Brian O'Donnell
for State Representative
Blog
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Reminder: Precinct Caucuses are March 16th
Posted Mar 01 at 9 PM
Mark your calendars for March 16th.
Precinct caucuses will take place across Colorado on the evening of the 16th. If you don't know what precinct you live in, you can find it through the Secretary of State's site:
www.sos.state.co.us/Voter/voterHome.do
After entering your information, scroll down to number 10 - precinct
You'll see a 10 digit number, the last two digits are your precinct
for example - 3065904003 is precinct 3.
Precinct caucus locations and start times are posted at:
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Durango Herald: Ignacio rancher seeks 59th House seat
Posted Feb 24 at 7 AM
by Dale Rodebaugh
Herald Staff WriterWednesday, February 24, 2010 12:00AM
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Ignacio sheepman J. Paul Brown Brown, a La Plata County commissioner for four years and an Ignacio school board member for 12 years, announced his candidacy on the steps of the County Courthouse before about 40 family members and friends. The theme of his announcement was aimed at reining in galloping government, taxation and regulation.“Our country and our state have been governed too long by folks who think that government is the whole answer," Brown said. “I believe in a citizen legislature, one in which representatives go to the Capitol, govern only part time, and then return home to work, make payroll and pay taxes."
The state must live within its means, Brown said. When income is down, the state must curb spending the same as individuals and businesses. Raising taxes and imposing unneeded regulations that are bad for business and jobs is not the way to go, he said.
Brown said he would reverse the trend of state and federal governments, which he thinks have overstepped their constitutional authority. Government is supposed to be by the people and for the people, he said.
Applause and expressions of “amen" interrupted him a number of times.
Brown, who will turn 57 on Sunday and has ranched in the county since 1976, said before making his candidacy official that he has been considering a run for the Legislature since he was on the school board. But the decision was made 10 days ago, he said.
Among his other points: - “We must restart the free-enterprise engine that has sustained our state for years."
- “We must make the state government as lean and efficient as possible."
- “We must protect our environment, but we must be careful that regulations truly address the concern and that they don't trample on property rights."
Already in the race to replace Roberts, R-Durango, who is challenging Bruce Whitehead, D-Hesperus, are Democrat Brian O'Donnell of Durango and Republican Gary Kennedy of Mancos. Another Republican, Lew Webb of Durango, dropped out of the race in November over differences with the GOP in La Plata County.
The 59th District stretches across Archuleta and La Plata counties to take in part of Montezuma County.
Roberts, who has served two terms, wants to make Whitehead's tenure in the Senate a short one. Whitehead was appointed to the 6th District seat last spring, replacing Jim Isgar, who resigned to take a U.S. Department of Agriculture post in Denver.
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New Challenger Enters Race
Posted Feb 16 at 7 AM
DURANGO HERALD
Mancos hopeful Gary Kennedy moves election bid to state House
by Steve Grazier
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Durango Democrat Brian O'Donnell will have a challenger for his bid to replace Ellen Roberts as the region's representative to the state House.
Mancos Republican Gary Kennedy announced he's backing off his bid for the U.S. Senate and instead will vie for the open 59th District seat.“Financially, the Senate race was getting tough on me," Kennedy said last week. “This is quite a jump in the other direction, but I can still benefit Colorado. I needed to step back."
Neither O'Donnell nor Ken-nedy has an opponent in the Nov. 2 election in their respective party's primary race. In November 2009, Republican Lew Webb of Durango dropped out of the race because of differences with the La Plata County GOP.
The 59th District encompasses part of Montezuma County and all of La Plata and Archuleta counties.
A meeting last week with Montezuma County Republicans prompted Kennedy to rethink his status in the Senate race and consider the 59th District. A handful of state Republicans are running for the U.S. Senate, including former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton.
Kennedy met Feb. 4 with former county chairman Bob Gaddis and 58th District GOP hopeful Mark Rodgers to discuss a state House endeavor.
