Houpt offers balance

Dear Editor:

A lot of people are unhappy these days about the shortcomings of our country’s two main political parties. But one thing that I hope most of us can agree upon, regardless of political affiliation, is the danger of one-party rule.

That’s one of the key reasons why I’m supporting Tresi Houpt for Garfield County commissioner this November. I’m simply not comfortable turning over the reins of county government to three Republican men of similar age and outlook.

You’ll recall that the last time we had three Republicans on the county commission, they largely ignored county residents’ concerns about oil and gas development while providing special-interest favors, such as handing over a county road to the private developers of Prehm Ranch.

Since her election in 2002, Tresi has provided an essential balance to commission debates – asking the difficult questions that needed to be asked and bringing a different perspective to many issues. Thanks to Tresi, the county has become more receptive to regional planning and partnerships with county municipalities, and has even begun to contribute to trails and to our excellent RFTA public transportation system.

Our founding fathers worked hard to design checks and balances into the U.S. Constitution. And like it or not, one of the best ways to ensure a balance of power in today’s two-party system is to elect a healthy mix of both Republicans and Democrats.

This fall, a vote for Tresi is a vote for balance.

Russ Arensman

Glenwood Springs