Last Night’s Gubernatorial Debate... 

From the Moderator Seat 

It should inspire every Coloradan to have the opportunity to witness democracy at work. One thing we have been reminded of this election cycle is that there is no obligation to show up to a debate or forum. The first thing we tell people when asked about bridging the rural divide is step one: SHOW UP. It shows that you care! This small act is something that must not be taken for granted! So, I would like to begin by expressing sincere gratitude to Governor Jared Polis, Regent Heidi Ganahl, Adam Frisch and Joe O'Dea for showing up to share their thoughts on what Colorado needs. 

I was deeply honored when asked to moderate the first Gubernatorial Debate of the season. After all, these four candidates are all Action22 members – so we already have great working relationships with each of them. We know by their actions that they prioritize connecting AND showing up when it matters. Because of that, we also knew they would all be excited to talk about the issues that mattered most in our communities.  

I was a little surprised, however, by the number of times we were asked by nonmembers, “Why is Action22 moderating?” I wasn’t bothered by this, because the truth of the matter is that many citizens really don’t know what Action22 does, or how or why we do it. Our mission has always been to be a strong voice for rural Colorado, and we have done that by connecting our communities with decision makers, regardless of politics. My focus in moderating this debate has been to serve our communities beyond the election season.  

The bulk of the work of moderating a debate like this happens well before the debate begins, including composing the questions. In that process, we received plenty of offers to provide input from a wide range of voices. We were excited to see so much interest, and participation, because that is the backbone of democracy.  

It was important to identify four of the most important issues that affect not only the Action22 area, but the entire state, now, and into the future. The questions were carefully crafted by the Action22 team, based on specific issues. These are concerns that we hear daily from across the state, and across both sides of the political aisle. Of course, this is not an inclusive list of issues or concerns that could have been debated. They do, however, represent critical areas that cannot be ignored for the sake of our great state. The chosen issues produced questions in the areas of Water, Economy, Energy and Public Safety.  

We thought you might like another look at last night’s questions, and we want to know how YOU would answer them. Tell us at show@action22.org 

Water 
As water remains a private property right in Colorado, with ever increasing demands both in state and out, 

1. Which is better for Colorado? Prior appropriations or Public Trust 

2. AND as Agriculture is a significant water user but absolutely vital to Colorado's economy and culture, how do we maintain a viable Ag industry in the face of these ever-increasing demands? 

Economy
The US Congress Joint Economic Committee, along with multiple other agencies have been consistently reporting Colorado as having one of the highest, if NOT highest inflation rates in the country (with the average family now having an additional burden of more than $900/month) 

1. What would you say are the major contributors to this painful trend? 

2. What are your solutions to overcoming the problem? 

Energy 
Our communities have expressed deep concerns with the growing pains we are all feeling in Colorado’s new energy economy...  

1. What is going right? 

2. What would you change? 

What role does Natural Gas play in Colorado and by extension our nation’s future energy security? 

Public Safety 

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reports that between 2019-2021  

• Violent crimes, which include aggravated assault, sex crimes and robberies increased 17% 

• Homicides increased 47% 

• Auto theft increased 86% in Colorado 

In addition, the FBI reports in 2019-2020 Colorado had 4th highest increase of crime in the nation. 

1. What are the primary contributors to this alarming trend? 

2. What are your solutions to making our state safer? 

As a final word on last night’s debate,
Thank you to everyone who made this all work. We especially thank you, Duane Nava. You didn’t sign up for the easy road when you took on the mantle of Greater Pueblo Chamber CEO, but we admire how you have been racking up lessons every day and meeting each new challenge with a positive attitude. You have just kept moving and Action22 appreciates you. Keep up the great work. 

2022 Annual Meeting  

It is our favorite time of year! The Action22 Annual Meeting is a chance for members to come together, check in with each other, and share ideas and stories. And yes, some of our members are running for office! Don't worry, it's still a love fest! 
 
We have an excellent event planned for you this year!   

• Great speakers 
• Action22's latest Big Hairy Audacious Project will be revealed 
• A ballot measure debate 
• Unforgettable take-aways   
• Candidates on display - listening to your questions and giving brilliant answers 
• Candidate reception 
• AND for the first time ever HOCKEY. That' s right The Pueblo Bulls will host an Action22 night for our members! 
  
  So, bring your love of COLORADANS, and be ready to connect, learn and have some fun! 

Attention Candidates! 

In order to support you as much as possible in this election year, we will be holding a Candidate Expo as part of the Action22 Annual Meeting. You will have an opportunity to set up a table at our Annual Meeting with campaign literature and members of your campaign team, as well as share brief remarks at our Candidate Reception. This will give you the chance to engage with members from across the Action22 footprint and discuss the issues that are most relevant to the people that we serve.  

If you are interested, please contact Micah at micah.espinoza@action22.org with any questions!