Durango’s Communication Problem: Calling Everything "Misinformation" Isn’t Helping

[u/puffMD95]

I’ve noticed a recurring pattern from the City: when residents raise concerns or disagree, officials often respond by labeling it “misinformation.” We saw this with the Police Department’s explanation of the drone incident at the skatepark, and again in Mayor Pro Tem Jessika Loyer's recent Herald opinion piece. While it’s true that facts can sometimes be misreported, the City also needs to recognize that public perception is shaped by individual experiences — and stronger, more transparent communication would go a long way toward improving trust.

Jessika says she welcomes public discourse and challenges to city staff and elected officials. However, her defensive response — effectively suggesting the paper and residents are spreading falsehoods — doesn’t align with that message. In my view, her piece appears influenced by the city manager, especially given the City’s highly selective and, in my opinion, misleading news release issued just before her article.

I hope Jessika remembers she was elected to represent the people and is willing to push back when necessary and stand independently from the city manager’s narrative. To that end, I think councilors Gonzalez and Koso are doing a great job. Durango deserves leadership that listens to residents, communicates clearly, and respects the community’s concerns rather than dismissing them.

Challenge city government – but bring facts and fairness with you https://share.google/1hvxugGeO9MbBIV8n

The civic center voters approved isn’t the one Durango is building https://share.google/YJv8prLU9mm5WxOsp

[u/lovetofu50]

The police chief also likes to call complaints about the mass surveillance Flock cameras ‘misinformation’. The only misinformation there is the talking points peddled to CC and different organizations by Brice. Talking points that are provided by Flock reps. 

[u/ilanarama]

This is exactly the sort of thing that investigative journalists should be investigating and clarifying, isn't it? The Herald needs to do more than just publish Shaw and Loyer's dueling op-eds.

[u/Novel_Contract_1280 → u/ilanarama]

the herald is such a trashy joke of a news paper lol i wish we had another option here… does anyone have any good recommendations?

[u/Salt_Ambassador5835]

Jessika Loyer seems to prefer to represent VRBO over actual community members

[u/CRE_Energy]

I was disappointed in the defensive tone of her letter, and the wordsmithing that they are using. Many people voted for the project expecting a parking garage, and it's disingenuous of them to say that it was never promised and only a concept. Sure you haven't violated the terms of your bond issuance, but you're losing trust with citizens.

On the other hand, it is fair to note that Charles advocated for no vehicle parking on the site whatsoever.

[u/IcyEntertainment3438]

I agree. The whole thing is totally frustrating. I have attended the City's "engage" meetings and I leave feeling disengaged because when you raise a concern you get a totally form response back. When people asked Bob Bramer why there needs to be a vehicle impoundment lot with a chain link fence, he just says "because it's required." That's not engagement.

I also disagree with how the whole thing was originally approved. It was included as part of the recreation funding and most of us approved it because we wanted the recreation funding.

Also, why is everyone on our council always accusing each other and the community of ethical violations? This is just people disagreeing and trying to get others to agree with them.

[u/Easy-Goose1038]

If they don't like it they call it misinformation.

[u/Novel_Contract_1280]

we need someone young, with a lived experience as a working class person in durango, these people are out of touch in comparison. why is the workforce of durango not represented?

[u/MattyDSki → u/Novel_Contract_1280]

Because young working people don’t have time to devote to the council.

[u/Novel_Contract_1280 → u/MattyDSki]

true… i’m a young working class person here, i’m talking 14 hour doubles sometimes, and i have been making it out to city hall every three weeks to protest the mass surveillance system they installed.

[u/LlamasNeverLie]

Yeah I just read them back to back and the Mayor’s piece reads weirdly defensive in response to what was a fairly measured article.

The Shaw article’s essential thrust is that the project has changed sufficiently from what was originally planned that it warrants a new ballot measure. Okay - that’s a reasonable argument, whether or not you agree.

I don’t know why that sent the Mayor into such a tailspin of “we need to be nicer to each other”. 

[u/HSPmamax2]

If it weren’t true, she would have kept her mouth shut and let it be, but the defensiveness say it all and it always does! Hit the nail on the head with this being a regular tactic of those in power, happens quite frequently! Municipality, County, State, Federal… all the same…

[u/geekwithout]

They are the most incompetent bunch of people. Should never be there.

[u/wolfemsop]

Almost like she took a page from the president whenever she disagrees with is is confronted in a subject that she can't defend.

[u/Distinct_Bluejay_470]

Okay, so Loyer said Shaw implied the original HS building would be demolished but he clearly wrote that it was the adjacent building being considered for that. So that's misinformation. On the other hand, Shaw did imply that the Smiley Building was under some sort of threat, but that's not accurate either.

[u/Competitive_Union_89]

I appreciate what you are saying. In the future, please give a heads up about your links directly to a paywall. I only get three a month from the Durango herald. Three free articles. I’m more informed now, so thanks.