With the election that is upon us, there is a crucial race for Colorado’s next Attorney General. This letter is in support of Phil Weiser for that essential position.

Phil Weiser is an innovator and a collaborator at a time when many in both parties take the position of “no compromise.” Phil Weiser has shown his commitment to rural communities like ours, and with his common-sense approach, he will work with local leaders here in the San Luis Valley and across the state.  He’ll help us to develop and implement smart ways to deal effectively and proactively with our most pressing issues—from the dire opioid crisis to addressing health care costs to protecting our land, air and water.  

Phil Weiser will perform the duties of law enforcement that are within the AG’s prerogative and he will bring his impressive legal expertise and leadership experience to managing the complexity of the AG’s role.  He’ll work to protect Colorado’s rights, from water rights to public lands and more. As the former Dean and leader of CU’s law school, Phil has the extensive management experience needed to effectively direct the large team of attorneys around the state.  And he brings along his proven ability to work across the political spectrum, to find practical solutions that meet real needs.

Phil has already proven his commitment to rural communities like ours too. He has visited the San Luis Valley six times during this campaign and made a concerted effort to reach out and to listen to our concerns. As Colorado’s next AG, he will help us find ways to help us help ourselves, to address our most pressing issues, creatively and with compassion.

Of particular importance here in the Valley, the AG’s office plays a core role in all of the water cases that have a state interest. Phil Weiser will help us work toward a more sustainable water future, with local control and creative solutions to the extent possible. 

He’ll also work to keep our public lands public, so that everyone can access them and their resources, for their importance to our economy and way of life, from ranchers who rely on them for grazing, to those of us who collect firewood, hunt, fish, and recreate on them, to the wildlife that depend on them, and for all of us who care about our shared lands.  Public lands are a vital element of Colorado’s identity, livelihood, and resource base. Given the current challenges to our public lands, it’s essential that we have a strong advocate in the AG’s office.  We need someone who listens, is innovative, cares deeply about the future of our region, and will use the power and rule of law to protect the land, water and resources we all treasure—and rely upon.

There is so much at stake in this election. This is a time when we, collectively, need the best lawyer we can find, to help us help ourselves. We are fortunate to have a candidate with Phil Weiser’s expertise, intelligence and heartfelt approach to public service, to be Colorado’s top lawyer. Please join me in voting for Phil Weiser for Colorado’s Attorney General!

Thank you,

Rio de la Vista

Del Norte