Stand Your Ground!

The City Council race in Montrose is labeled a "non-partisan" race, which means that, on the ballot there will be no affiliation listed beside your name as there would be in most other elections. However, as I have said in previous articles, “you cannot unplug your values like unplugging a toaster”. Your values show up in your votes. No matter how much we want to say things are "non-partisan".. Anyone who believes that there is, is not living in reality. 

The entire "non-partisan" craze started back under the Wilson Administration in the early 1900's when the leftist wanted to hide their affiliation because they knew America was a conservative nation and that people would not accept the hard left ideology openly. It was sold as non-partisan" or "non-political" in an effort to infiltrate these boards and councils with subversive ideology while pitching the effort as "non-partisan".  When in reality there is no such thing.

Ones true core values show up through their votes, but in many cases, only after it is too late and they have entrenched themselves into the fabric of the post and control the narrative to further hide their true intentions using incrementalism to erode the very foundation of this country and install Marxist ideology.  The real danger is these actions have consequences that reach far beyond what some consider some benign board.  Policy decisions made at the local level seep up to the county, state and federal levels as they become "the norm", through acceptance at local levels all in the name of tolerance.   

Our local elections eventually determine what happens nationally. 

So, for anyone who believes, "well this is just a local election" and not important, think again!

Everything starts local and that is where we can make the most impact that determines everything else up the line. 

My Recent Experience on Nextdoor

I responded to a post on Nextdoor where someone asked;

"Why are all the candidates advertising on here with bios but not mentioning party affiliations? Are they ashamed?"

My reply was this;

“It is because it is a "non-partisan" race. However, I make no secret of who I am. I am a proud Republican. If anyone has ever read my publication, they are well aware of who I am. But your point is well taken.

That does not mean that I agree with everything Republican. It means my core values align most closely with the Republican Party. Having said that, I have written critically several times concerning former President Trump and the Republican Party as a whole. But you do not unplug your values like unplugging a toaster. The "non-partisan" label for some is a way to hide their agenda.

Unaffiliated voters typically split 48 percent Democrat and 47 percent Republican. The other 5 percent tend to vote for a third party. Those are the statistics. Everyone is entitled to their own point of view. Regardless of your affiliation, I want to have a discussion. Go to my website MJB4Montrose.com and send me a message. I would be happy to meet with you or talk with your organization. I am an open book.

I believe in traditional family values, fiscal responsibility, transparency and traditional Montrose values.

I grew up here in Montrose and graduated from Montrose High School in 1983. We need to be aware of who we are electing to lead the city and not abandon our values for the sake of believing that non-partisan is a real thing. It is not. They shape how we will govern on the school board, DMEA, fire district or City Council. We need strong values from those in leadership at every level. But it all starts local.

I am an Air Force veteran, a business owner, a writer and very involved in local politics here in Montrose. I am Michael J. Badagliacco, "MJB," and I would appreciate your support and your vote. Look for your ballot in the mail the week of March 16-23 and vote.

I support the following candidates for City Council for change:

• District 1 - Michael J. Badagliacco "MJB"

• District 2 - Ed Ulibarri

• At Large - Adam Woodden”

The individual responded, "You just lost this independent's vote." (Their post has since been deleted.)

My response was, "And why is that? I am always looking to have discussions with everyone regardless of party. Dialogue is the key, not party affiliation. I have great discussions where I learn a lot. It does not mean I have compromised my values, just as you should not sacrifice yours. But we need to have the discussions."

Then there was silence, crickets!.

At the time of this writing, I have yet to hear from the individual to have a phone call or a meet and greet to discuss their concerns about my positions on policy. This is unfortunate as I am always willing to talk to anyone regardless of their party or non-party affiliation.

The Importance of Open Discussion

I have always believed in robust discussion on policy. I believe that is the only way we learn, and I have definitely learned much through such discussions. That practice has been lost over the last 15 years or so. We have become deaf to other people's points of view and have regressed. We need to look at every angle, as no party has all the answers.

Having said that, my position as a Republican is that the core values of the party are where I align. That does not mean the Republican Party has all the answers. That is why we must keep the lines of communication open. It is dangerous for us as a Republic to shut discussions down and discount the other side's point of view simply because it comes from the other side or even a third party.

But, if you show me how you vote and I will tell you your true affiliation, regardless of your registration.  It is not your affiliation that tells your values, it is your vote.

In a Republic it is the Citizens responsibility to;

1. Be educated on the issues.

2. Be educated on the candidate positions on the issues and thier

3. Discuss the issues with others – In a Republic, politics should not be a taboo subject. 

4. VOTE!  Participation and information are critical to a thriving Republic, your voice is essential.

Just one man’s humble opinion.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”

Michael is a father of 5, grandfather of 3, USAF Veteran, recording artist, entrepreneur, Editor of USA Liberty Report, passionate about Freedom, Liberty, the founders’ genius of the Constitution and current Candidate for Montrose City Council.