An opportunity for change

I’ve had the honor of meeting thousands of Coloradans over the years – first during my time campaigning for and serving two terms as Colorado State Treasurer – and then during my time campaigning as the Republican nominee for Governor in 2018.

There is a common theme that underlies almost every conversation I have with everyday Coloradans and it is that they feel disconnected from their political parties and their candidates, and many express that they do not feel that their voices are being heard. This is a direct result of our two party system being badly broken and producing more extreme and out-of-touch candidates on both sides of the political aisle.

Proposition 131 presents a crucial opportunity for change. By introducing an open, all-candidate primary, it will allow voters to support any candidate they choose, regardless of party affiliation. This change will not only enhance voter engagement, but will also encourage candidates from both sides of the political aisle to connect with a broader range of constituents.

Elections belong to the people of Colorado, not to political parties. It’s time to break down the barriers that stifle our voices and limit our choices. This is why I hope you’ll join me in voting YES on Proposition 131.

Walker Stapleton

Denver

A veteran’s perspective

As an Air Force veteran and former DoD firefighter, and current member of the Thornton City Council, I’m committed to supporting my fellow veterans and serving our community. I know firsthand the challenges veterans face when it comes to mental health and access to essential services, and that’s why I’m urging Colorado voters to support Prop KK—a critical measure on the ballot this November. Prop KK proposes a modest excise tax on gun manufacturers and retailers to fund crucial mental health resources for veterans, at-risk youth, and victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes. It gives Coloradans the opportunity to take action on both a continuing epidemic of gun violence and a mental health crisis in our state.

In the military I saw first-hand the damage caused by weapons of war, and how the battlefield has followed many veterans home. In the military, guns are tools used for the job of suppressing or killing the enemy. Unfortunately, as well, I have seen too often that off the battlefield, guns are also the tool of choice for my fellow veterans’ suicide attempts.

Gun suicide steals the lives of 13 veterans every day. The veteran suicide rate in our state is also significantly higher than the national average. Individuals exposed to trauma, including military veterans and at-risk youth, need support accessing mental health care. Firearm suicide is a silent crisis, making up an overwhelming 71% of all firearm deaths in Colorado.

Our state ranks 13th in gun suicides nationwide, with one person tragically lost every 13 hours. These numbers underscore a tragic epidemic affecting veterans at a disproportionate rate. We know that, while military service instills resilience and camaraderie, it also leaves many of us carrying invisible scars from trauma. Those scars, left unaddressed, can lead to crises where access to a firearm becomes deadly.

Thus, it may not be surprising that veterans are nearly three times more likely to die by gun suicide than non-veterans, and 72% of all veteran suicides are by gun, compared to about half for the general population.

In fact, when a gun is used in a suicide attempt, the person dies more than 90% of the time. Compare that to 4% for all other means, combined. Research shows that the vast majority of those who survive a suicide attempt do not go on to die by suicide later on – disproving the myth that if one means for suicide is unavailable or restricted, a suicidal individual will find an alternative means. The harsh reality is that when a gun is involved, people struggling with suicidal ideation are rarely given a second chance.

Prop KK addresses the stark reality of veteran suicide by earmarking $5 million specifically for veterans’ mental health services. This dedicated funding would support the very programs that keep veterans connected to critical mental health resources, crisis intervention, and counseling. For veterans, Prop KK is about more than statistics; it’s about giving us a fighting chance.

Mental health struggles are not isolated to veterans — they also affect our youth and victims of trauma. Our state is grappling with a mental health crisis that touches people across all age groups, and it is our responsibility to provide resources that foster a safer, more supportive environment. Through the projected $39 million generated by Prop KK, we can expand our safety net to protect those at risk of self-harm, including youth, whose access to mental health care is equally urgent. In Colorado, suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people. This measure will fund programs for school safety and gun violence prevention, tackling the issue of firearm suicide across demographics and age groups.

Importantly, Prop KK recognizes that addressing firearm suicide requires more than just mental health funding. Effective prevention hinges on policies that both provide resources and restrict access to firearms for those in crisis. This approach balances the rights of gun owners with the urgent need for mental health interventions—something gun owners believe and those who are trained in firearm use, as well as myself who has seen the devastation of firearm misuse.

Our state has the opportunity to take real action by voting for Prop KK and directing funds to help veterans and others in crisis. As a veteran and public servant, I am asking you to stand with us. A “Yes” on Prop KK is a vote to save lives, promote mental health, and take meaningful steps to prevent firearm suicides across Colorado.

Chris Russell

Thornton