KVNF Regional Newscast

CD 3, CD4, some state and local ballot measures remain undecided

Ballots from Tuesday’s election are still being counted across the state. Yesterday, we brought you the latest on several races and ballot measures across the KVNF listening area that were still too close to call. And as of 7:30 this morning, some of those contests remain undecided, as election officials continue counting the remaining votes.

Republican Jeff Hurd is maintaining his lead against Democrat Dwayne Romero to maintain his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hurd is now about 6,000 votes ahead, with 97% of the vote counted. Some outlets have started to call the race in Hurd’s favor, but that call isn’t universal yet.

Across the state in District 4, Democrat Eileen Laubacher continues to hold a small lead over incumbent Republican Lauren Boebert. Boebert is about 3,000 votes behind. The margin is slim, but not slim enough to trigger an automatic recount as it currently stands.

Turning to ballot measures, state proposition 134 has officially passed. It requires student athletes to participate on teams that match their sex assigned at birth, and requires schools, colleges and athletic associations to designate sports teams as male, female or coeducational. Proposition 135, which would ban gender affirming surgeries for minors, also seems set to pass. Those two measures, along with the newly-passed increased fentanyl penalties, have raised questions about implementation.

CBS News spoke with University of Colorado Law professor Scott Skinner-Thompson about the measures targeting transgender kids. He said since these measures change Colorado statutes, rather than the constitution, state lawmakers can later revise or repeal them. Given Colorado’s liberal state legislature, it’s unlikely that the sports ban will be become a strictly-written law.

Montrose County gives update on ballot count

Montrose County is continuing to process ballots from Tuesday night’s election. As of 1 p.m. yesterday, the county said it had scanned over 21,000 ballots.

Some of those scanned ballots are awaiting adjudication.

The adjudication process is detailed and secure, to make sure every ballot remains anonymous and is counted correctly. This means getting updates in the system can take a while, as election judges complete adjudication by hand in batches of 50.

The county also says that the complexity of the 2026 General election ballot caused many voters to change their mind on how they wished to vote for a candidate or measure. When voters change their mind and mark through their initial vote then fill in the oval for their choice, the system cannot determine how a voter intended to vote in that particular contest, but sends these ballots to adjudication as an overvote. At that point, a bipartisan team of election judges reviews the voter’s marks for that contest and must agree on the voter’s intent.

Montrose ballots are also making their way in from other parts of the state. Voters who are traveling or temporarily away from their county of residence can drop off their ballots at any other Colorado county office.

There are also 198 ballots that contain some type of issue that voters can correct through the “curing” process. Curing allows voters to address a missing or mismatched signature on the ballot envelope or to provide required identification. Voters have until the end of next Thursday to make corrections. If a voter with a signature mismatch does not resolve it by the deadline or tells the clerk’s office they did not cast the ballot, the clerk’s office sends the signature records to the district attorney for investigation. Check to see if your ballot was counted through the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.

After the November 12 deadlines, election officials will conduct an audit, and will then certify the election the week of Thanksgiving.

Moab 240 cancelled mid-race

Heavy rain in southeast Utah last month led to the cancellation of one of the toughest ultra marathons in the world: The Moab 240.

The 240-mile course winds through southeast Utah, including Bears Ears and the La Sals.

Runners have just under five days to finish, often sleeping only a few hours along the way.

For many, simply crossing the finish line is the goal.

But this year, about a day and a half into the race, the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel brought dangerous winds and flash flooding to the region.

And, for the first time in the race’s history, organizers called it off.

For Rocky Mountain Community Radio, KZMU’s Margaret Osborne tells the story of the canceled race through the experiences of three Moab runners.

CD 3, CD4, some state and local ballot measures remain undecided

Polls closed across Colorado at 7 p.m. Tuesday, but counting every ballot takes time. Yesterday evening, we brought you the latest on several races and ballot measures across the KVNF listening area that were still too close to call. And as of 7:30 this morning, some of those contests remain undecided, as election officials continue counting the remaining votes.

Republican Jeff Hurd has slightly widened his lead against Democrat Dwayne Romero to maintain his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, but only by a few thousand votes. That race is still too close to call.

Across the state in District 4, Democrat Eileen Laubacher has lost her edge by a little bit, with a smaller margin separating her from incumbent Republican Lauren Boebert.

