Letter to the Editor - World Journal

This letter will be published in the World Journal tomorrow as a response to the various political issues in our community. The Central Committee agreed that a response was required and has approved the content. We want our subscribers to be able to read it in advance. If you have questions or comments, there will be a follow up discussion added to the agenda of our monthly meeting next Wednesday evening.

"This is a response to recent coverage and commentary in the Huerfano World Journal about political tensions in our community. As officers and organizers of the Huerfano County Democratic Party, we feel it is important to clarify a few points.

The author of a letter written by a participant of the Republican flag-waving demonstration stated they came peacefully and were met with disruption. We support her right to speak out. Citizens have the right to peacefully gather, no matter the cause.

However, it is not accurate to assign blame for the disruption to the Democratic Party. The individuals involved acted on their own, without direction from our party. The same goes for weekly courthouse demonstrations; organized and attended by private citizens.  Some are registered democrats and candidates for office.   They do not represent the Democratic Party.  We respect every individual’s right to express their opinions and participate in civic life, whether we agree or disagree with their views and actions.

Similar misunderstandings have clouded recent debates around the Walsenburg City Council and immigration. Criticism of elected officials should focus on their words and actions, not their party label.

We also caution against letting a dispute between a candidate and a party chair define any political party as a whole. These are individual matters. Broad generalizations do nothing to help our community move forward.

We remain committed to respectful dialogue, community problem-solving, and advocating for everyone’s right to participate. In divided times, we aim to bring people together, not drive them apart.  Healing the divides in our community is a powerful and positive step forward.

We ask the community not to confuse private actions with official positions. Let’s choose fairness over assumptions, and facts over finger-pointing. We all share a stake in Huerfano County’s future. Let’s work on it together."

Carlotta Portella, Chair

Huerfano County Democratic Party