an opportunity to add to the effectiveness of the district attorney for the 22nd Judicial District by making it possible for the district attorney to serve three terms, an increase from the current two.
There are good reasons to do that. A DA might put more effort into a second four-year term knowing there could be a third, and will certainly be more experienced.
Given the time it often requires to build a case and take it through the legal system, continuity in law enforcement is a good idea. And voters can always say no to a third term, just as they can to a second.
The sheriff, county clerk, assessor and treasurer in Montezuma County have already been given the possibility of serving three terms. They should be joined by the DA.
We vote YES on 7A.
A ballot recapOur full endorsements are available online at www.the-journal.com. Amendment A will prohibit slavery and indentured servitude in Colorado in all circumstances. This is long overdue; YES (10/1)
Amendment V sensibly lowers the minimum age to serve in the state legislature from 25 to 21. YES (9/26)
Amendment W calls for a simplification in the ballot format for questions of retaining judges. YES
Amendment X would allow Colorado’s definition of industrial hemp to match federal standards, which will help our farmers. YES
Amendments Y and Z address redistricting at Congressional (Y) and state legislative (Z) levels. Both will combat gerrymandering. YES (10/4)
Amendment 73 is a complex proposal to tax for public schools – the wrong solution to a pressing problem. NO (10/1)
Amendment 74 proposes compensation for landowners if laws or regulations reduce property values – a potential Pandora’s Box. NO (9/25)
Amendment 75, dubbed the “Jared Polis amendment” is an attempt to level the field with more campaign cash. NO (9/25)
Proposition 109 and Proposition 110 authorize different means to raise funds statewide for road and transportation repairs. NO on 109 and YES on 110 (9/25).
Proposition 111 calls for limits on payday loans, a good idea that is overdue. YES (9/25)
While Proposition 112 will mandate increased setbacks for oil and gas development, it is excessive. NO (9/14)
Off to the racesThe Lewis-Arriola Fire Protection District is seeking a modest property tax boost to support its volunteer-based operations. YES
In the race for the open seat on the Montezuma County Board of Commissioners, one candidate stands out as uniquely qualified: MB McAfee, Democrat (10/11).
Two seats on the CU Board of Regents are on the ballot. We vote for Democrat Lesley Smith for the at-large position (9/20), and to reelect Republican Glen Gallegos to represent District 3 (9/20).
For our state representatives, we vote to retain pragmatic Sen. Don Coram, Republican, as our state senator from District 6 (10/15), but vote for a change in our District 58 representative: Democrat Seth Cagin (10/11).
As for our representative in Congress, it is time for new ideas and better representation for all. We vote for Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush (10/5).
For Colorado Attorney General, we vote for the hands-on experience of Republican George Brauchler (9/26).
In the Colorado State Treasurer’s contest, we vote for former state representative and Democrat Dave Young (10/15).
For Colorado Secretary of State, Wayne Williams, Republican, has earned another term (10/15).
And in the race to replace moderate John Hickenlooper as governor, we select Republican Walker Stapleton to represent the best interests of “purple” Colorado (10/15).
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