Two gubernatorial candidates brought their campaign trails through Glenwood Springs over the Memorial Day weekend, representing the two major political parties.
Jared Polis, the Democratic congressman who has represented Colorado's 2nd District since 2009, brought his message of "turning bold ideas into real results" to a Friday evening meet-and-greet at Las Margaritas.
On Saturday afternoon, former Democratic mayor of Parker, Air Force veteran and now Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez shared his philosophy of "bringing a forward vision to Colorado" at the Glenwood Springs Community Center.
Polis is in a four-way race for the Democratic nomination in the June 26 primary election, squaring off against current Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne, former state Sen. Mike Johnston and former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy.
On the Republican side, Lopez is running against current state Treasurer Walker Stapleton and businessmen Doug Robinson and Victor Mitchell.
State Minimum Wage
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"I think local communities should be able to set the minimum wage above the state minimum wage based on local labor markets and conditions," Polis said. "The governor should get out of the way of communities deciding their own minimum wage."
Colorado currently requires an hourly rate of $10.20, $2.95 higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
Lopez disagreed.
"I think it's important for the Legislature to have that discretion as them setting it. I don't think the local government should have that authority," he said. "Small businesses are the ones that create the economic vitality of the community. You've got to be careful, because if you raise the minimum wage, you're basically hurting those individuals that you really want to help."
Selling Public Lands
The Post Independent asked each candidate whether they would sell or lease public lands as governor.
"I'd have to look at every individual
