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Author: Bobbie Daniel

Daniel: This is your moment, Governor—veto SB25-003 and protect liberty
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Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, Top Stories

Daniel: This is your moment, Governor—veto SB25-003 and protect liberty

By Bobbie Daniel | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Yesterday, the Mesa County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing Colorado Senate Bill 3. We took this action out of a deep commitment to the foundational principles that have shaped not just Mesa County, not just Colorado, but the very idea of America itself. The Colorado legislature passed Senate Bill 3 with a troubling disregard for the constitutional framework that defines our Republic. It imposes sweeping restrictions on the lawful ownership, sale, and transfer of commonly owned firearms by burdening individual citizens with costly, bureaucratic hurdles and treating law-abiding people as if they are criminals. In our system of government, individual rights are not permissions granted by...
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Daniel: A brighter future for Colorado will be lead through innovation, not big government
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Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Daniel: A brighter future for Colorado will be lead through innovation, not big government

By Bobbie Daniel | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Colorado faces a declining economic reality: high inflation, soaring gas prices, stagnant wages, rising unemployment and an increasingly unaffordable housing market. Yet, this does not have to define our future. Colorado stands at the brink of a transformative innovation revival, fueled by our abundant natural resources, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive. By embracing these strengths, we can lead the nation into a future that balances conservation stewardship with economic prosperity. To achieve this, we must move away from heavy-handed government control and toward systems that reward innovation, empower communities and unlock the full potential of our state’s resources. Progress has always been driven by innovation...
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Daniel: Let local communities lead on public lands
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Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Daniel: Let local communities lead on public lands

By Bobbie Daniel | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Public lands are woven into the fabric of Colorado’s identity, serving as living symbols of our shared heritage, natural beauty and deep connection to the land. Nowhere is this more evident than in Western Colorado, where public lands foster a profound respect for nature and a commitment to stewardship. To ensure these lands thrive for future generations, we must adopt outcome-based policies prioritizing access, sustainability and thoughtful management — balancing conservation with economic vitality. Unfortunately, this balance is increasingly threatened by political instability and federal overreach. Mesa County, where 73% of the land is federally managed, provides a telling example of the challenges at hand. Federal burea...
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Daniel: Eventually, you run out of other people’s money
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Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Daniel: Eventually, you run out of other people’s money

By Bobbie Daniel, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Colorado, long admired for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant outdoor culture, and once-thriving economy, finds itself at a crossroads. Rising living costs, unaffordable housing, stagnant wages and increasing business closures are eroding the state’s appeal. A state once a beacon of opportunity is now grappling with mounting challenges that jeopardize its economic vitality. Recent data highlights the gravity of the situation. According to the Common Sense Institute (2023), Colorado’s net population growth was a mere 7,236 people, ranking 16th nationally —- a stark contrast to its historic reputation as a magnet for newcomers. The University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business reported a troubling 22% drop in new business fili...
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Daniel: My fellow hunters, anglers and 2A advocates, won’t you join me and vote?
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Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Daniel: My fellow hunters, anglers and 2A advocates, won’t you join me and vote?

By Bobbie Daniel | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Dear fellow Colorado hunter, angler and 2A advocate, I am reaching out with a simple but important message: vote. I know you are busy — between work, family and gearing up for the upcoming hunting season, life is full. Our family is right there with you, making sure our rifles are sighted in, tags are purchased, gear is ready, and we have scouted our hunting areas. But, with so much at stake in this election, none of us can afford to be too busy to protect our Western heritage by casting our vote. If you are like us, you have probably spent more time planning a hunting trip or drawing a tag than it takes to register to vote and fill out a ballot. And yet, those few minutes of voting could have a far greater impact on our way o...
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Daniel: Leave wildlife management to CPW, vote no on Prop. 127
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Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Daniel: Leave wildlife management to CPW, vote no on Prop. 127

By Bobbie Daniel | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Proposition 127, currently under debate in Colorado, aims to impose a blanket ban on hunting mountain lions, bobcats and lynx. However, it is important to clarify some of the misleading claims surrounding this measure. First, lynx are federally-protected and are not at risk of being hunted in Colorado. Additionally, “trophy” hunting is already illegal in the state. Although the proposition may appear to promote wildlife preservation, it disregards the critical role that Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) plays in maintaining balanced ecosystems and safeguarding rural communities. This isn’t just a hunting ban—it restricts CPW’s ability to manage these species effectively under the guise of wildlife protection. If passed, the ...
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Daniel: Unleash responsible energy production in Colorado, kill Senate Bill 24-159
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Approved, Commentary, Western Slope

Daniel: Unleash responsible energy production in Colorado, kill Senate Bill 24-159

By BOBBIE DANIEL | Guest Columnist Recently, our Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution declaring Mesa County’s opposition to Senate Bill 24-159, which prohibits new oil and gas production in Colorado. At first glance, the Front Range sponsors of this bill aim to give us less pollution, better health outcomes, reasonable care of finite mineral resources and more responsible property rights. We all want these things, and while the aspiration for reduced pollution and enhanced health and environmental stewardship is universal, the approach of SB 24-159 is concerning. It is a widely-known achievement of the 19th century that the greatest standard of living has been achieved by respecting private property rights of the individual, versus the road of collective...
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