Weekly Email 7/27/26
- Anja Sophia Crooks
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
 Donaghadee Lighthouse, Northern Ireland |
Dear Restore the Balance Community, This week, we will examine the third RTB Principle: No one person or party has a monopoly on the best public policy proposals; communication and good faith negotiations are essential to the legislative process. We believe no single individual or faction possesses a monopoly on wisdom when it comes to public policy, which is why the American system of government was built on deliberation rather than dictation. The founders understood this well. James Madison, in Federalist No. 10, warned against the dangers of faction and argued that a well-constructed republic must filter and refine public views through debate rather than let any one interest dominate unchecked. This principle extends beyond preventing tyranny of the majority. It applies just as much to the everyday work of crafting sound legislation. Good policy rarely emerges fully formed from a single mind or party. It is refined through honest disagreement and the willingness to concede points in service of broader consensus. Communication and good faith negotiation aren't obstacles to effective governance; they're the very mechanism the founders designed to produce it. Yet for decades we have witnessed the erosion of a genuinely cooperative two-party system. The communication and good-faith negotiations that are essential to the legislative process have evolved into tribal politics, in many cases with one administration simply undoing the work of the previous one, without a stated purpose backed by facts. As this is our reality, what can we do to uphold this principle? At Restore the Balance, we believe in electing officials who commit to working across the aisle, engaging in good faith negotiations to solve problems. It may seem futile, but as voters we do have power, and we should let our representatives know when we do support, and when we do not support, policy positions and legislation. When evaluating candidates, RTB asks if they disagree with any of our eight principles, and if so, that they elaborate on their reasons for doing so. Responses are one of the criteria used in the scoring process. And yes, engaging with and listening to people with whom we don't agree is key to finding common ground. Finding common ground is key to solving problems together. Find contact information for your representatives here. Further Reading: a) The Case for Fusion Voting and a Multiparty Democracy in America, New America b) One Party Rule, Two Party System, New York Times (by David French!!) |
RTB Water Forum Here's an area where we can surely find common ground. Registration is now open for RTB's Water Forum, a timely conversation designed to help you get your water questions answered during one of the driest, hottest years on record for the Grand Valley. Where Is Our Water Going? From the Mountains to Your Front Yard, and Beyond 🗓 Tuesday, August 11, 2026 🕕 6:30-8:30 PM, doors open at 6 PM 📍 Redlands Community Center, 2463 Broadway, Grand Junction, CO Panel Participants:
Please note that a small donation is required to help us cover the costs of this event. |
Upcoming Events 8/11, RTB Water Forum. Reserve your seat here. 8/19, RTB Social Hour. We're looking for a new venue; watch this space! 8/26, 5:00-7:00 PM, Better Ballots Colorado. Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Ct, Grand Junction. A community conversation on Ranked Choice Voting, hosted by our partner, Courageous Colorado. Register here. |
Listen We promise this is the last you'll hear of the World Cup. This song celebrates the home of the champions, you don't need to be a football fan to enjoy a virtual tour of Spain! |
On the Radar: Local Government Meetings
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Thank you to all who have submitted photos, podcasts, and video recommendations. We will publish a recommendation in each category every week. Please keep them coming! Want to Contribute to Our Weekly Newsletter? Our best recommendations come from you! Have you read a thought-provoking book? Listened to an insightful podcast? Found an article worth sharing? Captured a beautiful photo of Western Colorado? We want to feature your discoveries and perspectives in our Monday Update. You can share resources, suggest topics you'd like RTB to address, or submit photos from around our community. All submissions can be anonymous or attributed to you; it's your choice. Submit your recommendations here Let's learn from each other and build a more informed community together.Don't forget to vote in 2026: November general. |
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