State propositions 134 and 135, which target transgender inclusion in sports and gender-affirming surgeries for minors, are both still too close to call. But for both propositions, the yes vote is leading by over 5%.

Amendments 85, 86, and 87, and propositions 132, 136, and 137 have also not been called yet.

And in the City of Montrose, the charter amendment that would move elections from November to April is gaining speed. The current balance is about 51% yes, 49% no– but it hasn’t been called yet. The amendments that would require council approval to hire and fire the police chief and city clerk haven’t been called yet, but both are leaning no.

If you want to check that your ballot was counted, head to the Colorado Secretary of State website. Some mistakes leading to ballot rejection , can be corrected through the curing process. The deadline is 11:59pm on Thursday, November 12th.

Cindee Williams appointed to vacant Montrose City Council seat

On Monday, the Montrose City Council unanimously appointed Cindee Williams to the vacant At Large seat. Councilmember J. David Reed made a lengthy statement about how members of city council are working towards a more unified, collaborative governing process.

He told attendees, “we have a community to run, and we cannot run it when we are at each other's throats”

He later said it was important that the new councilor align with that goal, and felt that Williams was a good fit.

Williams was immediately sworn in by City Clerk Lisa DelPiccolo.

Body found on floor of Black Canyon of the Gunnison

In more somber news out of Montrose, the Sheriff’s Office has announced that a body found last week on the floor of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison has been identified as a 57-year-old John N. Countryman of Denver.

Last Tuesday, Montrose County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle parked along the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

The Montrose County Sheriff's Office Drone Team assisted in searching the canyon for a possible missing person associated with the abandoned vehicle. Due to diminishing daylight, the initial drone search was unsuccessful.

The following morning, a drone confirmed the presence of human remains on the canyon floor.

On Friday, the body was recovered from the canyon and transferred to the custody of the Montrose County Coroner's Office. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the Montrose County Coroner's Office.

A new show on motherhood

This Saturday night in Paonia, artist Rose Costello takes the stage with a new show about what it's really like to become a mother. KVNF's Brody Wilson has the story.

(La Plata County Public Health)Midterm election 2026

Today is Election Day! Voters across the KVNF listening area are deciding a number of consequential local, state, and federal races and important ballot measures – and your vote could help shape the future of your community.

If you haven't registered to vote yet, it's not too late. Colorado allows same-day voter registration, so you can still register and cast your ballot in person at a voter service and polling center in your county.

And if you need any last-minute information about what's on your ballot, where to vote, or how to make sure your ballot gets counted, head to KVNF.org/VOTE.

KVNF's news team will be back tomorrow morning at 8 to break down the results, discuss what they mean for our communities, and bring you the latest from across the region.

Colorado wineries turn to yoga and concerts amid sales slump

Colorado’s wine industry is facing a slump in sales, leaving some Western Slope grape growers without buyers and prompting wineries to rethink their business models.

The Colorado Sun reports that wine sales in Colorado have fallen 19 percent since 2020. Last year, growers in the Grand Valley’s wine region had no buyers for about a third of their grapes.

Some wineries are cutting production, pulling out vineyards or even skipping winemaking altogether this year.

The downturn reflects a broader national and global trend, as younger generations embrace other drinks and longtime wine consumers cut back.

But Western Slope wineries are finding ways to adapt. Many are adding concerts, yoga classes and other events to bring visitors into their tasting rooms. Industry groups are also working to promote Colorado wines and connect growers with buyers.

And despite the sales slump, the quality of Colorado wine is improving. At this year's Governor’s Cup competition, 10 of the 12 top-rated wines were made with Grand Valley grapes.

Industry leaders say the current challenges are serious, but not necessarily permanent. Some growers are using the slowdown to replace older vineyards with better grape varieties, preparing for a potential rebound in the coming years.

That’s according to reporting by the Colorado Sun.

Delta County Economic Update

Delta County is experiencing a noticeable shift in the labor force as unemployment levels have risen above the state and the nation. Additionally, affordability in the housing market remains a challenge for potential buyers. For KVNF News Lisa Young has the details.

Colorado turns to the federal government after flooding

Colorado has asked President Trump to declare an emergency disaster for flooding in the southwest corner of the state last week. Such a declaration would help unlock federal funding for recovery efforts. For our Mountain West News Bureau, Adam Burke of KSUT public radio spoke with Governor Jared Polis.

