Voting for Mike McLachlan is pretty much a no-brainer for my wife and myself. Mike is the real deal who has worked tirelessly for the residents of Southwest Colorado. We like the way he has chosen to work with both sides of the political spectrum. His instincts and priorities are in the right place, whether it be standing up for women’s issues, looking out for young people in K-12 classrooms and at the college level, protecting water resources or being responsive to his constituents.
Without Mike’s help, Fort Lewis College would have not received the $10 million that will allow FLC to finish its science building. That money would have otherwise gone to Denver interests. He has also focused on the concerns that local ranching people have. As an example, creating tax credits for donation of crops to local charities providing for the hungry among us.
In contrast, my wife and I are hard-pressed to see what J. Paul Brown accomplished during his tenure in the Legislature. As near as we can tell, he relished voting “no” on about every piece of proposed legislation that crossed his desk.
Brown even found time to vote against such a minor item as a license plate for Trout Unlimited. We are looking for a representative that is constructive, progressive and not afraid to stand up to interests from outside of Colorado.
Mike was a Marine who was many times under fire in Vietnam. This speaks volumes about his courage and service to this country. These days, my wife and I have little respect for most politicians. Mike McLachlan is the exception. He has earned our respect.
John Ritchey
Durango
