As we plan for 2026, the Montezuma County League of Women Voters is also reflecting on the achievements of the past year. Our local League grew this year from approximately 30 members to just over 100. We hosted many community events that engaged hundreds of Montezuma County residents on a variety of topics, from rallies to recycling.
In April, the League planned and encouraged citizens to participate in the first nationwide Hands Off! rally. We had a huge turnout and saw participation continue and grow each time a rally was held. Democracies require citizen engagement, and it was wonderful to see individuals come together to exercise their right to free speech and express their concerns.
Recycling has been a focus for several years. This year, we continued our partnership with the county, city of Cortez and the LOR Foundation, hosting a paper-shredding event that followed a very successful E-Waste Recycling Day the previous year. These events diverted a substantial amount of waste from our landfill and raised awareness of the importance of recycling.
The League scheduled speakers to share information about the Colorado Healthcare Coalition and to present the second annual Medicare/Medicare Advantage presentation. Sen. Cleave Simpson and Rep. Katie Stewart participated in two legislative updates, and we held a RE-1 School Board Candidate Forum, allowing the community to meet school board candidates and learn where they stand on key issues. We also provided information about two important November ballot issues, LL and MM; both passed in Montezuma County.
With the upcoming midterm elections, 2026 will be a busy year with candidate and ballot Issue forums. Four Cortez City Council seats will be open for the April 7 election. Cortez residents interested in running for a seat should contact Danielle Wells, Cortez City Clerk, at 564-4008 for details. County Commissioner Jim Candelaria is term-limited; currently, four Republicans have entered the race, with one candidate slated to run on the Democratic ticket. The primary election will be held on June 30 with the general election set for Nov. 3.
Several groups are working on a major progressive tax initiative that would replace Colorado’s current flat tax with higher rates for higher-income brackets. The League is partnering with the League of Women Voters of La Plata County and the Bell Policy Center to educate the public about the implications of this tax proposal for Colorado taxpayers.
Presentations focusing on immigration, water and mis- and dis-information are also being planned, as well as civics education. This winter, we are collaborating with the three county libraries, the LOR Foundation and the Sunflower Theater on a countywide book read, “Quiet Heroes – Who Is Government?” This series of essays, edited by Michael Lewis, focuses on “who works for the government and why does their work matter? An urgent and absorbing civics lesson from an all-star team of writers and storytellers.” We'll gather May 1 at the Sunflower Theater to discuss the book, consider the value of public service and meet a panel of retired and current federal employees to learn why they chose public service, the challenges they face and the accomplishments they are most proud of. Local author Chuck Greaves will moderate the discussion and panel. Consider reading the book and joining in the follow-up discussion.
Mark your calendars for upcoming events. On Jan. 6, join us for the Insurrection Day Rally: “Never Forget!” at Veterans Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Jan. 10, we’ll provide an E-Waste Recycling Update at the Cortez Library at 10:15 a.m. Because January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Angela Clark will present about this important topic at the Mancos Library at 10:15 a.m. Jan. 24.
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Karen Sheek of Cortez is the chair of the Montezuma County League of Women Voters. She served two terms on the Cortez City Council and two terms as mayor. Contact the local league at lwvmzc@gmail.com and on Facebook at https://tinyurl.com/bdcjr8pn.
