Candidates from Western Colorado fight for your vote on the debate stage

GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado (KKCO) – Candidates from the western half of the state took the debate stage at Colorado Mesa University’s Moss Performing Arts Center on Saturday and made their arguments for the November election.

The day began with Republican Rick Taggart, the current representative of the 55th House District, who is running unopposed.

He focused his attention on the need for higher education and training to diversify the workforce in Western Colorado.

“We have been dependent on our resource industries for too long. I explain it to people from the perspective that resource industries are important to Western Colorado, but they should just be the icing on the cake. If we make them a significant part of the cake, we leave ourselves vulnerable.”

Next to take the stage was Republican Matt Soper, current representative for the 54th District. He remains unopposed and said the most important issues in Western Colorado include the fight for the farming community's water rights and infrastructure issues.

“Currently, the infrastructure in western Colorado is outdated, whether it's the water system or the roads. Tell me if you've never driven into a pothole and I'll sell you some oceanfront property in Mesa County.”

Soper highlighted the crisis facing rural hospitals struggling to keep their doors open.

“We need to ensure that our hospitals remain viable in the future and reduce the pressure on our hospitals – from insurance companies, the federal government … even state governments … Political changes have made it very, very difficult to run a hospital.”

Ten other candidates vying for election took the stage, including current 13th District Representative, Democrat Julie McCluskie, and Republican candidate Dave Williams, and engaged in a lively debate.

Both candidates addressed the controversial introduction of gray wolves in Grand County. Williams said McCluskie has not done enough to advocate for the ranchers she represents.

“Give them one thing. Give them the right to kill a wolf that is intentionally killed. That's what they want … under any circumstances. One cow, one calf or one sheep, and the wolf is gone. Give them that right, and then they'll feel like they're taken care of,” Williams said.

McCluskie argued against this.

“I want to be very clear. The voters decided to reintroduce wolves, not my district. I fully support my rangers who are affected by this. That's why I asked CPW in January to define the term chronic depredation.”

Democrat Adam Frisch and Republican Jeff Hurd closed out the day on the debate stage. They are battling to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. For more on their positions on southern border security, click here.

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