Supporting Brent Baker for sheriff

To the citizens of Garfield County,

I don’t make endorsements lightly.

As a retired Navy SEAL, I spent my adult life in environments where trust, integrity, accountability and leadership were matters of consequence. In that profession, reputation is everything. What a person does when no one is watching matters far more than titles or campaign slogans.

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I have worked alongside Brent Baker at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office for more than 12 years. During that time, I have served as the MDT project manager, a peer support team member, mental health advocate, and member of the AHRT SWAT team. My perspective is based on years of working alongside the people who do this job every day.

Based on that experience, I believe Brent Baker is the right choice to serve as Garfield County sheriff.

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Brent’s commitment to Garfield County is proven through service in youth sports, volunteer fire service, law enforcement, and on the school board. Professionally, he has built a reputation for competence, consistency, fairness and integrity. He has earned trust through steady leadership and by holding himself to the same standards he expects from others.

Just as importantly, Brent understands the realities of modern law enforcement. Burnout, trauma exposure, fatigue, and poor scheduling decisions affect not only deputy wellness but public safety. His support for peer support programs, mental health resources, and thoughtful scheduling reflects the kind of leadership agencies need today.

By contrast, I have serious concerns about Dan Loya’s leadership record. Having lived in Eagle County since 2008, I have interacted with many members of that law enforcement community. The concerns I have consistently heard regarding morale, leadership style, and organizational culture cannot be ignored.

Publicly obtained records show that during Mr. Loya’s tenure in senior leadership, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office experienced attrition rates of approximately 29% in 2022 and approximately 25% in both 2024 and 2025. Whether due to morale, culture, leadership approach, or other organizational factors, agencies do not experience that kind of sustained instability without serious underlying issues.

This election is about trust, judgment, integrity and stewardship. Brent Baker has demonstrated all four and has my full support.

Andy Haffele, Eagle

Highway 82 doesn’t care about county lines.

For everyone living on this side of Independence Pass, this road is our shared lifeblood — and increasingly, our shared bottleneck. Yet for years, Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield counties have evaluated growth and development in isolated silos, completely ignoring the cumulative traffic gridlock crushing our valley. A new subdivision or commercial project approved in one jurisdiction directly impacts the commuter stuck in traffic two counties over. We are rapidly approaching a fundamental crisis of carrying capacity, and it’s time to ask our local leaders and state planners a hard question: When is enough, enough?

We desperately need a coordinated, region-wide discussion about how much more volume Highway 82 can realistically handle before our economy stalls and public safety is severely compromised. CDOT will not address this big-picture crisis unless the community forces the issue. That is why an upcoming meeting with CDOT Region 3 leadership is so critical for all valley residents, regardless of where they happen to pay property taxes.

On Monday, June 15, from 8 to 10 a.m., top CDOT officials — including the regional transportation director and heads of engineering, traffic, and environmental planning — will meet with the Garfield County commissioners at 108 Eighth St. in Glenwood Springs. While Garfield County is hosting, the infrastructure issues on the table affect everyone from Aspen to the mouth of the canyon. Time for public questions will be tight due to a packed agenda, but a packed room of concerned citizens speaks volumes. We need residents from all three counties, especially Pitkin and Eagle, to show up, stand together, and demand a regional solution to a regional problem. If you are tired of the endless bumper-to-bumper commute, please plan to be there.

Susan Sullivan, Carbondale

Grateful for first responders and neighbors

On May 17, our house was the unfortunate recipient of a lightning strike. The subsequent explosive thunder was heard across New Castle. Within minutes, smoke and flames were coming out of the house, it was a devastating sight to see. After calling 911, the shock set in quickly, it was difficult for us to comprehend. Within minutes, we heard the reassuring sound of the fire department’s sirens. Immediately upon their arrival the firefighters went right into action. And in doing so, they prevented further damage to our home.

We extend our immeasurable gratitude to the following teams for their rapid response and unwavering support and emotional comfort during this ordeal.

To Kevin Carlson, Orrin Moon, and the entire Colorado River Fire Rescue team including those who responded from New Castle, Silt, and Rifle, thank you! Your quick response, professionalism and emotional support went a long way. To Sgt. Reynolds and the New Castle Police Department, thank you! Your presence and the emotional support you provided throughout this ordeal were invaluable. We are also grateful for your coordination with the Red Cross. We’d also like to thank Tristen and the team with RemediH20 for a swift response and ongoing communication as we begin the daunting task of repair.

To our friends and neighbors who have offered immense support, thank you! Many of you have asked “what can I do to help.” Your smile, hugs, a few tears and warm thoughts have done more for us than we can express.

It is a wonderful feeling to know that in a time of need, our communities come together to help one another.

