Author: The Gazette Editorial Board
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EDITORIAL: When school spending grows the front office
Contrary to public perception, Colorado’s public schools are receiving more money than ever. Average per-pupil funding has increased 27% in just four years despite declining enrollment. Yet, rather than ensuring those resources go into classrooms, districts are padding bureaucracy at the expense of students. That’s the upshot of a new report from the nonpartisan Common…
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EDITORIAL: Give guv credit — but not too much — for his vetoes
Cheers to Gov. Jared Polis for setting a personal best — a dozen vetoes — after the 2026 legislative session. It was heartening to see him swat down some of the reckless and ridiculous legislation conjured up by his fellow Democrats in charge at the legislature. Significantly, he nixed yet another attempt by the organized-labor…
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EDITORIAL: What’s the cost of no power to Coloradans?
It long has been fashionable among the zero-emissions set to “calculate” the wide-ranging costs to society of carbon-emitting fuels. The perils posed by that carbon footprint are said to range from ill health to doomsday for all humanity. The probability of either of those scenarios, or any in between, varies from one advocacy group to…
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ENDORSEMENT: Graham, Nelson for commission; Carver, Flanell for legislature
The tide could be turning for Colorado’s long-sidelined Republican Party. On May 30, it elected a respected and smart party chair who holds the promise of uniting party ranks in common purpose. It also has a highly regarded gubernatorial contender in Barb Kirkmeyer, who can steer the party toward success — and away from the…
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ENDORSEMENT: Vote Michael Allen — for a real attorney general
For decades, the attorney general’s office was seen as a nonpartisan steward of public safety and trust. No more. In recent years, the office has become a platform for ideological campaigns and headline-chasing litigation — suing presidential administrations and wading into national political fights. Meanwhile, Coloradans have watched crime surge and wondered who’s minding the…
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ENDORSEMENT: Kirkmeyer’s credibility can carry the day in governor’s race
Even before last week’s debate featuring the Republican contenders for Colorado governor, it was clear Barb Kirkmeyer is the only GOP candidate who has the capabilities and qualifications to serve as the state’s chief exec. What’s clearer in the debate’s aftermath is that Kirkmeyer also is the only credible Republican vying for the office —…
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ENDORSEMENT: Jeff Crank keeps CD-5 on cutting edge of national defense
Most members of Congress have to tout a laundry list of good deeds for their districts as they seek reelection after their first term in office. Jeff Crank’s winning efforts speak for themselves. After only two years in Washington, the southern Colorado native and longtime Republican champion of the Springs’ local military presence already has…
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ENDORSEMENT: Jeff Hurd proves a perfect fit for CD-3
When the Gazette’s editorial board endorsed Jeff Hurd in 2024 to represent Colorado’s vast and diverse 3rd Congressional District, it was clear he was meant for the job. It’s clearer than ever now, nearly two years later, after his first term in the post. The Grand Junction native certainly has done right by his district,…
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EDITORIAL: A unifier takes the helm of Colorado’s GOP
The trajectory of either major political party in Colorado should matter to all voters, regardless of party affiliation. All have to live under whichever party is in power, so all have a stake. If either party drifts off course, all Coloradans stand to lose. If it’s the party in power, all voters suffer; if it’s…
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EDITORIAL: A boon to Colorado schoolkids
The groundbreaking new federal education tax credit that stands to change Colorado children’s lives — and that the legislature unsuccessfully tried to sabotage — could infuse $329 million a year into the education of the state’s K-12 kids. Public schools alone could receive approximately $66 million of that total in additional funding annually. Fundamentally, up…