In the News...

Schwartz Visits Chaffee County

Thursday, April 8 2010

The Mountain Mail
By: Theresa Williamson
April 8th, 2010

Topics - particularly of local interest - were addressed Sunday in Buena Vista as District 5 State Sen. Gail Schwartz and her contingent offered a public forum.

Colorado Outfitters Viability Act (HB 1188), Colorado Clean Air Act (HB 1365), boot camp closure at Buena Vista Correctional Complex and regulation of medical-marijuana dispensaries were among topics raised by about 45 residents who attended.

Schwartz, (D-Snowmass Village) said HB 1188 will undergo more study before going to the house/senate conference committee.

"We'll do our best to figure out where to go from here," Schwartz said. She said there is "a fairly long process still ahead ... I don't know what will happen.

"My commitment has been with the rafting industry," she said, adding that the bill protects property owners.

District 16 State Sen. Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne), who said he grew up in Gunnison and is a former raft guide, urged people at the forum to stay involved and let legislators know their thoughts.

Responding to an audience question about prison recidivism, Karl Spiecker, Colorado Department of Corrections director of finance and administration, said Colorado prison system averages about a 53 percent return rate.

He added, Colorado has "a very progressive prison system."

Its goal, he said, is "to put a better product before the parole board."

Buena Vista Trustee Keith Baker asked about roles of state and municipal government in dealing with medical-marijuana dispensaries.

Schwartz told Baker she sees regulation of dispensaries as a local-control issue.