About Bruce…
I am running for County Commissioner because I have a passion for the people of La Plata County, and for the landscape that we all call home. I believe that my commitment to public service, my experience and skills and my understanding of the needs of both town and rural residents will best enable our county to move forward in these challenging times.
Bruce and his wife of 28 years, Lucy, and their two daughters live on their ranch in western La Plata County, where they raise cattle, goats and horses. Bruce has a BA in Biology from Earlham College, and received both his law degree and his Masters of Arts degree from the University of Denver. In addition to working as staff attorney for the Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Bruce practiced law and has taught courses for Colorado State University, Utah State University and the Rocky Mountain Institute of Foreign Trade and Finance.
When he is not working on energy issues or on the family ranch, Bruce enjoys downhill and cross-country skiing and horse packing and backpacking in the San Juan Mountains with his family. Bruce also enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, whether on doubles sand courts or indoor courts.
Experience
Bruce understands how government works…
I have twenty years of experience working with all levels of government: federal, state, tribal and local. I have drafted legislation, testified before state and federal legislative committees, been appointed to governors’ task forces, worked closely with agency officials, and advised county governments. While I have seen government working at all levels, I believe that county government is the level where we can most effectively carry out our democratic form of government.
Bruce understands the issues facing La Plata County…
From tourism and recreation to agriculture to energy to protecting our land and water, I have three decades of personal experience with the issues that are important to all of us here in southwestern Colorado. Careful stewardship of the landscape that keeps us here and sustains our economy is the key to our future in La Plata County.
Bruce knows how important healthy families are to our communities…
I have seen in my own family – as a foster and adoptive parent and as a parent of a child with special needs – how important it is to have access to good schools, supportive human services and a variety of family support resources. I believe that the question of “How are the children of La Plata County?” is one that we must continue to address well if we are to maintain our healthy communities.
Values
Hard work and achieving results…
I believe in achieving on-the-ground results that make a difference in people’s lives. Preparation, perseverance and ‘parking your ego at the door’ all go a long way towards actually getting things done, in my experience.
Working together…
I believe that we must work together with our partners – towns, state, federal and tribal governments, business and the nonprofit sector – to effectively address the issues that face us. As budgets get tighter, we must look carefully at how we can best provide the range of services that we all need.
Service
Over the years, Bruce has volunteered his service to a number of community organizations and efforts: 4-H, La Plata Open Space Conservancy, Southwest Land Alliance, 4CORE, the La Plata Child Protection Team, and the Colorado State Foster Parent Association.