With the constant stream of proposals and regulations up for debate in this election season, it can be challenging to keep track of what’s actually on the ballot—let alone decipher all the opinion pieces circulating online and at community meetings. Each side accuses the other of spreading misinformation, lying, or concealing key facts. This piece, however, is just an overview, not an opinion.
Here in Wheat Ridge, we’re facing ballot issues 2B and 2C. At the Gazette, we’ve covered these extensively, aiming to present only the facts as shared by city staff, developers, city council members, and the hospital itself.
Both sides are putting significant effort into their campaigns. The “yes” side presents an expensive and professional-looking flyer, website, and an aggressive social media presence, though it’s not always clear who’s behind and funding the campaign. Meanwhile, the “no” side has circulated a more modest black-and-red flyer homemade looking flyer and has faced criticism for stretching the truth as well.
In the spirit of balanced journalism, we reached out to advocates from both sides. Though the “yes” campaign submitted a letter, we struggled to find someone willing to write for the “no” side; multiple people declined our invitation to share their position.
I recently sat down at Clancy’s to review both sides’ materials. After fact-checking, it’s evident both camps have skewed some details and even reversed their earlier positions. But perhaps this is common among many of the measures on your ballot this year.
I urge you to read up on each side and come to your own conclusions. Engaging in discussions on social media may be tempting, but be prepared for heated exchanges. You just might find yourself disinvited from Thanksgiving dinner. Look for the ballots on the city website for the full list of changes on 2B. The list is much more expensive than on the ballot itself. You’ll also see the exact wording on shift of powers. It is not doom and gloom as the “no” side has claimed. But it is definitely not as transparent as the “yes” side has been preaching.
One thing we can all agree on is that neither vote on 2B or 2C will alter the spirit of Wheat Ridge. Our city is still a close-knit community that passionately debates everything from garbage collection to road lane removal, short-term rentals to pot shops. Here, sometimes you’ll find yourself on the same side as a friend, and other times on the opposite. Just imagine the debates over the first buildings on this farmland years ago!
Above all, the most important part of these elections is the act of voting itself. People around the world fight for this right—don’t waste the opportunity.
