Wednesday I participated in the Independence Day parades and handed out over 400 American Flags (made in USA, of course).

During the parade, I ran into many friends on the opposite political side who were courteous and gracious: Sandy Briggs, Julie Charneskie, Christine Scanlan and even my opponent, Karn Stiegelmeier. But some of their supporters were vile. I heard catcalls of "F$#@ing Republicans," "F$#@ing Politicians," and a handful of boos. With so many kids present, it was embarrassing language.

Here's my challenge: Let's keep this local campaign positive, specific and objective to local issues. I know I will; I'm certain Karn can; I hope our respective supporters will follow suit.

I walked my donkey, Pardner, in the Frisco parade. He's my running buddy, and we trust each other absolutely. Pack burro racing is indigenous to Colorado (invented in Leadville, my hometown) and was just legislated as Colorado's "Official Heritage Sport." I've been burro racing for years and am very proud of it; I would never belittle or ridicule the animal. I leaned on the irony of being a Republican while loving working with donkeys. I hoped most people would enjoy the humor in it, but apparently the humorless did not.

The major point is that, yes, it's politics, but we're just people and we're neighbors. We need to poke some fun at ourselves, recognize our differences, respect each others' views and work together for the benefit of us all. I don't dislike Karn, we simply have a conflict of vision. I ask my supporters to espouse me and not defame Karn, and I hope that hers will do the same.

Is there no more appropriate day to celebrate politics than July 4th? Independence Day is what started the conversation. Let's keep it civil; let's keep it going.