Thank you all,

Bob and Elaine DuBois, New Castle

Weiser for governor

Phil Weiser has the energy, passion and dedication we need from Colorado’s next governor. In his eight years as attorney general, Phil has repeatedly fought for the rights of Coloradans, including lawsuits to protect our clean air and water, the integrity of our elections, our access to health care, and the rights of workers to unionize.

Phil wasted no time in fighting back against Trump’s brazen assault on our rights and freedoms; he has sued the Trump administration 65 times and has largely won.

Contrast Phil’s record with that of Sen. Bennet, who supported and voted to confirm many of Trump’s most dangerous cabinet nominees, like Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Wright eliminated more than $7B in green energy investments, closed down 24 clean energy projects, and laid off over 100 scientists at Colorado’s National Renewable Energy Lab.

As attorney general, Phil has traveled the state and listened to the concerns of Coloradans, from urban centers to rural communities, and across the political divide. To hear Phil speak is to know immediately he is a person of integrity who cares deeply about the people of Colorado and is committed to making government work for us all.

Phil’s fierce dedication to our state and his willingness to fight for us make him the best candidate for Colorado governor. Mark your primary ballot for Phil Weiser.

Eden Steele, Carbondale

Support Colorado ballot measure 195

A petition to put Colorado ballot measure 195 on the ballot in November is circulating now.

This amendment would ensure that the wealthiest pay their fair share so everyone can thrive.

The ballot initiative would establish a graduated income tax (GIT) with the following tiers:[1]

• For federal taxable income less than or equal to $25,000, the tax is 3.70%.
• For federal taxable income greater than $25,000 and less than or equal to $100,000, the tax would be:
• 3.70% on the amount up to $25,000;
• 4.20% on the amount greater than $25,000 up to $100,000; and
• 4.40% on the amount greater than $100,000.
• For federal taxable income greater than $500,000, but less than or equal to $750,000, the tax would be:
• 7.40% on the amount greater than $500,000.
• For federal taxable income greater than $750,000, but less than or equal to $1 million, the tax would be:
• 7.90% on the amount over $750,000.
• For federal taxable income greater than $1 million, the tax would be:
• 8.40% on the amount greater than $1 million

There needs to be 125,000 signatures on the petition to get the measure on the ballot in November. The petitions are circulating now so please add your name if a member of your community approaches you.

More information at: ProtectColoradosFuture.com

Udelle Stuckey, Carbondale

Dan Loya has the qualifications to lead

As a former county attorney for Larimer and Eagle counties, it is my honor to recommend Dan Loya as the next sheriff of Garfield County. Over the past 25 years, I have represented countless sheriff’s deputies, and I can say without hesitation that the citizens of Garfield County could not choose a more qualified candidate than Dan.

An effective sheriff must be far more than a competent deputy. The role demands statewide and national leadership on legislative issues, the ability to negotiate complex contracts, innovative recruitment and retention strategies, and a deep understanding of liability mitigation and litigation management. It also requires strong collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as sound fiscal stewardship in today’s challenging economic climate. I have seen firsthand how Dan excels in each of these areas. His experience and proven leadership ensure that he possesses the skills necessary to guide a modern law enforcement agency successfully. The citizens of Garfield County should not leave these critical qualifications to chance — they should expect and demand them in their next sheriff.

As impressive as Dan’s professional accomplishments are, his character stands out even more. He approaches daily challenges with practical judgment and steady leadership. He treats everyone with professionalism, respect, and consistency, regardless of race, political affiliation, or social standing. At his core, Dan’s decisions are guided by what is best for the community he serves. He will never place personal relationships above his duty to the public. “Accountability is not optional” is more than a campaign slogan — it is a principle I have personally witnessed him uphold for more than two decades.

Do not leave the future of local law enforcement to chance. Vote Dan Loya.

Bryan Treu, former Eagle County attorney, Eagle

Oil trains threaten Glenwood Canyon

All citizens should be concerned about the oil tank car trains through Glenwood Canyon with hot waxy crude from Utah. They have proposed 100-car long trains, up to 2-3 day. One loaded tank car weighs approximately 270,000 pounds, holds 30,000 gallons. There are an average of 3 derailments per day in the nations rail system. By Google Earth there are 42 curves in 19 miles of track in Glenwood Canyon. There is a potential environmental catastrophe at virtually every curve. With a spill the damage to the canyon would take 1000 years plus to return the canyon to its original state. Additionally, this train would similarly impact Gore Canyon. The rail company could construct a line due north in Utah for 110 miles for a shorter and safer route and connect with the main lines across southern Wyoming to Cheyenne and south to Denver, with much less potential of an accident. $100 million for that line would be minimal compared to what it would cost to clean up a spill in Glenwood Canyon. Please support Elizabeth Velasco (D) Glenwood Springs efforts to stop this attack on Glenwood Canyon. Letters, phone calls to congressmen, to the governor, the EPA are some things we can do. Please help protect the canyon.

Walt Olsen, Gypsum