By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice
Conservative candidates and their supporters came together recently at the Delta County ‘Food and Freedom Forum,’ hosted by Dave and Sue Whittlesey at High Wire Ranch.
Cedaredge resident Mark Hillen shared why the upcoming election is important and his reason for attending: “2024 is a pivotal year for our nation. We’re standing at a crossroads — one path leads us toward socialism, and the other offers a chance to preserve our republic.”
Colorado State Representative Matt Soper agreed.
“We’re becoming increasingly similar to California in terms of tax policy, but the passage of House Bill 24B-1001 was a significant victory for conservatives,” he said. “The property tax cuts passed in the special session are tangible — real cuts that homeowners will actually feel in their pockets, providing much-needed relief in the face of rising costs.”
Every vote really does matter, Delta County GOP Chairman David Bradford reminded those attending.
“We had a race in [House District] 58, where it was decided by three votes. Your single vote can make a difference between servant leaders or bad policies for Coloradans,” Bradford said.
Candidates at the forum also voiced concerns about current state and federal policies. Jeff Hurd, running for Colorado’s 3rd District seat in the U.S. House, didn’t hold back when talking about energy policies.
“Bad energy policy has decimated rural Colorado and it’s hurt families and communities,” he said.
A visit to the Craig Power Station and seeing how coal plant closures were affecting local workers inspired Hurd.
“I saw those power plant operators and coal miners losing their jobs because of bad environmental policy,” he said. That experience motivated him to fight for rural Colorado, Hurd added.
“My opponent has claimed that I have a history of selling out Western Slope interests, specifically water,” he continued. “Here’s how that’s wrong: I’ve spent my career defending the resources and livelihoods of our communities. We are blessed with abundant natural resources, and I’ve fought to ensure those resources benefit the people here — not corporate or urban interests.”
Another important issue discussed was water rights. Mark Catlin is serving his fourth term for state House District 58, and after being urged not to retire he’s running for state Senate District 5. He shared his goal of protecting the Colorado River.
“We passed a bill last session to put $20 million from the state of Colorado into purchasing the Shoshone water right,” he said. “Well, it’s not done yet, and it’s important to me that the job is completed. I’m a believer that the water on the Western Slope needs to stay on the Western Slope.”
Larry Don Suckla, running for state House District 58, emphasized the need to protect rural Colorado’s way of life.
“Rural Colorado isn’t Denver. We can’t let urban policies dictate our way of life,” he said. Suckla also discussed how important water management is for the area, and that he would like to see Coloradans develop water storage plans for the Upper Basin.
Sherri Wright, a candidate for the State Board of Education, focused on parents’ rights in education.
“Parents have a right to know what schools teach,” she said. Wright has spent more than 40 years in education and is a strong supporter of school choice, believing that parents should have options in how their children are educated.
The candidates, though focused on different issues, all shared a commitment to preserving freedom and protecting Colorado’s resources. They also all urged everyone to get involved.
The call to action is simple but vital, they say: get involved, get informed and most importantly, vote.