In light of the upcoming elections on Nov. 8, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) hosted a forum with Governor Jared Polis and his opponent Heidi Ganahl, along with Senator Michael Bennet and his opponent Joe O’Dea on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
With CMU President John Marshall as moderator, Polis and Ganahl answered a myriad of questions, ranging from their position on water rights within Colorado to the transportation systems within the state.
Governor Polis opened his discussion by highlighting the work he has done as governor: universal kindergarten and preschool for Colorado residents, reducing the cost of living and “[lowering] the cost of healthcare in Colorado… by over 20% across the state, more than 25% here in Mesa County.”
Polis spent the rest of the forum making promises that he would uphold, should he be re-elected as governor. He promises Coloradans better transportation options between western and eastern Colorado, more efficient and cost-effective energy production and reduced inflation in coming years.
Meanwhile, Ganahl’s opening statements began with her promises to Colorado residents: “In my first week as governor, I’ll introduce a comprehensive public safety bill, I will fully fund the police, I will make any possession of fentanyl a felony and cancel our status as a sanctuary state.”
Ganahl promises that should she be elected governor, she would fix the low reading rates in children through a “read to succeed” initiative, crack down on illegal immigration and fentanyl import into the state, and she would return power to our farmers and ranchers to “unleash Colorado’s economy and put more money back into your pocket.”
Following this, Senator Michael Bennet and his opponent, Joe O’Dea, took the stage for another forum. The two each answered a set of questions posed by various residents of the Western Slope.
Bennet had the opportunity to speak with those in attendance about his stance on Colorado’s economy, the importance of the distribution of wealth and the re-emergence of the middle class: “we got to build an economy that when it grows, it grows for everybody.”
Following this, Bennet went on to highlight the importance of reining in the rising inflation within the state, making affordable healthcare with caps on lifesaving medications and lowering the nation’s debt through his legislation.
Joe O’Dea, meanwhile, opened with his beliefs in bipartisanship, as well as his hope to find an end to the “record inflation rates, soaring crime, a broken border, and a war on American energy.”
O’Dea spends much of his time bringing home the idea that the Colorado government should be emphasizing a local and stable energy sector, promoting new infrastructure and be willing to stand up against the federal government to protect Colorado.
With this forum happening on CMU’s campus, it is clear that the future of Colorado is in the hands of our students and our community. These four politicians traveled to the Western Slope and gave students and residents the opportunity to fully grasp the weight of this upcoming election.
With election day coming up on Nov. 8, the forum provided useful information to students for the election. Ballots can be submitted in several locations throughout the Grand Valley. With a ballot box on 12 St. next to the Moss Performing Arts Center, students have easy access to submit their ballots before they are closed at 7:00 p.m. on election day.
