Dear Editor,

Confusion and distress in American society has arisen from a combination of disinformation, distraction, and exaggeration. We need political candidates who are compassionate, civil, empathetic, have common sense, are highly competent, and prepared to compromise.

Janice Marchman for SD15 has these qualities, and more. As a Loveland teacher and former Thompson School Board member, she lives the middle-class values of her community and personally understands the importance of affordable childcare, housing and healthcare.

The environmental crises we face (heatwaves, pollution, fires, floods, decreasing fresh water, etc.) are all important to Janice. But her opponent, Senator Woodward, voted against emergency air pollution notifications, oversight of fracking/drilling chemicals, and public protections against oil & gas leaks.

Janice understands that prohibiting abortion is a violation of women’s fundamental rights and sets a precedent for more personal freedoms being stripped away. We need strong advocates for reproductive rights, like Janice, in the State Senate. Unfortunately, given her opponent’s attitude towards women’s rights, it is no surprise that he also voted against equal pay for women.

Janice Marchman is clearly the best candidate for Senate District 15. She represents the values that the people of Boulder County stand for and ask of our elected officials.

Jacqueline Arnold

Boulder