Guest Columns - The Journal

How Colorado’s 3rd District wins the next era of manufacturing

In Colorado’s 3rd District, we do not wait for Washington to save us. We build. We produce. We compete. For too long, federal economic policy has operated in reverse. A plant closes. A mine...

DATE: Mar 6, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Broken permits, broken promise: How bots and bureaucrats locked out river runners

In the 1980s and ’90s, river runners in the southwestern United States packed their gear and headed into canyon country. Those trips were the heartbeat of their year – where people connected...

DATE: Mar 1, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

We may pay dearly for the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

Recently, the Montezuma County Republications hosted a presentation by the Colorado Health Institute. The CHC is a Denver-based nonpartisan nonprofit that uses evidence-based data and provid...

DATE: Feb 27, 2026 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Montezuma County landfill: Self-funded through user fees, not taxes

The Montezuma County Landfill operates under a financial structure known as an “enterprise” operation, a model designed to ensure the facility pays for itself rather than relying on general ...

DATE: Feb 20, 2026 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

A busy month: Public education bills and hard conversations about health care and immigration

It’s been a very busy start to the legislative session, and I look forward to spending an extra day with my family next weekend for Presidents Day. We’ve had a ton of constituents visit the ...

DATE: Feb 13, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Colorado’s roadless areas are worth more than minerals and timber

Last fall was my nineteenth season of public lands elk hunting in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. During eight days I hunted for a total of 63.5 hours (or 7.93 hours a day on averag...

DATE: Feb 8, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

What our mountains make possible: Colorado athletes shaped by place

When the Winter Olympic Games open in Italy later this week, athletes from across the country will compete under the American flag. Among them will be competitors with roots right here in Co...

DATE: Feb 6, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Is our Democracy in jeopardy?

Most would agree we are living in turbulent times. Throughout our history, Americans have faced profound challenges, beginning with the American Revolution and the creation of our nation its...

DATE: Jan 28, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Why a National Conservation Area for the southern Dolores River?

I’m writing to address the growing misinformation surrounding the proposed National Conservation Area for the southern Dolores River. As someone who has worked and lived in this area and who...

DATE: Jan 25, 2026 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Why Montezuma County commissioners structure their meetings the way they do

Montezuma County Commissioners often receive questions about the structure of their meetings. Residents who attend have sometimes expressed frustration with not receiving immediate answers d...

DATE: Jan 23, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Welcoming the 2026 legislative session amid federal Medicaid changes, water funding challenges

With the 2026 legislative session starting in just a few days, I’ve been making the most of my time with my family before heading off to Denver. I’ve also had a series of meetings with const...

DATE: Jan 16, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

My New Year’s resolution: Lower the volume, raise the results

Every January, people make resolutions they half-expect to break. Exercise more. Eat better. Spend less time staring at their phones. Members of Congress don’t usually make resolutions in pu...

DATE: Jan 9, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion