Brown back in the saddle again

It’s the battle of the bolos. Ignacio sheep rancher J. Paul Brown has thrown his trademark 10-gallon hat back into the ring for Colorado’s 59th House seat.

On Sat., April 5, local Republican delegates unanimously elected Brown to challenge Democrat incumbent Mike McLachlan, who narrowly beat Brown in 2012.

Brown, who served as state rep for the 59th from 2010-12, accepted the nomination, which was seconded by Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, and Brown’s wife, Debbie.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. J Paul is a good man,” said Debbie.

A staunch pro-gun advocate, Brown promised to keep gun rights at the top of his agenda. “It would be easier to stay home, but I cannot let the sacrifices of our Founding Fathers (sic) slip through our hands,” he said. “I will use your tax dollars in a good way. I’ll tackle the big issues.”

Other priorities at the top of his list include the economy and jobs, environment, education and highways.

Brown, a lifelong resident of La Plata County, officially announced his bid last November. At the time, he also talked about keeping water on the Western Slope with more water-storage projects as well as using tax dollars from gas and oil revenues for road improvements to encourage tourism. He told a crowd of supporters gathered in November that “too much money was spent on bike and walking paths instead of putting it into our roads so we can get around and tourists can come in.”

The 59th District, which includes La Plata, Archuleta, Hinsdale, Ouray and part of Gunnison counties, was recently redrawn amidst much protest from Republicans. At Saturday’s nomination, Roberts said the redistricting was done to harm Brown. “It’s now more difficult, but he will do it,” she said. “He says what he means.”

In other action, the assembly announced that the Ouray County Republicans will be hosting a prime rib dinner with guest speaker Pastor Rafael Cruz, father of Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on April 26 in Ridgway.

Weminuche registration delayed

The Weminuche Wilderness is the latest victim of federal funding shortfalls. The San Juan National Forest announced this week that it is postponing a registration system for the local wilderness area – which was slated to begin this spring – due to budget constraints.

“A recent shift in budget priorities has affected our ability to implement this important project right now,” Brian White, San Juan National Forest Wilderness Team Lead said. “The Forest Service acknowledges that the resource and social issues driving the need for the registration project still need to be addressed, and we will continue working to manage negative impacts.”

For the past 15 years, the Forest Service has collected data on impacts across the Weminuche, which have shown many high traffic areas are suffering from degraded habitat, water quality and solitude. “The Forest Service is required under the Wilderness Act of 1964 to address these impacts,” said White last May when the program was announced.

A series of regional meetings were held last summer to introduce the program to residents. Plans called for a registration and hiker “tag” system at trailheads in an attempt to get a handle on visitor patterns and numbers.

However, thanks to a shortage of funds, instead of registration boxes, the Forest Service will focus on wilderness patrols, trail clearing and improved education on “Leave No Trace” ethics. “We need to take action before it gets bad so 100 years down the road, generations can enjoy the same wilderness as we did,” said White last spring.

For more information, email brianwhite@fs.fed.us.

Vallejos leaves post at Local First

Local First Executive Director LeeAnn Vallejos is stepping down after four years at the helm of the local nonprofit.

“As I reflect back on the past four years, I’m extremely proud of the work that others and I have daily put into building our campaigns and this organization,” Vallejos wrote in a statement to Local First members. “Those early days included my working from my kitchen table pondering what this organization could look like while trying to secure a phone number, post office box and a computer. We now have staff, quality programming, a fully functioning office, a stellar reputation and loyal partners.”

Local First Board member Kristi Streiffert, owner of For the Birds, will be taking over. Vallejos will help with the transition over the next few weeks. Streiffert, who has an MBA and nonprofit certificate from Fort Lewis College, has served on the board for the past two years.

During her time at Local First, Vallejos was instrumental in launching the popular Be Local coupon book and overseeing the “Eat Local” campaign every September. This was in addition to her duties of promoting and raising awareness about shopping at local, independent businesses.

“While building this organization has been rewarding, the best part of my job has been getting to work with and know so many remarkable individuals,” she wrote.

Vallejos said she has no immediate plans but will remain a volunteer and “ardent advocate” of Local First. “This journey has been gratifying,” she wrote.

– Missy Votel