Residents of Longmont are calling for greater transparency regarding the political affiliations of candidates running for public office, including judges. In a recent letter to the Longmont Times-Call, local resident William Smith expressed his desire for all candidates to clearly state their party affiliations on ballots and campaign materials. He believes that being partisan should be a point of pride rather than something to hide.
Smith pointed out that many candidates do not disclose their affiliations on their websites. He argued that voters deserve to know whether candidates identify as “proud Republicans” or “proud Democrats.” “What do you have to lose?” Smith asked, urging candidates to share more than just their talking points.
In another letter, Susan Sommers criticized the accuracy of reporting by the Times-Call. Sommers, who helped organize the 2017 campaign to reform prairie dog regulations, was misidentified in a recent article as being associated with a prairie dog organization. She emphasized the importance of accurate reporting, stating, “Poor reporting damages lives and the work of others.” Sommers noted that the Times-Call agreed to correct the article, but she feels the damage had already been done.
This incident raises concerns about the pressures on local news outlets in an era where social media and the 24/7 news cycle can lead to hurried reporting. Sommers called on the Times-Call to uphold its responsibility to provide factually correct information, highlighting the role of local media in maintaining public trust.
In a more positive note, Hadley Solomon received commendations from community members for her dedication to public education. Parent Christina Oliva-Huxley praised Solomon, a candidate for the St Vrain Valley School District Board, for her years of active involvement in the community, including volunteering and advocating for local schools. Oliva-Huxley highlighted Solomon’s commitment to safety, respect, and inclusion as essential components of a nurturing educational environment.
The contrasting letters reflect a community engaged in discussions about transparency, accountability, and the importance of accurate information in local governance. As the upcoming elections approach, the emphasis on party affiliation and responsible journalism is set to be at the forefront of public discourse in Longmont.