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Author: Jen Schumann

Election volunteer, age 74, hospitalized following assault, others report sign theft, vandalism
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Election volunteer, age 74, hospitalized following assault, others report sign theft, vandalism

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice The political battleground in Colorado isn't simply limited to choices on the ballot. Volunteers are finding the streets to be more than just a figurative battleground, as despite their efforts to promote a better tomorrow they are literally under attack today. As Colorado’s election season heats up, a disturbing trend is emerging — campaign materials being stolen or vandalized and, worse, violence targeting campaign volunteers. In a region spanning Colorado Senate District 12, House Districts 16 and 17 and other areas, the tension surrounding local Republican campaigns is manifesting in dangerous ways. One of the most alarming events took place in House District 17, where Gordon Bertoglio, a 74-year-old precinct leader, wa...
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Durango School Board pauses decision to ban LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter flags in classrooms
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Durango School Board pauses decision to ban LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter flags in classrooms

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice In a room charged with emotion, the Durango School Board's decision to revisit their flag policy left the community holding its breath. The Durango School Board met Oct. 15 to discuss the district's recent choice to take down LGBTQ+ Pride and Black Lives Matter flags from classrooms. The controversy began when a parent lodged a complaint on Sept. 11, arguing that Black Lives Matter and the Pride flags are political symbols. The parent claimed these flags promoted political agendas in a school setting. In response, Durango School District 9-R implemented a policy on Oct. 1, requiring the removal of these specific flags, while allowing standard Pride flags to remain. This decision ignited community and teacher concerns, leadi...
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Experts to debate Prop 131 (Ranked Choice Voting) at Oct. 18 event in Grand Junction
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Experts to debate Prop 131 (Ranked Choice Voting) at Oct. 18 event in Grand Junction

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice With many Colorado voters already having ballots in hand, soon decisions will need to be made on a variety of ballot initiatives, not the least of which is Proposition 131. The measure is an attempt to adopt Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) in Colorado. It would overhaul the existing election processes, with some having expressed concern over little evidence of making elections more efficient, trustworthy, voter-friendly or transparent. A panel discussion on Prop. 131 will take place Oct. 18 in the Robinson Theatre at Colorado Mesa University (CMU). The event is hosted by Restore the Balance (RTB), the CMU Civic Forum and the Young Forwardists. This panel discussion is free to the public. CMU Political Science Professor Tim Casey wi...
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A view from both sides of the 29 Road Interchange ballot measure in Mesa County
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A view from both sides of the 29 Road Interchange ballot measure in Mesa County

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice For decades, Mesa County folks have been dreaming of a common sense road fix to link 29 Road straight to Interstate 70. That connection is almost a reality. The Mesa County Board of County Commissioners gave the green light to a ballot measure, inching the area closer to smoother drives and less gridlock. As traffic congestion worsens, proponents argue for the interchange. They say it is vital for regional connectivity and to manage future traffic. The population is set to grow by 20-25% in 20 years, and acting now will prevent traffic jams. Grand Junction City Councilman Cody Kennedy and Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis have been leaders in pushing for the project. At a recent Mesa County Republican Women's luncheon, both ...
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U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert listens to Western Slope leaders on energy, water and land use 
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Approved, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert listens to Western Slope leaders on energy, water and land use 

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice Meet Bryce and Lisa Casto, sixth-generation ranchers on the Western Slope, who are worried that the Dolores Monument designation will close their roads and leave them unable to care for their livestock.  Bryce understands the importance of local communities managing the land around them. “When it's locally controlled, we control it better because we will harvest whatever can be harvested," he said. "It's close to home, so we want to make sure we're taken care of.”  Their livelihood depends on the very issues discussed at Colorado Mesa University on Oct. 5 with U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, during a listening session in which participants were encouraged to bring their concerns — and those of many like them — to the foref...
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‘We wanted to stand up for all taxpayers’: State Supreme Court affirms taxpayer victory against water district
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‘We wanted to stand up for all taxpayers’: State Supreme Court affirms taxpayer victory against water district

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice Even though it’s unlawful to increase taxes in Colorado without a vote of the people, vigilance keeps it enforced. When Northeast Coloradan residents noticed their property taxes double from 2019 to 2020, a few of them filed suit against the Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District.  Unanimously, the Colorado Appellate Court ruled in March this was a violation of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).  The Colorado Supreme Court affirmed this ruling and denied the defendant’s appeal on Sept. 30. With help from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation’s (NTUF) Taxpayer Defense Center and Advance Colorado, James Aranci and other property owners cinched this victory reaffirming TABOR: any tax increase needs voter consent, and b...
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New property tax law could result in fewer tax breaks
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Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

New property tax law could result in fewer tax breaks

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice House Bill 24B-1001 was the solution in a whirlwind, not-quite four-day special session of the Colorado Legislature, aimed at addressing escalating property taxes. Now local governments are discovering how it may take away one of their tools in providing relief: tax credits. This could mean property owners and businesses will end up paying more in taxes. What the new law does Following the special session he called in late August, Gov. Polis signed this bill into law on Sept. 4. It will limit annual property tax increases. The goal is halting the surge in property taxes caused by factors including increased home prices, inflation, the Gallagher Amendment repeal, TABOR and politically-driven initiatives. When it takes ef...
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In Grand Junction, residents debate whether pilot project is promising solution or problem multiplier
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In Grand Junction, residents debate whether pilot project is promising solution or problem multiplier

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice The 4th/5th Street Pilot Project in Grand Junction has sparked a public outcry. City officials call the project a step toward a friendlier downtown for pedestrians and cyclists, but many residents feel it has done more harm than good. The city of Grand Junction launched Engage GJ for community input on projects. As of this article, 286 comments are on the 4th and 5th Street Pilot Project page. A majority, 205 comments are critical of the project on three fronts: access for the elderly and disabled, safety and impact on local businesses. Many expressed concerns about the pilot project's impact on their access to vital downtown services. They argue that the changes on 4th and 5th streets are confusing. They make it harder to naviga...
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Sherri Wright’s journey from cultivating fields to children lends to candidacy for state board of education
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Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State

Sherri Wright’s journey from cultivating fields to children lends to candidacy for state board of education

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice Sherri Wright is as rooted in Colorado soil as the hay she grows on her 300-acre farm. Instead of her fields, she's been cultivating her 3rd District campaign for a seat on Colorado's State Board of Education. She's spent the last six weeks crisscrossing the district, racking up more than 5,000 miles on her truck. From the Four Corners to the Wyoming state line, Wright is dedicated to meeting with voters and sharing her vision for the future of Colorado’s schools. "Today, I’m up here instead of working my fields,” Wright said during a recent candidate forum in Delta County. "But the situation in our schools requires our attention. So, all I need from you is a heads up and I will show up for our families." With more than 40 ...
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Mesa County focused on stopping the spread of zebra mussels threatening water supply
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Mesa County focused on stopping the spread of zebra mussels threatening water supply

By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice A small intruder endangers Mesa County's water infrastructure, agriculture, local economy and aquatic habitats, and Mesa County isn't alone facing the threat. Zebra mussels invade ecosystems unchecked. Their staggering reproductive rate fuels the crisis. A single female can unleash one million eggs. What's worse is that they reach maturity in about four months. These small mussels clog pipes and drip water tubing as they multiply.  They can invade canals and rivers, and cripple irrigation systems.  This July, zebra mussel DNA was detected in the Government Highline Canal and the Colorado River. Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel and Tina Bergonzini, general manager of the Grand Valley Water Users Association, have ...
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