Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Anthony Edwards. Mr. Edwards, the sole proprietor at San Juan Law Office, LLC, in Silverton will be appointed County Court Judge for San Juan County Sixth Judicial District on July 1, 2014.

An Oklahoma native, Mr. Edwards moved to Silverton, Colorado, in 1999. Mr. Edwards holds a Masters of Water Resources from University of New Mexico, and a Business and Technology degree from Capella University. Prior to attending Law School at the University of New Mexico, where he graduated in 2010, Mr. Edwards promoted economic development in San Juan County. He is the co-founder of Crowdfunding Offerings, Ltd., an online platform to facilitate small investments in startup enterprises in Colorado.

Mr. Edwards has also served his community with his business expertise, serving on a number of development and consulting committees to assist the business community in business planning, civil matter, securing financing, and in real estate matters. As the Owner's Representative for San Juan School District, he led the project to renovate two of Silverton's School buildings, which received the Leadership in Energy and Efficiency Design Gold certification, the only K-12 public school to attain this status. Mr. Edwards' dedication to improving and expanding his community has greatly contributed to the State of Colorado, and his service will continue to be an asset as he fills his role as Judge for San Juan County's Sixth Judicial District.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Anthony Edwards for his work and congratulate him on his judicial appointment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ann Miller. Ms. Miller is the Executive Director of Unlimited Learning, Incorporated, in southwest Colorado.

Ms. Miller has been working with refugees and minority groups on educational and occupational issues such as providing English language instruction, life skills training and cross-cultural classes since the mid-1970s.

Since 1990, she has been Director of the Adult Education Program for Montezuma and Dolores Counties in southwest Colorado, and in 2001 founded Unlimited Learning and is currently serving as the institution's Executive Director. Unlimited Learning is a nonprofit educational organization, primarily focused on distance education programming. They ensure that Native Americans, rural area residents, and adults seeking a GED have access to adult education, college level education courses, and degrees. Unlimited Learning serves in partnership with the College of Eastern Utah, which is part of the Utah State University system, to provide educational services to over 5,000 square miles spanning Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and Alaska.

Ms. Miller is driven by the desire to provide innovative ways to reach and educate rural, low-income, and minority citizens, so that they have an opportunity for a better life--socially, economically, and physically. She truly has made a great difference in the lives of many people.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Director Ann Miller. I rise today to thank her for her work on behalf of the citizens of Montezuma and Dolores Counties.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Commander Bill Middleton, Investigations Divisions Commander of the Garfield County Sheriff's office, who is retiring after 22 years of service.

Since he was ten years old, Commander Middleton was surrounded by family members in law enforcement who served as mentors and played a large role in his desire to pursue a career in law enforcement. With a calling to leadership and helping others, Commander Middleton put himself through the academy at CMC Spring Valley Campus in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, before embarking on more than two decades of protecting and serving his community.

Commander Middleton received a number of promotions over his career, showing his leadership by serving as Team Leader of Hostage Negotiations, serving as Professional Standards Division Commander from 2007 to 2013, and receiving his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in 2009, before being named Investigations Division Commander in 2013.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Commander Middleton for his service to our state, the Glenwood Springs community, and his commitment to leading, protecting and helping others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Irene Wright from Pueblo, Colorado. After 35 years of service to Pueblo Bank & Trust, Ms. Wright is retiring to spend time with her husband, two sons and three grandsons.

Ms. Wright followed in her mother's footsteps and began working at Pueblo Bank & Trust 35 years ago. Through hard work and dedication, Ms. Wright moved her way up in the organization, starting out on their cleaning crew, moving to the kitchen staff, and becoming a teller in the mid-1980s. Since then, she has been promoted to a supervisor, and has helped the bank open many Colorado branches. For sixty years, someone from the Wright family has been a part of PB&T.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Wright's hard work and dedication serve as an example to us all. I know I speak for every customer and employee at PB&T when I say we will miss seeing her cheerful face, but I wish her all the best as she moves into a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Curtis Wilson, a dedicated educator and principal of Centauri High School in La Jara, Colorado. In recognition of his continued excellence, the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Mr. Wilson as the 2014 Colorado Principal of the Year.

This highly competitive award is based on personal excellence, collaborative leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment and personalization of learning for students. In every one of these criteria, Mr. Wilson far exceeds expectations. Students and teachers alike praise Mr. Wilson's ability to motivate students to never settle for less than their best. Centauri High School is located in the second most impoverished county in Colorado providing a number of challenges including tight budget restraints. Despite these challenges, under Mr. Wilson's leadership, the students of Centauri High School achieve strong academic results.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly a privilege to honor Mr. Wilson for his outstanding performance and leadership. Through his dedication to excellence, he continues to inspire his students. I congratulate Mr. Wilson on his selection for this prestigious award, and thank him for his continued service to his students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Ross Aragon, a distinguished public servant from Pagosa Springs, CO. Mr. Aragon has served the town of Pagosa Springs for over 38 years, making him the longest serving town trustee and Mayor in the history of Colorado.

During his tenure as Mayor, Mr. Aragon was instrumental in improving the quality of police protection, expanding the town's boundaries by annexing the business corridor, expanding recreational programs and facilities, and establishing the parks and trail systems within the town. Additionally, under his leadership, the town was included in the Pagosa Fire Protection District as well as the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District, resulting in domestic water being made available to town residents.

Not only has he tirelessly served the residents of Pagosa Springs, but he has served as a visionary seeking to expand geothermal energy by using the natural resources of his town. As a result, Mr. Aragon has played a key role in Pagosa Springs supporting and exploring geothermal energy for commercial use. One project that still engages his attention is the Pagosa Springs Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership. Through a unanimous vote of the Town Council led by Mr. Aragon, the town of Pagosa Springs is in partnership with various community residents in developing greenhouses for production of various agricultural products on permaculture principles. The geothermal greenhouse partnership will also serve as an avenue to educate the community on this viable green energy source and its many benefits.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to recognize Mr. Aragon's tireless service to his community over these many years. I stand with the residents of the town of Pagosa Springs in saluting this remarkable man and congratulating him on a lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise today in recognition of Dr. Jack ``Doc'' Cotton, who bravely fought in World War II in the Navy on a supply ship, a hospital ship, and eventually on a troop transport ship, the USS Buckingham.

In 1943, Dr. Cotton received a draft notice, but under naval medical requirements, he was three inches too tall. Unwavering in his determination to serve, he subtly hunched over during his evaluation so he would be eligible to serve. While many, if not most, would have tried to escape the draft, Dr. Cotton did whatever he could to serve.

The Buckingham, on which Dr. Cotton served, transported troops throughout the South Pacific, and in fact carried the final transport of forces to Nagasaki, Japan, a crucial factor in our victory in the Second World War.

Though it was an obstacle to his naval service, his height would become an invaluable asset during his college basketball career. So valuable, in fact, that Dr. Cotton became an NBA player with the Denver Nuggets from 1948 to 1950. Always dedicated to service, he went on to serve as a coach, professor, and athletic director at Adams State University.

Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct privilege to recognize Dr. Jack ``Doc'' Cotton for his service to our country and his communities. I congratulate him on a long and successful career and thank him for the many sacrifices he made to preserve our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. David Dillman, a dedicated business and marketing teacher at Durango High School. After leaving a highly successful career in sales and marketing in the private sector, Mr. Dillman began his teaching career in 1997, where he has inspired hundreds of students to learn more about business.

Throughout his teaching career, Mr. Dillman took it upon himself to mentor his students and provide them with real-world business experience and insights to help them succeed. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Dillman has diligently worked with local businesses to help students obtain employment. Once they have a job, he continues to advise them on best practices to tackle problems in the workplace and encourages them to build a strong work ethic that will serve them throughout their professional lives.

In his limited personal time, Mr. Dillman continues in his service by initiating and leading a new Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program in his high school. DECA programs and competitions provide emerging business leaders training and hands-on experience in the areas of hospitality, marketing, management, finance and entrepreneurship. He also works to ensure that his students are able to participate in the Annual Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Stock Market Game Capitol Hill Challenge every year. In addition to all of this, Mr. Dillman develops numerous partnerships with businesses for Durango High School. His enthusiasm for his craft and caring for his students is something deserving of recognition.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to recognize Mr. Dillman today for his passion for education and his unyielding dedication to his students. I congratulate him on his numerous achievements, thank him for his service, and look forward to seeing how he will continue to inspire future generations in his classroom and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Robert Silbernagel, Editorial Page Editor for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel in Grand Junction, Colorado since 1995. After 18-plus years and through four publishers, Mr. Silbernagel retired from the Sentinel in March, 2014.

Mr. Silbernagel moved to Colorado in 1973 after receiving his degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and after meeting his wife, Judy. In the same year, he began his career writing news for the Vail Villager Weekly and the Glenwood Post. In 1980, he moved to the Grand Junction Sentinel to write for the political, environmental, and business beats, where he also became the city editor and bureau reporter. He served for 15 years in this role and in 1995 became the editor of the Editorial page, where he recently finished his distinguished career.

In addition to writing news, Mr. Silbernagel has published three books, contributed to countless magazine articles, and even developed his own website. In addition to his robust career, he has received many awards, most recently for winning first place in editorial writing from the Colorado Associated Press Editors and Reporters Association in 2012.

When not writing, Mr. Silbernagel has been very active in his community, serving as Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Bureau of Land Management's McInnis Canyons National Conservation area, Chairman of Palisade High School's Accountability Committee, and as a member of the United Way of Mesa County distribution committee. Mr. Silbernagel's dedication to the community is unquestionable and I have no doubt he will continue to have an impact there for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Robert Silbernagel for his contributions through his writing with the Grand Junction Sentinel and his civic service to the Grand Junction community, and the State of Colorado. I wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Chairman Jimmy R. Newton, Jr., of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in Colorado. Chairman Newton, after over 10 years of service to his tribe, passed away on April 1, 2014, at the age of 37.

