Over the course of my campaign, I have learned a lot about how others view government. Not just politics, but also the role of local government in our lives, how it has changed over the years, and what it should look like.
I’ve posted answers to this question before, but I’ll expand on it here. With Matthew McConaughey’s recent video about independent voters ahead of the November 03 election, it seemed like a good time to talk about being independent in this race.
Why are you running as an independent?
I am running unaffiliated because my priority is representing the people of Grand County as one community. Through my work in land conservation I learned that even with our differences we can find solutions to real issues through dialogue and collaboration.
“Working together” does not mean I don’t take strong positions. It means I focus on solutions which work for Grand County. Both major parties have people who care deeply about this community, but our local challenges are practical, not partisan, and are best solved by talking with our neighbors and working together for Grand County.
I work hard to make up my own mind on issues, and I am not comfortable putting myself in one party or another when they have positions, candidates, and values I disagree with.
I also do not believe parties have a role at the local level to get the work done that needs to get done. There's no partisan way to fix a pothole: it is work that has to get done. Both major parties have people who care deeply about this community. Our local challenges are practical, not partisan, and are best solved by talking with our neighbors and working together for Grand County.
Colorado has open primary elections so unaffiliated voters can participate fully in our democracy. Over 50% of Grand County voters are unaffiliated. Unaffiliated voters hold strong, independent values. They are free Americans who are exercising their fundamental rights of freedom, to think for themselves and make political decisions based on the individual, not the party.
Like many of my neighbors, I do agree with one party on certain issues and another party on different issues. However, I would rather not have to choose between two partisan candidates on the ballot. I would instead prefer to select the person who best represents me amongst a broad field of candidates, each speaking for themselves and without labels.
While Colorado has open primaries, we still have to choose a partisan ballot. I vote because I believe our model of democracy is special and we each deserve a chance to make our voice heard. No system is perfect. This is the system we have right now.
Colorado is a state which embraces the principles of our founders: freedom of association, independent thought, and elected leaders who are directly accountable to their constituents.
Please share any other questions you might have about local elections and civics in general. A more informed public is a more engaged public, and we all deserve to have a thoughtful say in the management and leadership of our communities.
“Let me warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally... [Parties] are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people.”
