Candidate for U.S. Congress 5th District, Darryl Glenn
Holds Community Forum at Gibson Mansion

by Barbara Penezic
for Fremont County Crusader and SDC Sentinel

Darryl Glenn was introduced by his lovely and articulate wife Jane Northrup Glenn. Mrs. Glenn describes her husband as a man of God. A man who can withstand the pressure of government work and represent his constitutes without wavering. Darryl is an Air Force Academy Alumni and a retired Lt. Colonel.
The forum was an open discussion on gun control, school safety, immigration and other hot button issues of concern within Fremont County. Glenn welcomed all who had taken the time from their busy schedules to attend the event. He said his number one priority was to demonstrate the ability to have conversations about important issues in a respectful manner. Secondly, he wanted to discuss issues that impact our lives. He made clear that the forum was open to everyone not just Republicans. His is ‘The Peoples Campaign.’ If elected, he will serve everyone within his district. If there were independents, liberals, Democrats or other affiliations among the audience, this reporter did not see them.
Lisa Hyman asked the question on many minds; “It is important to keep our seat Republican,” she stated before asking, “How can we be sure you are the right one for the job?”
Glenn responded, “I am a fighter.” I have an entire political career where my constituents know I have their backs. The country should be looking to District 5 for answers to our health care, gun safety and tax reform. Our representative should be out there doing that. “So, it is about fighting but also articulating a vision that is important to us.” Glenn said, “I’m ready, let’s get it going!”
Fremont County Commissioner Tim Payne posed questions concerning payment in lieu of taxes commonly referred to as ‘PILT.’ Federal lands in Fremont County are approximately 50 per cent so we get quite a PILT payment. The issue is it’s a year to year payment. We need it to be permanent funding and, in the past, our incumbent congressman has voted against this. I would also be in favor of the BLM Headquarters being relocated to Colorado. In closing, Commissioner Payne said, “I support Darryl Glenn.”
Fremont County Commissioner Dwayne McFall who is known as a God Loving, Gun Toting, Family Man, had questions concerning mental health issues. “We have a lot of trouble with mentally unstable folks causing trouble. Some with guns, some with bombs there has to be something that we can do.” McFall said before asking, “What are your ideas on that?”
Glenn said we need to call meetings with leaders to find out what are the things we need to have in place. I also believe the faith community can be part of the solution. We can’t just send people to the E.R. or incarcerate them. We need to have people step up and say we have a mental health crisis. We don’t need government to do that; we need people to step up and address the issue.
I addressed the issue of school safety telling the candidate that I believe any qualified teacher or school staff member should be allowed to carry a gun if they feel the need. This was met with applause from the galley. I hope that some of our readers have heard the suggestion from Superintendent David Helsel of Blue Mountains School District, in Orwigsburg, PA. He is requiring all class room be equipped with “Buckets of Rocks” thereby giving the students and teachers something better to throw at a gun-toting killer than books and bookbags. Mr. Glenn readily agreed that he was in favor of arming those qualified individuals within our schools.
Darryl did not agree so readily when a citizen said, “I am heartsick over these guys who take a knee during the ‘National Anthem’ …that is a hard pill to swallow.” Glenn’s response was that this was a controversial issue that could easily start a bar fight. He continued saying, “Doesn’t matter what side of this issue you are on, we all love this country! That’s what is important.”
Allen Cooper, candidate for Fremont County Sheriff, spoke about the pros and cons of having ‘a red flag’ so officers could confiscate guns for 72 hours without due process while a questionable person was checked out. There were many opinions on both sides of this issue. Mr. Cooper agreed bringing this to Colorado would cause a healthy battle.
Many other important issues were discussed, and future forums are to be expected, watch for dates and times and come ask the hard questions that we need answers to before we vote.
Brendan Pardue once again generously offered the use of Gibson Mansion for this public event
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