“They came to me and said I could get some support on that side," Kennedy said.
Kennedy noted that issues he needs to “brush up" on for the 59th District campaign include health care, the state budget and transportation. He said government should reduce taxes and get more money into people's pockets.
“We need to rebuild the private sector and increase jobs," Kennedy said. “It's important we get people back to work, rather than taxing them to death."
Kennedy, 53, is superintendent of the Mancos Water Conservancy District, which provides irrigation and tap water for the Mancos Valley and Mesa Verde National Park. He said he would oppose transferring West Slope water to the Front Range in any future dealings at the state Capitol.
In addition to his 20 years of water experience, Kennedy served on the Mancos School District Re-6 board for five years and is a former oil-field worker in the region. He is a third-generation Montezuma County resident.
At last count, O'Donnell had more than $42,000 cash on hand to spend on his election bid. He was a national delegate representing Colorado's 3rd Congressional District at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Kennedy said he raised “some money" during his run for U.S. Senate and needs to catch up on fundraising.
O'Donnell and Kennedy will battle to replace Roberts, R-Durango, who is vacating her seat after two terms to run for the state Senate. Sen. Bruce Whitehead, of Hesperus, is the Democrat in that race.
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Cortez Journal: GOP seeks candidate for 59th
Posted Feb 09 at 9 AM
Steve Grazier
Journal Staff WriterSouthwest Colorado Republicans are scrambling to find a candidate to run for a seat they have controlled in the state Legislature for the past decade.
Since 59th District Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, is not seeking a third term - as she vies for the Colorado senate in District 6 - her seat is open going into November's general election. Roberts was first elected in 2006. She followed four-term Rep. Mark Larson, a Republican formerly of Cortez.
A local GOP official could not pinpoint a precise reason for the candidate shortage.
"I'm unsure on the lack of interest we have (in the 59th)," said Pat Rule, the Montezuma County Republican chairwoman. "People are saying the timing just isn't right personally and for their families."
The 59th District seat being an open election should be attractive to candidates, Rule said.
"(You) don't have to battle an incumbent or face a primary, which makes it much easier," she said.
Last November, Republican Lew Webb dropped his bid because "the La Plata County GOP machine" reportedly deemed him too conservative. Webb, of Durango, announced his departure from the race in a paid advertisement in The Durango Herald.
With Webb out of the race for nearly three months, Republicans seem to be courting political newcomer and water guru Gary Kennedy, of Mancos, who in a crowded field is seeking the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate.
Mark Rodgers, a local Republican activist and candidate for House District 58, queried Kennedy during a Thursday GOP luncheon at Shiloh Steak House about switching races.
"We'd like you to step back from the senate (race) and run for the 59th," Rodgers told Kennedy, who serves as superintendent of the Mancos Water Conservancy District.
In response, Kennedy said he will listen to any suggestions.
Kennedy could not be reached by phone Friday for comment. His wife noted that he was en route to Glenwood Springs for a weekend campaign event related to the U.S. Senate.
The lone horse in the race for the 59th District position is Democrat Brian O'Donnell, also of Durango. At last count, he has more than $42,000 cash on hand to spend on his election bid.
"I'm still working hard and not taking anything for granted," O'Donnell said about the absence of a GOP contender. "We're running the race as if we have an opponent. I imagine we'll see someone get in at some point."
O'Donnell was a national delegate representing Colorado's Third Congressional District at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Colorado House District 59 encompasses part of Montezuma County and all of La Plata and Archuleta counties.
Reach Steve Grazier at steveg@cortezjournal.com.
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Help Stop Fort Lewis Cuts - Here's How:
Posted Jan 21 at 8 AM
There are two ways that you can help defeat the Fort Lewis Bill that would affect the reimbursement rate that Fort Lewis would receive for Native American students. Below is the list of House Education Committee Members who will be deciding whether the Fort Lewis bill passes it's first hurdle this upcoming Monday. Pass this along to your networks along with the talking points below. Friends of Fort Lewis should call and email the members below. Emails that are personal are always more effective.