The San Miguel River runs muddy and fast near Placerville during a rainstorm in 2023. On Sunday, provisional USGS data show the river's flow near Placerville more than tripled.(Bigfoot allgame/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0))"Particularly dangerous" flooding hits southwest Colorado for the second time in just over a week

For the second time in just over a week, heavy rain flooded parts of southwest Colorado on Sunday, the Durango Herald reported. The National Weather Service in Grand Junction called it "a particularly dangerous situation" in a flood warning that, as of Sunday night, was set to run until 4:15 p.m. Monday. La Plata County's sheriff temporarily closed all county roads Sunday afternoon, and by evening areas around Durango, Ignacio and Bayfield were under evacuation orders. Closer to home, provisional U.S. Geological Survey data show the San Miguel River's flow near Placerville more than tripled on Sunday. The state says anyone who needs shelter can call 2-1-1.

In a piece recorded Friday, before the latest storm, Rocky Mountain Community Radio's Caroline Llanes reported on a second straight year of flooding in the Four Corners. "We went from flood to punishing drought back to flood," said state climatologist Russ Schumacher.

Montrose County moves to oppose Parks and Wildlife petitions on prairie dogs and lead ammunition

Montrose County commissioners are moving to oppose two citizen petitions before Colorado Parks and Wildlife, one to end recreational prairie dog hunting on public lands and one to ban lead hunting ammunition statewide. At an Oct. 26 work session, Commissioner Sean Pond asked the board to oppose both before the state wildlife commission meets Nov. 4–5 in Fort Morgan. The commission takes up the prairie dog proposal Wednesday as a first step, and a CPW issue paper says the change wouldn't affect private land. The lead petition isn't on this week's agenda. The county scheduled resolutions opposing both for an Oct. 28 special meeting in Olathe. As of Monday morning, minutes from that meeting hadn't been posted.

Montrose and Ouray counties work to settle a line that's been unclear for more than a century

Montrose and Ouray counties are working to settle exactly where the line between them runs. Officials in both counties say it's been unclear for more than a century, and the fix needs a change in state law. At an Oct. 26 work session, Montrose County staff said six or seven properties with homes would move into Montrose County, where property taxes are higher. "Some people are not going to like this, right? Because their taxes are going to go up doing this," said Montrose County Assessor Brad Hughes. At an Oct. 28 work session, Ouray County's attorney put the home count at about six structures.

Delta Health makes interim CEO Nicholas Colleran permanent

The Delta Health Board of Directors has named Nicholas Colleran chief executive officer, according to a Delta Health release published Oct. 29 by the Delta County Independent. Colleran has been interim CEO since March and joined Delta Health as chief operating officer in December 2024.

Election Day is Tuesday: drop off your ballot, don't mail it

Ballots must be received by your county clerk by 7 p.m. Tuesday, and county clerks say postmarks don't count, so drop yours off at a drop box or a voter service center. KVNF's 2026 election guide has more.

After clashing on the dais, Montrose's mayor and a councilmember look for common ground

The Montrose City Council is scheduled to appoint someone to its open at-large seat at 6 p.m. Monday, choosing from three finalists: John Brown, Danielle Godt and Cindee Williams. How the council got here goes back to a statement two of its members put out in September. In June, Mayor Michael Badagliacco and Councilmember J. David Reed were talking over each other at a council work session. On Sept. 8, they released a joint statement called "Common Ground." KVNF's Brody Wilson sat down with both of them to talk about what changed.

Delta County School District 50J (Lisa Young / KVNF)Bodies of two experienced hikers found after pair went missing on hiking trip

The bodies of two young men reported missing in Chaffee County have been found, five days after the pair left Leadville for a hiking trip. Kaden Matsuda, 19, of Ridgway, was found near the body of his friend, Jackson Donlon, 20, of New York. They were camping near Huron Peak when they were caught in a snowstorm. Officials searched for three days, and found the bodies in a basin of West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County. Foul play is not suspected, and the Sheriff’s Office has said that they will not offer theories as to what happened until an autopsy is completed.

2026's particularly bad wildfire season

Record-low snowpacks and record-shattering Spring heat had the West on edge heading into fire season. What followed was indeed dramatic – and often tragic. Our Mountain West News Bureau’s Murphy Woodhouse reports on the summer’s high toll.

Delta County School Board passed a ban on transgender students participating on sports teams aligned with their gender identity

We break down what this policy really means.

