In the News...

Whitehead to lead agriculture group

Tuesday, June 15 2010

Durango Herald
by Chuck Slothower
Wednesday, June 16, 2010

State Sen. Bruce Whitehead, D-Hesperus, has been appointed chairman of the Colorado Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee.

As chairman, Whitehead will run the committee's hearings, organize witnesses and monitor votes.

"It's actually quite an important appointment, and I'm quite pleased to have it," he said in an interview Tuesday.

Whitehead was appointed to the Senate in August 2009, after his predecessor, Jim Isgar, joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Whitehead has served as a member of the committee since soon after he become a senator.

"It is an honor to represent the people of Southwestern Colorado and to ensure their voices and needs are heard at the Capitol," Whitehead said in a news release from Senate Democrats. "I am pleased to serve in this new role and have an even greater opportunity to support and strengthen the agriculture industry in our state. Rural Colorado needs knowledgeable, passionate advocates, and I look forward to continuing to be their voice on the Senate ag. committee."

Kent Peppler, president of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, praised Whitehead's appointment, calling him a "strong advocate for rural Colorado."

Whitehead will face voters for the first time in November. His opponent will be the winner of the August Republican primary, either State Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, or Dean Boehler of Norwood.

A longtime water-policy wonk, Whitehead serves as executive director of the Southwest and Animas-La Plata water districts.