2026 MCD Platform Planks
CORE VALUES : hope, opportunity, progress
Rooted in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution,
with a commitment to broad democratic participation:
“We the People” means all of us.
PLATFORM PLANKS
We focus on seven areas that shape life in Mesa County:
(each Plank in bold links to its own section below)
DEMOCRACY & GOVERNANCE PLANK
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Protect freedom of religion & separation of church and state
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Equality regardless of race, religion, sex, gender identity, or disability
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Oppose voter suppression
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Support same-day registration, mail-in voting, and drop boxes
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Support ranked-choice voting & Federal Elections Day
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Oppose Citizens United and dark money in politics
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Support immigration reform, DACA, and a pathway to citizenship
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Affirm LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit rights in public life and legal systems
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Support national defense, NATO, and aid to Ukraine
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Support expanding county commissioners from 3 to 5
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Support ballot access reforms for independent candidates
ECONOMIC PLANK
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Support livable wages and just transitions from polluting industries
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Repeal Ad Valorem tax credit for extractive industries
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Reform TABOR to better fund public needs
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Invest in broadband, multimodal transit, and infrastructure
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Promote public lands and recreation as economic drivers
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Oppose federal land transfers
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Support environmentally responsible manufacturing and tech industries
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Incentivize rural professionals with loan forgiveness
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Simplify licensing and taxes for small businesses
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Support local ag, organic farming, and “field-to-fork” programs
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Uphold workers’ rights to bargain and receive benefits
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Support fair pay and dignified retirement
ENVIRONMENTAL & CLIMATE PLANK
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Rapid transition to renewables
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Expand recycling access and ban single-use plastics
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Use recycled materials in local products and construction
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Conserve fresh water; restrict industrial overuse
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Build EV infrastructure and expand solar
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Protect public lands from extractive industries
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Maintain public comment on land use decisions
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Protect rivers & riparian ecosystems
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Support The Riverfront Project and trail connectivity
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Create Dolores River Canyonlands National Monument
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Prepare for wildfires and protect wildlife corridors
HEALTH CARE PLANK
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Health care is a right—support equity across all identities
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Include dental, vision, and gender-affirming care
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Let public healthcare negotiate drug and device prices
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Invest in mental health, behavioral health, and addiction services
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Encourage community-based and school-integrated care
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Expand mental health workforce & emergency response
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Support end-of-life dignity laws
EDUCATION PLANK
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Support inclusive, accessible public education
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Oppose private school vouchers
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Emphasize critical thinking and fact-checking
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Reject censorship of books and classroom autonomy
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Limit excessive standardized testing
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Fund green, safe schools
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Encourage multilingual education
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Support collective bargaining and teacher development
QUALITY OF LIFE PLANK
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Support small farms and local food access
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Uphold sustainable land use planning
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Promote safe, harassment-free communities
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Advocate for women’s health and rights
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Expand senior services and affordable childcare
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Tackle suicide, homelessness, trafficking, and abuse
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Expand VA services and veteran support
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Support equity programs in local governments
GUN SAFETY & JUSTICE REFORM PLANK
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Support small farms and local food access
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Uphold sustainable land use planning
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Promote safe, harassment-free communities
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Advocate for women’s health and rights
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Expand senior services and affordable childcare
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Tackle suicide, homelessness, trafficking, and abuse
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Expand VA services and veteran support
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Support equity programs in local governments