(h8v7m3qg)Body of missing Montrose man recovered in Gunnison

The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office has reported that the body of 75-year-old Don Yoshihara of Montrose was recovered from Blue Mesa Reservoir on Tuesday. The Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a vehicle that had been parked for several days near the Dillon Pinnacles area of Blue Mesa Reservoir that matched the description of a vehicle associated with Yoshihara.

The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office says it appreciates the efforts of Western State Search and Rescue, National Park Service and all personnel involved in the multi-day search and recovery operation.

Colorado Department of Transportation requests millions in federal emergency relief funding to repair highways damaged by last week's flooding in Southwest Colorado

CDOT estimates the storms caused 65 million dollars in damage to roads and is requesting an immediate release of 6.5 million dollars to begin repairs.

The state has already approved another 5 million dollars in emergency funding.

Heavy rainfall between October 22nd and 25th caused widespread flooding, road closures and significant structural damage.

On Red Mountain Pass, Highway 550 is open to alternating one-lane traffic as crews stabilize a washed-out embankment.

Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass has reopened, despite damage to a retaining wall and portions of the roadway.

And Highway 151 remains washed out in two locations, with CDOT planning a temporary access road for residents and emergency responders.

CDOT says the 65-million-dollar damage estimate is preliminary, and additional funding requests could follow as inspections continue.

Drivers can check current road conditions at COtrip.org.

Ouray County faces weighs cost of road repairs amid budget crisis

And down in Ouray, the county is also focused on the cost of repairs from the recent floods. Emergency Manager Glenn Boyd presented commissioners with difficult decisions regarding extensive repairs needed amid the county’s budget crisis

Staff stressed that with budgets "extremely tight,"the board will need to make hard decisions about which repairs to fund, and will likely "stockpile" reimbursement funds to cover future match obligations.

The meeting did get slightly testy during a discussion about pausing maintenance on County Road 12 beyond Cow Creek. Commissioner Padgett expressed her concern at a previous statement made by Commissioner Neese about vacating the road, which he flatly denied. The two agree that the county needs to maintain access to public lands.

The county must submit a list of all possible projects by mid-November.

League of Women Voters hosts presentations about state ballot measures

There are a record number of statewide measures on the ballot in Colorado in this year's midterm elections.

For voters, it’s a lot to digest — and decide on.

The League of Women Voters recently held a nonpartisan presentation about this year’s statewide ballot measures in Carbondale.

As Aspen Public Radio's Sarah Tory reports for Rocky Mountain Community Radio, the organizers hoped it would give voters the information they need to make up their minds before the election.

The Paradise Theater is bringing Rocky Horror to the town of Paonia this weekend. KVNF's Brody Wilson has more

Miss Shirley reading at book at the drag queen story time in Gunnison.
(Laura Palmisano)6000 Road in Montrose County closed indefinitely due to flooding

Public Works Director Brandon Wallace explained the damage at Monday’s county commission work session, as well as the magnitude of rain the area has received, and what it means for the future.

Wallace also addressed significant flooding in parts of Montrose’s West End, and said that crews are working on evaluating the damage.

Colorado farmers and ranchers looking to hire extra help next year could qualify for up to five thousand dollars in state funding

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its Agricultural Workforce Development Program, which reimburses agricultural businesses for up to half the cost of hiring an intern.

The funding can help cover wages, workers’ compensation insurance and other expenses.

The program is designed to help farmers and ranchers manage labor costs while giving the next generation of agricultural workers hands-on experience.

Businesses can apply for funding for up to three interns.

Applications are due Monday, November second, at five p.m.

For more information or to apply, visit ag.colorado.cov/awdp

Tina Peters' travel raises questions about parole

Recent stories about former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ travel outside of the state to discuss plans to challenge the midterm elections prompted Bente Birkeland with the Colorado Capitol News Alliance to ask if she has been following the rules of her parole.

The list of states authorizing the storage of carbon dioxide thousands of feet underground is growing

For our Mountain West News Bureau, Jinny Kim has more on new plans in Colorado (joining Wyoming and Arizona in our region

Miss Shirley brings story hour to Gunnison

Story time is a beloved experience for many young children. Libraries, schools, and other groups organize these events to promote early literacy with books being read aloud, songs, games, and other interactive activities. Once a year for the past five years, in the rural community of Gunnison a special story time is held on the campus of Western Colorado University. For KVNF, Laura Palmisano has more

Grand Entry at the Annual Traditional Uncompahgre Pow Wow(Brody Wilson)Montrose County focused on next year's budget

Montrose County Commissioners are spending the rest of this month on next year’s budget. KVNF’s Brody Wilson brings us the story.