Also, interested individuals in the Denver area should come to the Capitol and testify before the committee on Monday, January 25th. There are undecided members of the Education Committee and a strong showing does show that the issue is important to the community - especially when the other side won't have a strong presence. The Committee is the House Education Committee & the bill is the fourth bill being heard on Monday, so the FLC bill probably won't be up before 2:30, but people should arrive by 2 PM. The committee room is in the basement of the State Capitol, room 0112. You can park across Grant street in pay parking, and public entrances are on the North & South side of the Capitol. People who are interested in testifying need to sign in with the clerks (who are wearing green jackets) when they arrive. Everyone is welcome to testify during committee hearings on bills.
Committee Members to call & email:
Representative Mike Merrifield, Chairman; Cap: 303-866-2932; E-mail: michael.merrifield.house@state.co.us
Representative Judy Solano, Vice-Chairman; Cap: 303-866-2918; E-mail: judy.solano.house@state.co.us
Representative Debbie Benefield, Cap: 303-866-2950; E-mail: debbie@debbiebenefield.org
Rep Tom Massey, Cap: 303-866-2747; E-mail: tom.massey.house@state.co.us
Rep. Frank McNulty, Cap: 303-866-2936
Middleton,
Rep Carrol Murray, Cap: 303-866-2948; E-mail: murrayhouse45@gmail.com
Rep Cherylin Peniston, Cap: 303-866-2843; E-mail: cherylin.peniston.house@state.co.us
Rep Christine Scanlan, Cap: 303-866-2952; E-mail: christine.scanlan.house@state.co.us
Rep Sue Schafer, Cap: 303-866-5522; E-mail: sue.schafer.house@state.co.us
Rep Ken Summers, Cap: 303-866-2927; E-mail: ken.summers.house@state.co.us
Rep. Scott Tipton, Cap: 303-866-2955; E-mail: COHD58@yahoo.com
Rep Nancy Todd, Cap: 303-866-2919; E-mail: nancy.todd.house@state.co.us
TPoints to make:
• Please vote NO on HB 1067, regarding Colorado's reimbursement rate to Fort Lewis College for out-of-state Native American Students.• In 1911, Congress gave Fort Lewis to the state with the contractual promise from the state that it would permanently provide Native American education free of charge and equal to that of Anglo students
• A Federal 10th Circuit Court Case in the 1970's reaffirmed that contractual obligation
• If HB 1067 passes, Native Americans would still receive free education at Fort Lewis College and The State of Colorado will continue to reimburse Fort Lewis College for qualified Native American students. What’s being discussed by the State Legislature is a reduction in the amount of reimbursement that FLC will receive.
• HB 1067 would reduce the amount of money the state will reimburse Fort Lewis College for out-of-state Native American students by approximately $3,000 per student. Currently, FLC receives approximately $16,000 in state reimbursement for the education of each out-of-state Native American student. The state is proposing a cost of $13,000 per out-of-state Native American students, which is estimated to be the cost of instruction.
• This amount will result in a $1.8 million reduction in funding, or $490 per every student that attends the College (Native American and non-Native American). Obviously, a budget reduction of this magnitude will have a devastating impact on FLC’s ability to offer a quality education, as it could very well lead to larger class sizes, reduction of support services, more use of part-time faculty, etc.• FLC’s General Fund appropriation has already been reduced by the state – several years ago – to account for the Native American reimbursement received by the State.
Thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors at Fort Lewis. Together, we can stop this legislation.
Brian O'Donnell
Candidate for State House, District 59
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Pagosa Daily Post: Candidate O'Donnell Pleased with Fundraising Effort
Posted Jan 09 at 11 AM
Brian O’Donnell, candidate for State Representative in Colorado’s 59th District, heads into the 2010 election year in a strong financial position. O’Donnell’s campaign will file a year-end financial report that shows fundraising totals nearing $50,000 with more than $42,000 cash on hand. For the second quarter in a row, O’Donnell raised more than $20,000, and is on pace for record fundraising totals.
