In recent months, we asked readers to take surveys telling us what they think candidates for political offices should focus on as they compete for their votes. The top answer from Colorado Community Media readers across the metro area sounded like something from a civics class: “democracy and good government.”

Our readers said they want the candidates to focus on solutions, even if it means compromises. 

As Lisa Anne Bresko, a self-described moderate and business owner from Evergreen, told us, democracy and good government are foundational if our leaders are going to solve the many pressing problems facing communities across the Front Range.

“I feel there’s very little respect and no more compromise,” Bresko said. “It’s ‘My way or no way’ on a lot of topics. That’s not the way to run a country or get anything done. I feel all of the name calling, the pointing of fingers, the disinformation about the people you’re supposed to be working with toward common goals is hurting the ability to get things done.”