Montrose Police Department searching for missing man

The Montrose Police Department is seeking assistance in locating Don Yoshihara, a missing, at-risk person. Yoshihara was least seen driving a gray GMC Sierra with Colorado plates on Friday, October 23rd, in the early hours of the morning on US-50 at South Hillcrest Drive. You can view more information here.

Inside the 2026 Uncompahgre Powwow

Native Americans from around the country came to celebrates their culture and heritage at the Montrose Event Center last weekend.

A rtist Kelly Moody at the Mountain Harvest Festival standing in front of hides tanned.(Laura Palmisano / KVNF)Delta County School Board bans transgender students from participating in sports that align with their gender identity

Last week, the Delta County School Board voted unanimously to adopt a policy restricting transgender students from participating in school sports that align with their gender identity.

Board members emphasized that they believe the policy ensures privacy for students in locker rooms and fairness in sports.

All public comment was focused on the policy. Some residents urged the board to adopt the policy, while others argued that the policy unfairly targets a minority group.

It’s not immediately clear if the move was instigated by a particular incident, or if Delta is the latest school district taking a stance on one of the most significant culture war issues this year.

Stay tuned this week for more information on the context of the policy, and its potential consequences.

The West End Basin Clinic’s future depends on the outcome of a ballot question on this year’s election. KVNF’s Brody Wilson brings us the story.

Montrose pastor arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse

A prominent Montrose pastor has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a child over the course of more than a year.

The *Montrose Daily Press* reports that 72-year-old Benjamin Garate, founder and former senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Montrose, was arrested October 21st following allegations of repeated sexual abuse between 2020 and 2021.

According to an arrest affidavit, the alleged victim told police that Garate abused her at his home and in his vehicle when she was in her early adolescence.

Investigators say Garate voluntarily spoke with police and admitted to some of the alleged conduct, but denied other accusations.

Calvary Chapel Montrose released a statement condemning sexual abuse and announcing that Garate had been removed from all pastoral and leadership responsibilities. The church says it is cooperating with law enforcement.

During a court hearing Friday, prosecutors argued that Garate poses a public safety risk, while his defense attorney requested his release without bail, citing his lack of criminal history and strong community ties.

Montrose County Judge Ryan Hess expressed what he called "grave concerns" about public safety and potential witness retaliation.

Hess set Garate's bond at 100-thousand dollars cash-only, with GPS monitoring required if he is released.

Garate's next court appearance is scheduled for November 5th.

Montrose police say their investigation is ongoing as detectives work to determine whether there are additional victims or witnesses.

Taking farmland out of production can impact wildfire mitigation

New research finds that farmland can help slow wildfires. And taking that land out of production to save water could come with an unexpected risk. Our Mountain West News Bureau's Kaleb Roedel reports.

Flower dyeing at the Mountain Harvest Festival

As part of the 25th annual Mountain Harvest Festival celebration last month in Paonia, several artists demoed their process. For KVNF, Laura Palmisano brings us an interview with North Fork Valley artist Kelly Moody, who showcased how to dye with locally sourced plants.

Montrose residents will soon vote on four proposed charter amendments, and advertisements both for and against the measures have cropped up across the city. (Audrey McCabe / KVNF)North Fork Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards

Voting is open through 11:59pm tonight , Friday, October 23rd, in the North Fork Valley Chamber of Commerce's newly expanded annual awards, and you don't have to be a chamber member to cast a ballot.

Paonia residents could soon have free curbside recycling

KVNFs Brody Wilson brings us the story.

The case for proposed Montrose City Charter amendments

Two Montrose residents spoke to KVNF about their support of four proposed city charter amendments that will appear on the November ballot, arguing the changes would increase voter participation, create opportunities for new leadership and strengthen accountability in city government.

Lacy and Celia, two politically engaged locals, support proposals to move city elections from April to November, establish lifetime term limits for city council members and require City Council approval to hire or fire the police chief and city clerk.

The proposals have drawn opposition from members of the Charter Issues Committee, who argue the changes could make local elections more partisan and politicize key city positions.

