Public Comments

Dear members, Thank you for giving the public an opportunity to give input to redistricting. I know from experience that redistricting can have a profound effect on representation at the state and national level. It is imperative that like-minded communities are given representation that fits with their political, moral, and ethical values. The state of Colorado is a special place as the Rockies have become a natural buffer between rural and urban areas of the state. Recent happenings across the state from immunizations to voter integrity have revealed that there is a definite split in opinions on many fronts between several counties in Colorado. I recently learned about talks of trying to change the third district, by redrawing districting lines to exclude Pueblo county, replacing it with Boulder, and or Breckenridge, and Vail counties. I do not have to point out the political leanings of said counties, and that this would be a disservice to each of the counties for obvious reasons. Your website states that districts must: “Preserve whole communities of interest and whole political subdivisions, such as counties, cities, and towns.” If that is the case, why would you propose changing the third district, which would diminish representation for Pueblo County? Please tell me how does that benefit the constituents?? I expect that the wishes of the People will be protected and represented by individuals who have their best interests in mind. Sincerely, Brian Thomas

Dear members of the Committee: Thank you for giving the public an opportunity to give input to redistricting. I recently learned about talks of trying to change the third district, by redrawing districting lines to exclude Pueblo county, replacing it with Boulder, and or Breckenridge, and Vail counties. I do not have to point out the political leanings of said counties, and that this would be a disservice to each of the counties for obvious reasons. Your website states that districts must: “Preserve whole communities of interest and whole political subdivisions, such as counties, cities, and towns.” If that is the case, why would you propose changing the third district, which would diminish representation for Pueblo County? Please tell me how does that benefit the constituents?? Pueblo's rural and agricultural constituents align more closely with those in the 3rd district than the folks in Boulder, Breckenridge, or Vail. I expect that the wishes of the People will be protected and represented by individuals who have their best interests in mind. Respectfully, Lisa Medved

Hello, I would like to reiterate point made in a previous public commentary I made on this topic. Rural Colorado faces distinct challenges as a community of interest. Challenges can be better addressed with people who have geographic ties. For this reason I would advocate for the map proposed by Club 20 and ask you to sincerely consider the letter and map sent by the Executive Director, Christian Reece. Thank you, Jen Schumann

Can you please consider drawing the congressional and legislative districts so as to make them as competitive as possible? In the current hyper-partisan political environment, having close elections will force candidates to moderate their stances to win over a majority of the electorate. It will also allow for voters' voices to actually be heard, currently many districts are completely impossible to flip and thus whoever wins a primary is assured victory.

Thank you for the opportunity for the public to comment . I hope you hear us loud and clear as we stand to keep the third district intact. It is important the values and views of this district be recognized as our stand represents rural Colorado. Rural Colorado is a value and a way of life to this state and the many people who live here. The action of reducing our views to be represented by the redistricting will have a detrimental result in our state. I stand against this plan

Dear members of the Committee: Thank you for giving the public an opportunity to give input to redistricting. I know from experience that redistricting can have a profound effect on representation at the state and national level. It is imperative that like-minded communities are given representation that fits with their political, moral, and ethical values. The state of Colorado is a special place as the Rockies have become a natural buffer between rural and urban areas of the state. Recent happenings across the state from immunizations to voter integrity have revealed that there is a definite split in opinions on many fronts between several counties in Colorado. I recently learned about talks of trying to change the third district, by redrawing districting lines to exclude Pueblo county, replacing it with Boulder, and or Breckenridge, and Vail counties. I do not have to point out the political leanings of said counties, and that this would be a disservice to each of the counties for obvious reasons. Your website states that districts must: “Preserve whole communities of interest and whole political subdivisions, such as counties, cities, and towns.” If that is the case, why would you propose changing the third district, which would diminish representation for Pueblo County? Please tell me how does that benefit the constituents?? I expect that the wishes of the People will be protected and represented by individuals who have their best interests in mind. Sincerely Cynthia Cinocco 38 Normandy Circle Pueblo, CO 81001

Dear Commisioners, I have been a resident of Grand County for most of 50 years. I believe that Grand County deserves to be represented with like minded communities that have the same rural, agricultural, traditional values and would like to see it be part of redistricting that would bring Grand County into the Western Slope. Right now we are lumped with Boulder which is as different from Grand County on some very important issues as it can be. For instance Boulder and Grand County have completely different positions on water usage and storage which makes it impossible to be represented by one person federally. Boulders economy continues to grow towards tech and manufacturing while Grand County has a long traditon of agriculture, both animal and crops, and deserves to be included with other agricultural communities. We belong with the Western Slope not only because of agriculture, but also because of similiar issues with outdoor recreation, federally owned land, national parks and the need for a unified voice around responsibly developing cohesive policies in these areas. Boulder is one of the most expensive places to live in U.S. while Grand County is still very small town and affordable. We are a rural community with traditional priorties and values and we are organized and operate differently than Boulder which is very urban and high density. Please help Grand County to get the representation it needs by putting it with communities that reflect our issues, challenges and values. Thank you, Mikey Gallavan

Your website states that districts must: “Preserve whole communities of interest and whole political subdivisions, such as counties, cities, and towns.” If that is the case, why would you propose changing the third district, which would diminish representation for Pueblo County? Please tell me how does that benefit the constituents?? I expect that the wishes of the People will be protected and represented by individuals who have their best interests in mind. I see changing the 3rd District in this way as a purely political power grab. Our state is already deeply divided and election integrity is not trusted. The forensic examination of voting machines in Antrim County, MI has shown they can easily be programmed to flip votes as well as be hacked. And SOS Griswold has just banned Independent forensic audits. By this action she has essentially proven our elections are dirty. Please do not exacerbate the situation with a purely partisan redistricting move.

I support the general approach of the preliminary CD 3 boundaries and look forward to hearing any proposals for tweaking same. The only thing meriting a major reworking of this proposal would be the creation of a Hispanic/Native American district. If it’s not possible now consideration of planning for a future district of this sort should be given weight. I do not have any specific proposals in that regard.

To the Commission: I believe Grand County should be a part of and included in the rest of the Western Slope for the following reasons: 1. Grand County and Boulder County are at opposite ends of the continuum; population, wealth, density, and economic diversity. 2. Grand County has a large agricultural base; ranches and farms where Boulder County is much more cosmopolitan. 3. The Western Slope and hence, Grand County, have a more cohesive rural feel and share a bond in common issues such as recreation in the federally owned land and national parks and water usage/policy 4. The densities of these two counties is vastly different and affect governing policies dramatically; eg: A policy for the more urban Boulder County may be inappropriate to Grand County application. Thank you for considering my reasons for redistricting Grand County into the Western Slope. Sincerely, Emily E. Fisher, resident in Grand County for 51 years.