Urging a strong ‘no’ vote on Proposition 129

The Boulder County Democratic party is urging a “no” vote in our 2024 Voter Guide for Proposition 129 — Establishing Veterinary Professional Associates.

There are corporate interests behind this proposition while many Colorado local veterinarians, including CO State Representative Karen McCormick (also a veterinarian), and other vets and associations argue that the proposition does not meet the challenges for veterinary care in our state.

Basically, this proposition contains ambiguous language about the Veterinarian Professional Associates (VPA) training program, that make it dangerous for our pets and livestock animals, proposes a very minimal training program that does not include the necessary hands-on training that vets receive. Both veterinary and certified vet tech programs receive training through standardized accredited programs, and this is not the standardized. This proposition does not solve the need for more vets across the state and does not reduce costs for pet care. This also does not allow the VPA to prescribe medication without vet supervision, which does not solve the need for more vets in both rural and urban areas.

There are legislative solutions that have been enacted and our state legislators continue to work on the need across the state.

Do some research on this. Listen to the veterinarian professionals speaking against this. Write to your state legislators to find real solutions for the animal care services needs in CO. We all want actual solutions for this problem but as a pet owner and former livestock owner, I urge you to vote “no” on this poorly crafted proposition.

— Amy Weinstein, chair, Boulder County Democratic Party

Joshua Sroge for a vibrant and thriving Louisville

As the longtime owners of Crystal Springs Brewing, with locations in the Colorado Technical Center and downtown Louisville, we’ve seen firsthand how decisions by governing bodies can hurt small businesses. We love being a part of this community and believe it is important that we have city council representatives who help and support our residents in tandem with the needs of our local business community. Small businesses are a large part of what makes Louisville such a wonderful place to live and visit.

That’s why we’re supporting Joshua Sroge for Louisville’s Ward I election. Mr. Sroge is an accomplished business and community leader who has lived in Louisville for over 20 years. He founded a financial and accounting firm and is currently the chief financial officer at the HBAR Foundation. He also spent seven years on EFAA’s board. As a longtime Louisville resident and business owner, he has the experience to be an excellent council member.

Mr. Sroge is running with a dream to create a thriving Louisville that supports all its citizens and business owners. He has a well-documented record of supporting economic development opportunities along with residential needs and desires. He is acutely aware that home and business owners strongly support efforts to make Louisville as environmentally responsible while realizing it takes time and common sense to achieve these goals.

Please vote Joshua Sroge for a vibrant and thriving Louisville.

— Tom and Kristy Horst, Boulder