Moving local elections to November

The first amendment would move Montrose's municipal elections from April to November. Supporters say the change could increase voter turnout and give local races more visibility.

Celia said November elections would be easier for voters to remember, particularly because many people already expect to vote during the general election.

“I feel like in April things get lost,” she said. “For me, I know that November is voting time.”

Celia added that April elections can be easy to overlook during tax season and require voters to research local races at a separate time from state and federal contests.

Lacy said that, despite her political engagement, she did not realize Montrose held city elections in April until a few election cycles ago.

“I didn't realize that there was a city election until, you know, just a couple of cycles ago,” she said. “And so how many times, as Celia had said, did mine go into, you know, the recycle bin?”

Opponents of the change argue that city candidates could receive less attention if their races appear on ballots alongside state and federal contests.

Another concern is that November elections could make city council races more partisan. But Mayor Michael Badagliacco confirmed that council candidates would continue to appear on the ballot without party affiliations if the election date changes.

Another concern is that November elections could make city council races more partisan. But Mayor Michael Badagliacco confirmed that council candidates would continue to appear on the ballot without party affiliations if local elections are held in November.

Celia said she believes concerns about partisanship are overstated. While a candidate's political leanings may influence voters, she said, elected officials still have a responsibility to govern in a nonpartisan manner.

Lifetime term limits for council members

The second charter amendment would establish lifetime term limits for city council members.

Lacy supports the proposal, arguing that term limits could reduce the risk of corruption and create opportunities for new leaders to serve.

She questioned whether the value of experience should outweigh the benefits of bringing new people into local government. “Who determines if they serve well and how do you gain experience without allowing for people to step in?” she said.

Celia also supports term limits. Under the current policy, former council members can return to office after taking a break. Members of the Charter Issues Committee believe this rule is beneficial by allowing experienced candidates to return to leadership. But Celia thinks there are plenty of potential new leaders in Montrose, and says the proposed change could create more opportunities for them.

“There are a ton of people who really care about our community who would absolutely be willing to step up and try to help us or to be our next voice, our next representative,” she said.

The two residents acknowledged that experience can be valuable, particularly as the city grows. But they argued that allowing former council members to return to office can make it harder for new perspectives to gain traction.

Lacy said term limits could help voters bring about change when they believe their elected officials are no longer serving the community well.

Council oversight of the hiring and firing of police chief and city clerk

The third and fourth amendments would require City Council approval to hire or fire the police chief and city clerk. Those decisions are currently made by the city manager.

Members of the Charter Issues Committee have argued that the changes could politicize the positions by effectively turning them into political appointments.

Lacy disagrees, saying council approval would add oversight to decisions made by a city manager who is not directly elected by voters.

“The city manager is not an elected person. The city manager is an employee,” she said. “Having one employee make massive decisions for a community without any oversight or accountability is huge.”

Lacy said council involvement could help protect city employees from arbitrary decisions or personal disputes with a future city manager. She also argued that oversight could help ensure hiring decisions are made in the public interest, rather than based on personal relationships.

Celia agreed that requiring council approval could provide additional protection for the police chief and city clerk.

She said the change could help employees feel more secure in their positions and ensure decisions are made collectively.

Lacy and Celia stress that their support for the amendments is not intended as criticism of Montrose's current police chief or city clerk. Instead, they say, the proposals are meant to guard against potential problems in the future.

Residents see opposition to amendments as politically charged

Both residents suggested that political disagreements may be driving some of the opposition to the amendments.

Celia described the proposals as relatively small changes and said she believes voters who disagree with the direction of city government should use elections to make their voices heard.

“I absolutely believe that it's politically pushed, that they just don't like the people that the majority of the people voted for,” she said.

Her message to voters who oppose the current direction of city government was simple: “You have a voice, and if you don't like the way that things are going, then you can go vote and you can tell your friends and educate them and just show up.”

Ultimately, Lacy and Celia said they believe the four amendments would give residents a greater say in local government, encourage new leadership and strengthen accountability for key city officials.

Montrose voters will decide whether to adopt the proposed changes in November.

For more on the opposing perspective, listen to KVNF's recent newscast featuring members of the Charter Issues Committee or visit the Stories section at KVNF.org. Mayor Badagliacco and Councilmember J. David Reed also discussed the amendments on the WKRP podcast, available through the WKRP YouTube channel and wkrpmontrose.com.