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Author: Jen Schumann

Schumann: Polis position as ‘protector of democracy’ at odds with his actions as governor
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Schumann: Polis position as ‘protector of democracy’ at odds with his actions as governor

By Jen Schumann | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has positioned himself as a defender of state autonomy. He launched the Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD) Coalition with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The coalition aims to fight federal overreach under a second Trump administration. Polis seeks to be seen as a champion of democracy.  "In this moment, protecting democracy has never been more relevant or important, and doing so demands strong leadership at the state level," Polis said in his press release announcing the coalition. A closer look at Polis's tenure reveals a different story. He has used his authority as governor to enforce contentious policies. Critics say these policies mirror the federal overreach he opposes. With rising crime a...
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‘We only needed to flip three seats’: In House District 16, Keltie leads and is working to keep it that way
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‘We only needed to flip three seats’: In House District 16, Keltie leads and is working to keep it that way

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice The final act of a mother’s life has come to symbolize the stakes in Colorado’s House District 16 race. A late mother's son ensured his mother's ballot was cured, honoring her final wish to participate in the electoral process. “She saw herself as a patriotic American,” said Rebecca Keltie, the House District 16 Republican candidate. “That was her last act on Earth, and it touches my heart to know she voted for me. It’s humbling.” In one of the last two uncalled Colorado House races, the story highlights the weight of every vote. As of today, Keltie leads incumbent Democrat Steph Vigil by 21 votes. The razor-thin margin triggers an automatic recount per state law. With a midnight Wednesday, Nov. 13, deadline to cure ballots...
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Mesa County voters approve measures 4A and 4B for schools, promising upgrades, transparency
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Mesa County voters approve measures 4A and 4B for schools, promising upgrades, transparency

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice In a decisive voice, the Mesa County community voted for ballot measures 4A and 4B. This passage is a clear mandate: Buildings with accessibility and security issues get an overhaul. Five learning days remain on the school calendar. And teachers will receive more approved curriculum sources, so they won’t have to resort to websites like Teachers Pay Teachers.  Mesa County voters passed Ballot Issue 4A with 71% approval to fund school renovations. Ballot Issue 4B, with 65% approval, allows retaining funds for extra educational resources and maintenance. Dr. Brian Hill, the district's superintendent, praised the community's commitment: "This support," he said, "means we can create safer, more modern learning environments. [We can] ...
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Vietnam veteran Ray Gooch educates younger generations on U.S. Constitution
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Vietnam veteran Ray Gooch educates younger generations on U.S. Constitution

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice U.S. Army veteran Ray Gooch says "the Lord was taking care of me" when he was "kept out of Vietnam and sent to Alaska". "I learned an awful lot up there with the Arctic, the people and the environment,” he says, reflecting on his time in the military.  His journey from a tight-knit Colorado mountain community to serving in the Cold War and now teaching the U.S. Constitution, as written, as intended, and as ratified in 1887. His is a testament to resilience, patriotism and purpose. Gooch was raised in the mountains of Coal Creek Canyon, Colo. “Our party line had 12 people on it,” he recalls with humor, referencing the shared telephone system where multiple households were connected on the same line. “That was our way of life...
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AG Weiser’s challenge to Kroger-Albertsons merger awaiting Judge Luxen’s gavel
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AG Weiser’s challenge to Kroger-Albertsons merger awaiting Judge Luxen’s gavel

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice The $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons is currently in legal limbo in Colorado. Following a lawsuit initiated by Attorney General Phil Weiser in February 2024, the state's grocery market's future hangs on Judge Luxen's upcoming decision.  Prior to trial, Weiser asserted, "In all events, the Kroger/Albertsons merger is bad for consumers, workers, farmers and communities." Kroger defended it as a way to lower prices, protect jobs and preserve competition. Attorney General Phil Weiser says the merger would "eliminate" competition between the two grocery giants." It would consolidate an already concentrated market. His lawsuit claims this would result in higher prices and reduced consumer choice. Kroger, however...
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What a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate means for Americans
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What a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate means for Americans

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice Republicans held their first U.S. Senate majority from 1869-1871, after the Civil War. When the 119th Congress meets on Jan. 3, 2025, the seventh Republican Senate majority in history will get to work. With this Senate majority, President Trump will likely have the legislative support to enact his GOP platform without significant roadblocks. As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kent., steps down, choosing his successor for the new majority is key. It will shape the Senate's direction. After being sworn in on Jan. 3, the next leader will be chosen. McConnell held a hearing this week to discuss election outcomes. He stressed that, by regaining the Senate, Republicans could "set the guardrails" on legislation. "One of the...
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How did Colorado vote? Here’s a quick rundown on 2024 statewide ballot initiatives 
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How did Colorado vote? Here’s a quick rundown on 2024 statewide ballot initiatives 

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice An estimated 63.2% of Coloradans -- more than 2.5 million -- turned out via mail-in, drop-off or in-person voting to help decide a variety of items on one of the longest ballots in memory. For them to decide were seven Colorado constitutional amendments and seven more state propositions. The reporting status as of this report is 73%. All results remain unofficial until certified by the Secretary of State. Constitutional Amendments Amendment 79: Creates a constitutional right to abortion. Result: Passed with 61.5% support (approx. 1,511,329 votes). The measure prohibited state and local governments from blocking access to abortion. It also repealed a previous ban on using public funds for abortion services. Amendment ...
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Schumann: It’s a party in MAGA Country, as Trump’s return to White House signals a mandate for change
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Schumann: It’s a party in MAGA Country, as Trump’s return to White House signals a mandate for change

By Jen Schumann | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice When Americans awoke Nov. 6, following an Election Night which went into the wee hours of the early morning, they learned Donald J. Trump had been elected as the 47th U.S. President with 286 electoral votes, defeating Kamala Harris. The broad support of working-class Americans, resulting in Trump's win, signals a clear call to tackle the nation's pressing issues. Trump won important battleground states, including Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. This secured his victory. This election also marked the first time since 2004 that a Republican has won the national popular vote, a milestone CNN contributor Scott Jennings described as “a big deal.” According to sources from Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ, Trump’s w...
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Schumann: Griswold’s apology for election security breach draws comparisons to Tina Peters’ case
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Schumann: Griswold’s apology for election security breach draws comparisons to Tina Peters’ case

By Jen Schumann | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice In a recent turn of events, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is now expressing regret over the actions coming from her office. In a November 4th press release, Griswold stated, "I am regretful for this error. I am dedicated to making sure we address this matter fully and that mistakes of this nature never happen again." Griswold's sentiment is in response to her office’s exposure of BIOS passwords for election equipment in 63 counties. The passwords, vital for securing voting system components, were posted on a subpage of the Department's website and had been accessible online since June. This apology, however, has drawn attention due to Griswold’s previously strict stance on election security breaches, especially in t...
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Durango band teacher indicted on charges of sexual predator acts
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Durango band teacher indicted on charges of sexual predator acts

By Jen Schumann, Rocky Mountain Voice On July 23, 2024, a Durango teenager told police that an adult male approached them online. He offered to engage in sexual acts with the 16-year-old.  The Durango Police Department quickly identified the suspect as 28-year-old local Benjamin Smith using information from the minor. After a swift investigation, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at Smith's home this morning, resulting in his arrest and booking for Sexual Exploitation of a Child on July 25. The Durango Police Department recently posted a press release on the indictment of Escalante Middle School band teacher Benjamin Smith. They also requested public assistance on the ongoing sexual predator investigation. Smith, once a teacher in a position of trust to D...
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