Beginning his service in politics at the age of 26, Chairman Newton served as a Tribal Council member, Vice Chairman, and Acting Chairman before becoming permanent Chairman in 2012. Though he spent much of his life in public service, he earned a degree in Visual Graphic Design from Al Collins Graphic Design School in Arizona, after which he worked as a reporter & photographer for the tribal newspaper, the Southern Ute Drum. Chairman Newton frequently sang at tribal ceremonies, exemplifying the love of his culture. He also used his voice as a dedicated servant of the Southern Ute people, working to ensure his tribe's wellbeing in every level of government.

Chairman Newton's commitment to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the State of Colorado has been a blessing to many communities, families, and individuals, and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Flora Murphy-Newton and daughter, Maylon K. Newton. I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, though his life was tragically short, Chairman Newton maximized his time leading with strength and an exemplary heart. It is an honor and a privilege to recognize Chairman Jimmy R. Newton, Jr. for his many accomplishments and distinguished service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sanford High School men's basketball team and their coach, Rhett Larsen. Sanford's Indians claimed their sixth Class 2A state basketball title, with their previous titles coming in 1950, 1951, 1978, 1996, and 2006.

Sanford finished the season with a remarkable 26-1 record, capping it off with a championship win over Akron, 55-51 at the Colorado State University-Pueblo Massari Arena. The team made 17 free throws in the fourth quarter, making nine free throws in the final two minutes to clinch the victory.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sanford's basketball team and their extraordinary coach. Under Coach Laresn's expert guidance, I have no doubt that Sanford will win many more state titles. I look forward to this group of young men's future successes on and off the basketball court.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding performance of the Pine River Library District in Bayfield, Colorado. For their continued excellence and service to their community, the Pine River Library District has been selected as the Best Small Library in America by the Library Journal for 2014.

The Board of Directors and entire staff have contributed to the development of a truly world-class facility that provides a diverse array of services to the Bayfield community. Pine River not only offers traditional library services, but provides patrons with laptops, GPS devices, and e-readers to check out and use. Their dedication to the community also extends to education, offering teen and youth programs, free film and documentary screenings, and community classes on a regular basis.

The library is committed to creatively engaging the public through hands-on understanding of sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly research through their Living Library program. Everyone can come to the library and learn about sustainable foods in the community garden, explore a geodesic greenhouse, or take advantage of the upcoming tool lending program that will allow patrons to start their own garden at home. It is clear that Pine River is more than a library; it is a hub for knowledge and education that offers valuable resources to the Bayfield community every day.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to recognize the passion for knowledge that the Pine River Library District represents and to congratulate them on their selection for this prestigious award. With their unique and comprehensive approach to learning, I am confident that they will continue to serve as an example to libraries worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Norwood High School Mavericks girls' basketball team and their coach, Greg King, for winning this year's 1A State basketball championship title.

Their thrilling 38 to 34 victory over the Caliche High School Buffaloes marks only the second time in the school's history winning this prestigious athletic title. According to Coach King, this is a team that fights hard for every victory on the court and in the classroom. These talented young women exemplify the versatility and passion of our amazing student athletes, and will no doubt have bright futures.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be able to offer my sincere congratulations to Norwood for this year's exciting victory, and I commend Coach King and each member of the team for their sportsmanship and competitive spirit as they continue their bright academic and athletic careers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pueblo East High School men's basketball team and their coach, Dave Ryder. In their third time in the State finals, the Pueblo East Eagles claimed their first Class 4A State basketball title. This was Coach Ryder's final year with the Eagles after teaching for 29 years and 10 years as head coach.

After an exciting and challenging game, the Eagles production in the half court helped them beat Denver South 58 to 51. In a thrilling back and forth between these two teams, Pueblo East's defense made the difference, allowing their opponent to only score two points in the final 2:41 of the game.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Pueblo East men's basketball team and their extraordinary coach, Dave Ryder. Under Coach Ryder's expert guidance, the team captured their first men's basketball championship in school history, and built a base that I have no doubt will win many more State titles to continue their legacy of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Richard Gottlieb, a World War II Veteran, who served his county as a B-24 gunner with the 15th Air Force, 55th Bomb Wing, of the 465th Bomb Group, 780th squadron stationed at Pantanella Air Base in Italy.

The 465th Bomb Group served as a strategic bombardment group on two different missions, bombing strategic points near Vienna, Austria, on July 8, 1944, and two steel plants at Friedrichshafen, Germany, on August 3, 1944. His group was given a Distinguished Unit Citation for carrying out their missions despite enemy anti-aircraft and fighter pilot fire.

Mr. Gottlieb was born in 1925, and spent most of his life in Brooklyn, New York. As a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America, Mr. Gottlieb travelled by train through the State of Colorado to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Northern New Mexico, where he first saw and fell in love with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, vowing to one day live there. In 1990, he moved to Ft. Garland, Colorado, and has been residing at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake since 2006.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Richard Gottlieb for his service to our country during WWII and for the contributions he made to preserve our freedom.