People with money and a controlled media equal power. For years that has proven successful in getting their people elected. Combine that with a city manager appointed by their politicos 14 years ago and kept in office by their successors. Their city manager, who crafts the city's budget and annually sets the agenda for this city making sure things get done the way they want.

Check this year's line-up: Gabe Santos, Bonnie Finley, Aaron Rawlins and Roger Lange. All are hand picked, groomed and sold to the voters by the political machine that has controlled elections here for years. Each of them willing to promote the realtors and developers. And what will the voters get in return? A city infrastructure that is slowly deteriorating, a growing gang problem, depressed property values along with lower city revenues, and an indifferent council that looks the other way.

It's time for the citizens of Longmont to say no to this group. It is time for change. This year's council election gives us opportunity for change. We are electing a Mayor and three council seats. We citizens of Longmont have the first real opportunity in years to take our town back and elect those who have our interests at heart. We have the opportunity to move our city in the necessary direction. Say no to the old politics and yes for change.