Letter to Editor | Our Revolution County Voting Guide

— from Our Revolution Steering Committee —

Shortly after the November, 2016 election, a San Juan County branch of Our Revolution (OR) was formed. As were so many people at the time, we were concerned about the outcome of the election and the need to work against the direction of the new administration. Throughout these almost two years since, the steering committee of OR has continued to meet, there have been more than 60 news bulletins sent to our list of over 400 subscribers, and we had a year-long series of public presentations on healthcare.

As a progressive organization, we only endorse candidates that we determine represent a truly progressive platform. For this year’s general election, we have endorsed one candidate, Debra Lekanoff for State Representative in the 40th District. Debra is a true progressive who brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective, and we heartily support her.

In judicial races, the progressive label is not always particularly relevant. However, based on our analysis of several races and candidates, we do have some recommendations for judge positions:

• State Supreme Court, Position 8 – Steve Gonzalez
• State Court of Appeals – Cecily Hazelrigg-Hernandez
• County District Court – Carolyn Jewett

We also have recommendations on initiatives:

• I-1631 (clean energy) – Yes
• I-1634 (prohibit any jurisdiction in the state from passing a tax on soda) – No
• I-1639 (gun reform) – Yes
• I-940 (law enforcement de-escalation training) – Yes
• Advisory Vote 19 – Maintain

The two county initiative campaigns, both for affordable housing and the Lopez solid waste levy, asked not to be endorsed by political organizations, so we honor their wishes. Please do your research.

A final note: In the race for county prosecuting attorney, there is some confusion. Challenger Nick Power has cast himself as a Democrat, and there is even information circulating that he is a Bernie Sanders Democrat. While it is true that Nick was a delegate for Bernie Sanders at the county convention in 2016, his actions are not those of a Democrat. He has represented Glen Morgan, the rightwing gadfly who is suing Democratic local organizations around the state for usually very minor violations of the PDC (Public Disclosure Commission). Morgan is trying to put the Democratic Party out of business in Washington, with Nick representing him in several cases. In addition, Nick represents the far-right Freedom Foundation in a suit against the leftwing union SEIU #775. Nick has also brought multiple suits against the county, often supporting rightwing property rights interests, and to suddenly have him switch sides to oversee the county’s legal dealings, in our opinion, would be a disaster. Nick Power is not a member of OR, and we do not recommend a vote for him.

Our Revolution Steering Committee: Mark Mayer, Sharon Abreu, Learner Limbach, Natalie Menacho, Brad Brown, Linda Bannerman, Caitlin Leck, Keara Axelrod, David Turnoy.