Good morning, Colorado! If you’re like me, and have not filled out your ballot yet, here’s a reminder that Election Day is only two weeks away. And if you want to mail in your ballot, make sure to get those in the mail before Oct. 29 (one week from today). Our 2024 Voter Guide will be waiting for you when you decide to start filling in those bubbles.
A packed newsletter awaits us, so let’s get to it.
ELECTION 2024
Western Slope voters will be weighing several ballot questions asking them to either raise taxes or debt to fund large infrastructure projects, like airports, gondolas and interchanges. In Aspen, there’s stiff opposition against widening the runway at the city’s airport to accommodate larger planes. And in Mesa County, some say paying for an $80 million interchange would be a “win for everybody” by reducing hours on the road and greenhouse gases, while opponents argue it would be a “financial fiasco.” Tracy Ross and Jason Blevins break the issues down.
TECHNOLOGY
Reps from some of the biggest tech companies, like Google, Microsoft and IBM, showed up at the Capitol on Monday to support and make suggestions to Colorado’s controversial artificial intelligence law, which became the first in the nation to pass last spring. While the big tech companies were more or less OK with the law, reps from “little tech” brought the heat to the discussions Monday, asking for several revisions, Tamara Chuang reports.
ENVIRONMENT
Six months have passed since Boulder County officials ordered the Cemex plant to shut down, but the Lyons plant is still producing cement and neighbors claim it is pumping carbon dioxide into the sky at the rate of 300,000 tons a year and sending dust storms into nearby communities on a daily basis. A resolution won’t come until 2025, at the earliest. Michael Booth has more.
What do you want candidates to talk about during the 2024 election as they compete for your vote? Our survey is still open. Tell us what you think!
THE COLORADO REPORT
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The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of columnists and editorial writers do not reflect the opinions of the newsroom. Read our ethics policy for more on The Sun’s opinion policy and submit columns, suggest writers or provide feedback at opinion@coloradosun.com.
REVIEW
For Jim O’Donnell, the Fountain was a playground from his youth, but also, years later, a fascinating study of water in the American West. His new book “Fountain Creek: Big Lessons from a Little River,” explores the flow from all angles — historical, environmental and deeply personal.
Thanks for joining us, as always. Have a wonderful Tuesday.
— Olivia & the whole staff of The Sun
Corrections & Clarifications
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