Chris M. Frésquez
Posted June 25, 2026
This past weekend, many communities gathered to celebrate Juneteenth, a day that commemorates freedom, resilience, and the continuing pursuit of equal opportunity. Reflecting on its significance is a reminder that progress in our nation has often depended on citizens who choose to become informed, engaged, and active in the democratic process.
As I walked through the celebration, spoke with families, and listened to community leaders, I was reminded that every generation inherits both the progress of those who came before them and the responsibility to help shape what comes next.
As we enter another election season, voters across our communities will be asked to make important decisions that will affect our schools, businesses, public safety, education, food assistance programs, healthcare, and local government for years to come.
Having covered public affairs and community issues for many years, I have learned that elections are rarely about a single issue. They are about the direction we choose for our communities and the type of leadership we entrust to address the challenges before us.
This is a time to pay close attention to the issues and understand how public policy decisions may impact our families, neighborhoods, and future generations. We are all aware of the challenges facing our communities; most of us can identify them with little difficulty. The more important question is how those challenges will be addressed and which candidates possess the experience, judgment, and qualifications necessary to lead effectively.
As I have listened to candidate forums, public discussions, and speeches throughout this election cycle, I have been encouraged by the depth of experience many candidates bring to public service. Some are seasoned leaders who have spent years addressing complex issues, making difficult decisions, and serving on the front lines of protecting the democratic institutions that represent all Americans. This presents voters with an important opportunity to evaluate not only a candidate’s vision, but also their record, experience, and demonstrated ability to lead.
Over the past several weeks, The Weekly Issue/El Semanario has published our endorsements: Phil Weiser for Colorado Governor, Congresswoman Diana Degette, and Julie Gonzales for US Senate. These endorsements were based on these same factors: experience, qualifications, record of service, demonstrated leadership, and a candidate’s ability to effectively address the challenges facing our communities.
While readers may not always agree with every endorsement, those decisions were made after careful consideration of the candidates, their records, and their capacity to serve the public effectively.
It is essential that voters take the time to learn about individuals seeking public office. Campaign advertisements and political messaging can provide insight, but they should not be the sole basis for making decisions. Voters should also consider a candidate’s record, professional experience, leadership ability, and demonstrated commitment to public service.
Too often, elections become centered on personalities rather than policies and results. Responsible civic engagement requires us to look beyond headlines and rhetoric and carefully evaluate the issues, proposed solutions, and qualifications of those asking for our trust and support.
The Weekly Issue/El Semanario remains committed to providing information that helps our readers better understand the issues, the candidates, and the challenges facing our communities. Our goal is to encourage informed discussion and meaningful participation in the democratic process.
As a publisher, I believe our responsibility is not to tell readers how to vote, but to provide the information and context necessary for them to make informed decisions. An informed electorate strengthens our communities and helps ensure that elected officials remain accountable to the people they serve.
As Election Day approaches (June 30th in Colorado), I encourage every eligible voter to become familiar with the issues, evaluate the candidates carefully, and participate in the electoral process. The future of our communities depends not only on those who seek office, but also on citizens who take the time to become informed and engaged.
Chris M. Frésquez, Publisher & CEO, The Weekly Issue/El Semanario.