“I’m proud of our campaign’s strong start and grateful for the support I have received,” said O’Donnell.
O’Donnell’s financial support comes from individuals across Southwest Colorado and his friends throughout the country. The more than 250 contributors include Democrats, unaffiliated voters and Republicans.
“Candidates are advised to start fundraising from individuals on their Christmas card list,” said O’Donnell, “I am fortunate to have a lot of friends on my Christmas card list.”
O’Donnell entered the race in July and spent his time during the past months meeting with voters, building a campaign team, and fundraising.
“I am running to improve the economy of Southwest Colorado, make health care more accessible and affordable, and protect our land and water,” said O’Donnell. “The resources raised by my campaign will help us get our message out to more voters in the 59th district.”
Brian has been active in politics for more than a decade, volunteering on campaigns for candidates at all levels of government. He beat out dozens of other candidates to become a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Because of his expertise on energy, water and land issues he was asked to serve on the steering committee for the Obama campaign’s national energy and environment policy committee. Brian is an independent thinker, who works well with others and finds ways to bridge divides and get things done.
The 59th District includes Durango, Silverton, Bayfield, Ignacio, and Pagosa Springs.
Brian cares deeply about the great quality of life residents of southwest Colorado enjoy. In his free time he enjoys hiking, rafting, fishing, hunting and camping throughout southwest Colorado. Brian is a member of the Five Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.O’Donnell describes himself as a moderate candidate. He strongly supports fiscal responsibility and increased efficiency in government services. Find out more at the candidate's website.
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Southwest Business Forum
Posted Jan 07 at 10 PM
On Friday, I will be attending the18th Annual Southwest Business Forum. The event takes place at Fort Lewis College from 7:30-11:30am and will feature economists from the University of Colorado, Wells Fargo Bank, and Fort Lewis College.
I met a number of the economists at a reception this evening where they discussed their outlook for the national and local economy. They were all generally optimistic about an improved economy in 2010.
I have a degree in economics and am very interested in tomorrow's discussion. Southwest Colorado needs to find ways to diversify our economy and create better paying jobs. Our region lags behind the state and national average in median income - this is especially true in Montezuma and Archuleta Counties.
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Economic Roundtable Discussion with U.S. Sen. Bennet
Posted Jan 03 at 7 PM
Earlier today I participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. The event brought together small-business owners, educators and community leaders to explore ideas for job creation and economic improvement in our region.
Much of the meeting focused on the need to increase the availibility of credit to small business. The importance of Investment in education was also discussed.
Thanks to the business leaders and educators who participated. It was a thoughtful discussion with many good ideas shared.
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Congratulations to the Fort Lewis College Men's Soccer Team!
Posted Dec 06 at 2 PM
Yesterday the Fort Lewis College Men's Soccer Team won the Division II National Championship in Tampa Florida. The win marks the 2nd National Championship in the past 5 years for Fort. Lewis.
Congratulations to coach Oige Kennedy and all of the Skyhawks players. A terrific season was topped with the ultimate success.
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Cortez Journal: Republican drops bid for House seat
Posted Nov 21 at 2 PM
The sole Republican in the hunt for the Colorado House District 59 seat has exited the race.
Lew Webb, R-Durango, announced Thursday he was dropping out of the race because of differences with the La Plata County GOP.
"I feel like ... I'm fighting city hall to a degree and not being supported by the leadership in my own party," Webb wrote in a Durango Herald ad paid for by his campaign committee. "It would be foolish of me to stand in the way of what the party leadership seems to want, and so I will step aside and defer to their judgment. ..."
The former candidate also stated he was confident the "La Plata County Republican machine" would field a moderate candidate they feel comfortable in supporting.
