To the Editor: 

I would like to express my appreciation to the officers of the Granby police department for their professionalism and respect shown to all involved in last weekend’s “Stop the Cuts” rally held in Granby. Over 110 people attended the peaceful demonstration on the corner of County Route 40 and Thompson Road.

The event, organized by the Grand County Democrats, was held on April 19 as a National Day of Action and was part of a nationwide mobilization. The local gathering was held to protest against a bill in Congress that will cut $1.5 trillion from Medicaid, SNAP, free school lunches and other vital programs. These cuts will hit Grand County working families and seniors the hardest. 

Chief Shaffer and his officers ensured the safety of all attendees regardless of political affiliation, while upholding our First Amendment rights of free speech and peaceful assembly with integrity and fairness. It can feel uncomfortable and even scary to stand up for your beliefs. How fortunate we are to live in a country where people can gather together as a community and peacefully dissent against actions by our government!

Several other demonstrations have taken place throughout Grand County over the past three months. They have been successful and safe thanks to the Granby Police, the Winter Park Police and the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. 

Sincerely, 
Liz Newsom, 
Chair, Grand County Dems
Granby