More than any other time elections cause hardworking Taxpayer and Voter's considerable confusion and concern regarding our political systems, government organizations and elected officials.

Our options seem the "lesser of two evils" or more appropriate "the evil of two lessers." The political system seems to benefit a select few at the expense of the majority. Our government organizations are inwardly focuses and more concerned with impression management that making a positive difference.

Despite the constant message of our upcoming presidential election, our local governments and politicians are making their own headlines that create the same confusion and concern.

Jefferson County takes an easy first place when it comes to establishing a reputation of stench. Here is their flattering resume:

"...political malfeasance, official wrongdoings or breaches of moral conduct..."

"The myriad scandals and court cases and investigations within the inner workings of Jefferson County government really paint a picture of a government in dysfunction,"

"People in Jefferson County, if they aren't already, should be very wary of trusting their local government without keeping a close eye."

"...inexplicable behavior and, yes, scandals, stemming from a government tasked with representing more than half a million people. "

"...a joke gone horribly wrong."

"Anyone familiar with Jefferson County government politics knows that it's like the Wild West over there - there are no laws, and no rules, and most people elected to office just do whatever the hell they want,"

"Congratulations, Jefferson County. Your county commissioners have once again made Jeffco look like a backwater. "

"...grand jury investigation of a sitting county commissioner; a criminal investigation into thousands of missing documents from the county attorney's office; missing pieces of technology from the county building; suspect closed-door meetings; the indictment of a former county treasurer; and, most recently, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation inquiry into two officials who used public funds to pay for a private spy."

"...fear of retribution..."

"...culture" of doing things behind closed doors..."

"...really disgusting display of juvenile behavior."

...indicted Jan. 29 by a grand jury on felony charges..."

"County officials refused to release public documents that would potentially shed light on the commissioners' work schedules and public availability."

"... considered eliminating all public comment times from the board's weekly meetings."

Jefferson County Voters and Taxpayers now refer to Jefferson County commissioners as Boss Hog --- referencing the dimwitted mayor of Hazard County from the 1970 sitcom Dukes of Hazard. Boss Hog drove his Cadillac to his plush office where Boss Hog relied on intimidation and unethical behavior to maintain his "fat pork" status and lack of accountability.

jefferson county open space plays the role of Boss Hog's even dimmer-witted sidekicks Rosco, Cooter and dog Flash (actually the brightest of the four). They have successfully carried the torch of disdain for Taxpayers and Voters. They have mismanaged the beautiful foothills that contain the Communities open space parks. They blatantly ignored obvious problems that have created unpleasant and unsafe conditions. They play victim by blaming user groups for the problems. The result is more problems and escalating conflict between user groups. When they do choose to act their solutions are ineffective and a waste of taxpayer monies. They are more interested in influencing and placating Taxpayers than being influenced by or hearing Taxpayers. They hide behind excuses and platitudes telling Taxpayers and Voters they just don't understand.

jefferson county sheriff is not exempt from this. Attempts to obtain information from the jefferson county sheriff is nothing short of a poorly rehearsed "who's on first" routine.

This poor treatment and unresponsiveness, along with the constant insults to their intelligence and basic sensibilities, has finally provoked trail users and Jefferson County residents to act. Jefferson County residents and trail users --- those who shop most in Jefferson County --- are now acting with influence.

They are refusing to spend their money at Jefferson County merchants. They are encouraging merchants to contact county officials to express their discontent and demand change. Since Taxpayers and Voters have no influence with jefferson county government perhaps Jefferson County merchants do.

Don't let our critical national election distract you from our critical local election in Jefferson County...Vote.