Our High Mountain Country Community’s Call for Change
A handful of us have been discussing the mounting challenges we face at the local, state, and national levels. We’re increasingly dissatisfied with the direction our elected and unelected public officials are taking. In recent years we’ve endured rising property taxes, record‑high costs for fuel, utilities, food, and other essentials. Our schools feel under siege by a “woke” agenda, and our right to speak freely appears threatened.
Data released by the City of Salida shows that the largest employer in Chaffee County is the government—an entity that does not create wealth itself but draws revenue from citizens through taxes and fees. When we voice complaints, little changes; our concerns often go unheard.
What Can We Do?
We could petition the government, attend public meetings, and deliver our points in a brief three‑minute slot—only to watch our representatives show scant interest. Even if local media covered our grievances, the coverage might be framed as “troublemaking.” Submitting op eds to existing outlets offers no guarantee of publication, and edits may dilute our message.
Our Solution: An Independent Online Newspaper for the High‑Mountain Country
To reclaim our First Amendment rights and give the mountain‑region community a reliable source of information, we are launching an online newspaper dedicated to:
- Investigative journalism that uncovers hidden truths affecting our valleys and peaks.
- Community reporting that highlights local stories often ignored by mainstream outlets.
- Opinion pieces that reflect a broad spectrum of viewpoints from residents across the High Mountain Country.
In addition, we will publish the minutes, recordings, and outcomes of local‑government meetings, ensuring that every citizen can stay informed about the decisions shaping our towns and counties.
Community Services We’ll Offer
- Host public forums where mountain‑country voices can be heard.
- Support candidates whose platforms align with our shared values.
- Conduct surveys to gauge public sentiment on issues that matter most to us.
- Organize events that foster dialogue and collaboration throughout the region.
We Invite Your Participation
Readers are encouraged to submit articles, essays, or letters of interest. All submissions will be reviewed; we reserve the right to publish or decline any piece. To uphold editorial standards, we may request verification of the authenticity of submitted material.
Together, we can build a platform that informs, engages, and empowers every resident of the High Mountain Country.
High Country Advocate
Support Independent Local Journalism — High Country Advocate was created as a real alternative to regional media that too often silences dissenting voices while taking sides in the political struggle. Producing in-depth, unflinching reporting like this series and others is expensive: servers, editing, research time, and legal review all add up quickly. If these articles have informed you or given you new perspective, please consider supporting HCA with a paid subscription — every subscriber helps keep this reporting strong and independent.