During his July campaign announcement, Webb said he favors a smaller, less intrusive government and is "a proud conservative who believes in American and family values." Oil and gas and water rights were topics he planned to discuss at public forums.
Webb's statement acknowledged he had admirable support from party leaders in Montezuma and Archuleta counties, along with La Plata County voters. The 59th District encompasses part of Montezuma County and all of La Plata and Archuleta counties.
Montezuma County GOP Central Committee chairwoman Pat Rule said party leaders are searching for a replacement.
"We're actively looking for someone in Montezuma County and the 59th," said Rule, who was unsure of any Republican who now might be considering a bid for the seat. "It's sad to see Lew go."
Webb, 51, was vying for the House seat of current Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, who is running for the state Senate. He likely would have faced Durango Democrat Brian O'Donnell in the November 2010 general election.
O'Donnell offered his formal rival a thumbs up in a prepared statement he e-mailed Thursday afternoon.
"I offer my best wishes to Lew Webb," O'Donnell said. Campaigning is hard work, and anyone who participates in our democracy has my respect."
Webb's bid for the 59th District seat would have been his first run for political office. He declined further comment Thursday when reached by the Journal.
Reach Steve Grazier at steveg@cortezjournal.com.
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Statement on Republican Lew Webb’s announcement that he is dropping out of the race
Posted Nov 19 at 5 PM
“This news won’t change my campaign. I’m running to improve the economy of southwest Colorado, make health care more accessible and affordable and protect our land and water. As a moderate candidate who will ensure fiscal responsibility in office, I plan to earn support from Independent and Republican voters as well as Democrats.
We are off to a great start in this campaign. We have already exceeded our early fundraising goals and are on pace for a record end of the year. We have a great campaign team and many volunteers signed up.
I offer my best wishes to Lew Webb. Campaigning is hard work, and anyone who participates in our democracy has my respect.”-30-
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Education Funding Forum
Posted Nov 11 at 9 PM
Earlier tonight I attended a forum regarding education funding in Colorado. Leaders from the Durango, Pagosa, Mancos, Ignacio and Cortez school districts made the case for sparing education from the cuts planned in next year's state budget.
Colorado lags behind the rest of the nation in education funding, often rated number 43 or lower in a host of state by state measures. While there are many programs that our state funds that are facing shortfalls, cutting education in my view is shortsighted. Education is an investment in our state's future, in our society, and our children.
Thanks to the educators, staff, education associations and the public for participating in this important discussion.
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Archuleta County Dems Chili Supper
Posted Oct 10 at 8 AM
I will be at the Pagosa Springs Community Center tonight for the Archuleta County Democrats Annual Chili Supper.
I will be speaking at the event along with Congressman John Salazar and State Senator Bruce Whitehead.
The event kicks off at 5pm. Come on by and show your support!
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Animas River Cleanup
Posted Sep 19 at 3 PM
Earlier today I joined a group of about 30 volunteers organized by the Five Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited for the annual Animas River cleanup.
I picked up trash from the high bridge south to Home Depot. The good news was that there seemed to be less trash than in past years, but there was still a significant amount of trash along the river bank.
Thanks to TU for organizing the event and for all of the volunteers who spent part of their Saturday cleaning up the River. The City of Durango also helped by providing trash bags and arranging for their pick up.
Our river is in a little better shape today.
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Thank You Citizens of San Juan County
Posted Sep 18 at 9 AM
Last night I was in Silverton for the open house at the Silverton School. School administrators, teachers and students did a fantastic job discussing the proposed compehensive rehabilitation project and its educational and communtiy benefits.
Silverton School ranks in the top 10% of neediest schools in the state in terms of critcal health and safety issues. They've had to deal with space heaters to keep the school warm since their boiler broke down last year.
I learned a lot about the issues the school faces, and had a great time meeting teachers, parents and concerned citizens.
