Unaffiliated candidate seeks District 59 seat

Saturday 25th of May 2013

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Unaffiliated candidate seeks District 59 seat

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McMillan will face Democrat Mike McLachlan, also of Durango, and Republican incumbent Rep. J. Paul Brown of Ignacio. In the latest redistricting process, Ouray County was added to District 59, which also includes the counties of Archuleta, La Plata, Hinsdale, San Juan and the southern half of Gunnison.
McMillan said when Democrat Patrick Swonger announced he was no longer running, McMillan decided to jump into the fray. "I'm disappointed there is not going to be a Democratic primary. Swonger acquiesced to the party by stepping down and leaving Mike McLachlan as the only Democrat running for the nomination," McMillan told the Plaindealer.
Political parties have lost touch with their communities, McMillan went on to say. "We are living in a corporatocracy, not a democracy. Voters do not feel they have access to power. Parties rely on an old cadre of baby boomers," he said.
"Americans think they have to choose sides. I decided to back away from the Democratic Party. We don't want to be beholden to a party. The parties are more interested in self-preservation," McMillan added.
Younger voters especially are feeling alienated and without access to power, McMillan believes. That is why his first campaign stops will be Fort Lewis College and Western State College, looking for signatures and running voter registration drives on the campuses.
McMillan said he will definitely visit Ouray County before June 4.
"We have to realize we are not running with the convenience of a party label," he said. "We don't have the organization they offer."
For that reason one of McMillan's positions is that elections should be more democratic and open to candidates without party affiliation, and he will propose legislation to make changes in election law. Other issues he will pursue are repealing the property tax exemption for seniors, protecting women's right to privacy and right to choice, shortening job training programs and allowing civil unions.

NEWS UPDATE

US 550 CLOSED FOR BICYCLE RACE SATURDAY, MAY 25

US 550 will be closed north of Durango tomorrow, May 25, during the annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Race. The closure will be implemented from 8 AM to 1 PM, from MP 49.15 (just north of Durango Mountain Resort) to Silverton (approx. MP 70.4). No motorized traffic will be allowed, apart from emergency vehicles.

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