Single-Issue Voter?

Over the course of my campaign for Montrose City Council and in many conversations before that, I have spoken with numerous residents. It stands out how many describe themselves, some even unwhitingly, as single-issue voters. They confessed that if their top concern does not dominate the race, they choose not to vote at all.

In a Constitutional Republic, this limits our strength and dilutes our ability to create real change. A Constitutional Republic’s viability  depends on electing leaders and other representatives who reflect our core values. Focusing on only one issue weakens our voice and our ability to defend those values.

Allowing one issue to limit your support does the same.

This has never mattered more than right now in Montrose, across Colorado, and our country. The values many of us grew up with face real pressure. Actions from Denver often override Constitutional rights, and we see the same pattern at the county level and right here in our city.

If we skip elections, we surrender our voice. Active civic participation keeps our Republic strong. It lets everyday concerns shape decisions. Participating in your Party’s Caucus is also incredibly important as it determines who will be on the Party Primary Ballot for County and State races.

Look at freedoms we once took for granted. Growing up in Montrose, I never expected constant vehicle surveillance here. Yet the Flock Safety system runs through the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, with our Montrose Police Department granted full access. These cameras read license plates and record vehicle details to aid investigations. While useful for solving crimes, the cost to privacy and personal autonomy is high. Data stays for 30 days, but the tracking of public movements raises serious questions.  See the official details at the Mesa County Flock Transparency Portal. Recent local news highlights growing privacy concerns.

Last year, the Colorado legislature’s SB25-003 completely gutted the Second Amendment rights of Coloradans to keep and bear arms, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Those whom we elect, not just the issues we vote on, determine the direction our local communities, state, and nation take. We cannot simply leave it to everyone else; our form of government requires participation and, more importantly, knowledge of both the candidates and the issues alike.

Taxes hit hard too. The City of Montrose carries one of the higher combined sales tax rates in rural Colorado at 8.53% and higher if you go out to eat (9.33%) of want to stay in a hotel (14.53%). Officials approved spending for years on pet and unnecessary projects while our aging infrastructure went unaddressed, including the wastewater treatment plant built in 1984. Only now are they addressing the need. They chose to fund it through rate increases and Certificates of Participation rather than thoughtful planning years in advance and setting aside capital.

This leads to more unnecessary debt and fee increases rather than straight pay-as-you-go solutions. Recent lodging tax hikes aim to cover tourism impacts on streets and housing, yet they still pull more from your pocket. Check city tax info here.

Every government expense comes from taxpayer dollars, your pocket. Unnecessary vanity, pet, and liberty-stealing projects like alleyway murals and fish statues at tens of thousands of your dollars add to what we pay and reduce what our families keep for groceries, activities, and a better future.

Do not limit your vote to one issue. Participate fully to protect our freedoms, control our spending, and preserve the Montrose way of life we cherish. Your complete engagement strengthens the Republic as a whole and, most importantly, right here in Montrose.

Join me at MJB4Montrose.com to understand where I stand on the issues. Vote on April 7 for Michael J. Badagliacco, “MJB”, and let’s ensure that Montrose values are preserved while as much money as possible stays in your pocket rather than going to City Hall.

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.