Author Archives: Matt G

Fostering transparency: Addressing inaccuracies in recent column | Guest column | Pikes Peak Courier | gazette.com

In response to a recent guest column published in the Courier, I was compelled to respond to the baseless accusations that were levied against me and my fellow candidates. While
— Read on https://gazette.com/pikespeakcourier/fostering-transparency-addressing-inaccuracies-in-recent-column-guest-column/article_e76e4bac-436f-11ee-86c9-734000db04e9.html?fbclid=IwAR313HIWVXw4UXe8GgEkKWnkESFLl5Mt_8GHIfI33up6UVJowfa5j4LIWcc_aem_AUhV5cjkEmwTUZZSD-LO0Sie6M0s3avqLchLB0hVprceeymapexZOP-qFDhblooM4rA

DAVIS: Onward Christian Soldiers – A Woodland Park Investigation

From the pulpit, Wommack preaches a fiery version of Christian nationalism, focused more on society than scripture, advocating for a near-theocratic merging of Christian principles and public institutions. His doctrine is wed to no real theological tradition, presenting as an incomplete reduction of Calvinist reconstructionism, Pentecostal dominionism, and American folk religion. He runs schools, churches, missionary organizations and political nonprofits. Soon, he hopes to run Woodland Park. 
— Read on coloradotimesrecorder.com/2023/08/davis-onward-christian-soldiers-a-woodland-park-investigation/55674/

Braver Angels launches chapter in Woodland Park | Pikes Peak Courier | gazette.com

Driven by the nation’s polarization that has trickled down to Woodland Park, the local chapter of Braver Angels launches an introduction this month.

“I feel like this is an opportunity to make a difference,” said Billie Donegan, who with Holly Sample initiated the event Aug. 29.

Founded by David Blankenhorn after the 2016 election, Braver Angels is a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to political depolarization around the nation.
— Read on gazette.com/content/tncms/live/

Teachers union suit suits slick Woodland Park super | NOONAN | Opinion | coloradopolitics.com

Witt is using the Woodland Park school board as a tool to take over the district and impose his anti-democratic, anti-public school ideology. He’s exploiting the BOCES concept to use public money to serve his conservative agenda and line his own pocketbook. His schools are not high performing or meritorious. They are not inclusive of all American children. They are an example of the failure of our state’s school accountability system to ensure accountability for public funds and democratic values.
— Read on www.coloradopolitics.com/content/tncms/live/

‘Knowledge is power’: new app helps US teens read books banned in school | US news | The Guardian

Consistently, these bans target materials written by and about people of color or LGBTQ+ individuals, and even though a 2022 poll found that 70% of parents oppose them, they are continuing at a rapid rate.

Now the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is trying to fight back. It recently launched the Banned Book Program, granting free nationwide access to books restricted in schools or libraries.
— Read on www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/18/us-teens-banned-books-schools

School board addresses routine topics after emotional public comments | Pikes Peak Courier | gazette.com

School board meetings in Woodland Park are often contentiousness and always emotional, and the Aug. 9 gathering was no exception — at least during the public comment portion.

The line outside the district’s administrative offices had 25 people in it by 5 p.m., a full hour prior to the scheduled start time. It had reached 38 by 5:15.
— Read on gazette.com