Columnists - The Journal

Overcoming political extremism: Not as divided as we think

At times, it seems we can’t heal what divides us. Sixty-six% of Americans believed that the political divide increased during the previous year, according to an August 2022 poll by the Econo...

DATE: Feb 2, 2023 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

On Alzheimer’s: ‘Loss of self my deepest sorrow’

Readers of The New York Times submitted their best advice from 2022. One gem was, “Everyone is going through something.” Wise to keep this in mind. I’m sharing my something that is Alzheimer...

DATE: Jan 30, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Innovative nursing program to build 4 Corners workforce

Coloradans rightfully expect their colleges and universities to educate students and address critical needs facing our state. A new collaboration between Fort Lewis College and the Universit...

DATE: Jan 29, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Utility poles, complex permitting prolong digital divide

On the Western Slope, we are lucky enough to be part of an incredibly beautiful and unique landscape. From the national monuments to the Great Sand Dunes, we live among some of the most valu...

DATE: Jan 27, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘Hopeful signs on horizon’ for restaurant industry

We are having deep, thought-provoking discussions about the economy in the General Assembly this year, determining ways to help hardworking Coloradans navigate the financial hurdles they fac...

DATE: Jan 25, 2023 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Wall Street Journal names Purgatory Resort a ‘world class’ ski area that is affordable

Ski village lauded for its pretense-free culture hearkening back to an earlier era

DATE: Jan 23, 2023 | CATEGORY: Talk about Town

Cut costs: No bills larger than $20; keep only quarters

There are two monetary proposals (not original to me) that could save the federal government millions of dollars. One sounds good but is a matter of which I have no firsthand knowledge. The ...

DATE: Jan 16, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

On MLK Day: Heroes do not act alone

Every year, the arrival of the Martin Luther King holiday calls us to pause and reflect on King’s legacy. And every year, I’m struck by the same thing: As sincere as we are in our reverenc...

DATE: Jan 15, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Support wildlife, oppose solar facility with no local benefit

La Plata County review has halted the proposed Hesperus Solar until California-based Primergy corrects numerous application deficiencies for the 155-megawatt, industrial-scale solar facility...

DATE: Jan 15, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Need BLM to prioritize wildlife habitat, migration corridors

In Southwest Colorado, we are fortunate to be located near many Bureau of Land Management lands, where residents and visitors recreate, camp, view wildlife, hunt and fish. Thanks to the remo...

DATE: Jan 11, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Seeking mental health care a strength, not weakness

For most of us, going to the doctor is a regular part of life. We get annual checkups and do our best to follow the doctor’s recommendations. If an issue is found, we see a specialist: For h...

DATE: Jan 11, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Pickleballers, the unhoused both face NIMBYism

We have two prominent examples of NIMBYism in Durango. I have pondered the similarities between pickleball and the plight of the homeless here in our town. They both share a similar reaction...

DATE: Jan 6, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion