Brad Blake has done a commendable job of hiding his extremist stance. He was one of the founding members of the local tea party and a signatory on the 501(c)3 application. At the time he said, “The government has stepped on our throats down here.” Really? I think local government here works well for the benefit of us all.

Before the campaign got in to full swing, his Facebook page was full of anti-government rants like “the role of a patriot is to protect the citizens from its government” and praise for Cliven Bundy’s armed standoff with federal agents. He’s said Agenda 21 “is real,” meaning it’s a UN conspiracy to take over control of counties through such absurd things as comprehensive planning and bike paths. Really? I think long-term planning is a good idea for us. He has publicly said he would fight against Colorado Department of Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Really? I think state money for our roads and federal money to clean up abandoned mines is a good thing. Really.

Blake is an extremist who is very convincing at sounding moderate. Fortunately, we have a choice. Cynthia Roebuck is a low-key, soft-spoken professional with years of experience in land use planning. She is highly experienced and in no way an extremist. Don’t put a right-wing, government-hating extremist in county government. Vote for Cynthia Roebuck.

Laura Godfrey

Durango