I also had a chance to stop by Operation Link-Up and show my support for the citizens of Silverton in their efforts to get Qwest to honor their contract to provide San Juan County with a fiber optic link. San Juan County is the only county in Colorado that doesn't have a fiber optic link -in violation of Qwest's contract with the State to provide fiber optic links to every county seat. Project link-up had a chili cookoff to raise money for their cause. I can attest to the fact that Silverton residents like their chili hot. The chili was great!
San Juan County citizens - Thanks for a great evening in Silverton and for spending time talking to me about the issues that are important to San Juan County.
Brian
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Colorado Statesman: Candidates Start Early in HD 59
Posted Aug 02 at 3 PM
By Katy Schultz
THE COLORADO STATESMANColorado’s Four Corners area regularly sends both Democrats and Republican legislators to the Capitol, and House District 59, a swing district, is shaping up as battleground territory in the 2010 election.
The seat, now held by Republican Ellen Roberts, will be open in 2010 as Roberts runs for the Senate District 6 seat being vacated by Democrat Jim Isgar.
The Democrats are pinning their hopes on Brian O’Donnell, executive director of the Colorado-based non-profit National Conservation System Foundation, while Republicans look to Lew Webb, a second-generation automobile dealer originally from Orange County, Calif.
Both men are making their first run for public office in HD 59, which lies on Colorado’s border with New Mexico and includes the cities of Durango, Pagosa Springs, Cortez and Silverton.
O’Donnell, of Durango, made his formal political debut as a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.
“I think there is a great opportunity to give back to the community of southwest Colorado,” said O’Donnell, who hopes to champion health care reform and land and water conservation legislation if elected.
Because party affiliation in HD 59 is so evenly divided, candidates from both parties tend to take moderate positions.
“I think I will be able to appeal to the middle,” said O’Donnell who said he favors gun rights and a conservative fiscal policy, in contrast to more liberal Democrats.
However, he also said he would push aggressively for health care reform and green legislation.
“I think I am a moderate candidate who can get along with both sides of the aisle,” O’Donnell said.
O’Donnell plans to hit the campaign trail hard, meeting constituents and listening to their views on issues facing southwest Colorado.
O’Donnell admits he “doesn’t know a lot” about his opponent, Webb, but is confident he can beat him by appealing to a wider demographic.
“I’m going to run a positive campaign,” said O’Donnell. “I feel it’s important to run a strong grassroots campaign. I want to represent all of District 59. It’s a diverse demographic district.”
Webb, like O’Donnell, is making his first run for public office in HD 59 — excluding a run for president of his second-grade class.
“I didn’t just wake up one day and decide I wanted to be in government,” said Webb. “I have always been very politically aware and very active in political debate and conversation.”
Webb said he had been approached by both unaffiliated voters and Republicans who asked if he would consider running for office.
His interest in seeking office comes from dissatisfaction with “the direction government is going theses days” and his love of the state.
“Southwestern Colorado is a very interesting place. I love it!” said Webb.
He realizes the path to political success in HD 59 goes straight down the middle of the road.
“I think for anybody to get anything done these days, you have to be willing to work together as Americans,” said Webb.
Webb presents himself as a straight shooting businessman who says he wants to wait until he finds his way around Capitol Hill before he commits to pushing any political agenda.
“My background is in business. I’m not a career politician,” said Webb. “It seems these days politicians want to dance around and not answer questions directly.”
Both candidates will be closely watching the 2010 legislative session as they determine their campaign strategies.
“A lot will depend upon the forecast for revenue and how well the economy is doing a year from now,” said O’Donnell.
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Durango Herald: Lyon decides not to seek House seat
Posted Jul 31 at 4 PM
Lyon decides not to seek House seat
Councilor cites work, family commitments
by Garrett Andrews
Friday, July 31, 2009Durango City Councilor Doug Lyon, who had publicly toyed with the idea of seeking the District 59 seat in the Colorado House of Representatives, said Thursday that work and family will keep him from running. "I don't believe I can adequately balance the responsibilities of working at Fort Lewis College and representing the 59th District with my responsibilities to my family," Lyon said Thursday. "I have a daughter going into eighth grade and a daughter going into ninth grade, and I feel that I would be out of their lives to a degree that is unacceptable to me."
The seat is held by Durango Republican Ellen Roberts, who was first elected in 2006 but is running for the state Senate in 2010. Roberts is seeking the state Senate seat vacated by Democrat Jim Isgar, who was recently appointed to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development office in Denver.
So far, Democrat Brian O'Donnell and Republican Lew Webb are pursuing the state House seat.
Lyon announced to the Montezuma County Republican Party and The Durango Herald earlier this month that he was "carefully considering" a run for the House. He is in his fourth year on the council. The FLC business professor has lived in Durango since 1982 and is a 1987 FLC graduate.
Lyon said that in the last few weeks, he was heartened by positive comments from supportive friends, and, at 45 years old, this isn't his last chance to run for state office.
"I've been around for a while, I'll be around in the future," he said.
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From the Denver Post - Politics West
Posted Jul 22 at 12 PM
Fast-fingered Democrat gets in House race
By: Lynn Bartels
7/20/2009 - 3:00pm
Brian O’Donnell, a Durango Democrat running for the legislature, doesn’t have to worry about wooing he Capitol press corps if he wins his race.
O’Donnell already has a leg up, considering that:
- As a delegate to the Democratic National Convention he volunteered to send a dispatch or two to an editor for a Blackberry-less reporter.
- When President Barack Obama came to Denver in February for his first bill signing, it was O’Donnell who taught the same reporter a couple of shortcuts on her new Blackberry.
(The name of the techo-challenged reporter is being withheld.)
O’Donnell, 38, is executive director of a southwest Colorado based non-profit
organization, the National Conservation System Foundation. O’Donnell previously worked as a director for the sportsmen’s group Trout Unlimited.
He is running for the seat now held by Republican Ellen Roberts, who is running for the Senate next year.
O’Donnell, and his wife Melyssa have lived in La Plata County for more than a decade. They have an 18-month old daughter, Kara, who was born in Durango.
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Durango Telegraph: Race Underway
Posted Jul 16 at 9 AM
This week's Durango Telegraph included the following article on the HD 59 race:
Race for Colorado House underway
Brian O’Donnell, a Democrat from Durango, announced his candidacy today for the Colorado State House in the 59th District. Lew Webb, a Durango Republican, has also declared his intention of running for State Rep. Ellen Roberts’ seat. Roberts, also a Durango Republican, announced her bid for the Colorado Senate in June.
O’Donnell, 38, works as the Executive Director of a Southwest Colorado based non-profit organization, the National Conservation System Foundation. O’Donnell previously worked as the national Public Lands Director for the sportsmen’s group Trout Unlimited.
Upon announcing his candidacy, O’Donnell stated the importance of representing all parts of the district and working across party lines. “I am running because we need to improve the economy of Southwest Colorado, make quality health care more accessible and affordable, and protect our land and water,” said O’Donnell. “I pledge to represent all of the citizens in House District 59, whether you live in Archuleta, La Plata, San Juan or Montezuma County.”
O’Donnell has been involved in politics for more than 15 years including work on congressional and presidential campaigns. Because of his expertise on energy, water and land issues, O’Donnell was appointed to the Obama Campaign’s national energy and environment policy committee.
Webb is campaigning on a platform of smaller and less intrusive government.
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Durango Herald story on announcement
Posted Jul 16 at 9 AM
Today's Durango Herald ran a story on Brian's campaign announcement:
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Durango Democrat to run for House seat
Herald Staff Report Article Last Updated; Thursday, July 16, 2009Durango Democrat Brian O'Donnell has formally entered the race for Southwest Colorado's state House seat.
O'Donnell, 38, signaled last month that he was interested in the seat currently held by Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango. The seat will be open because Roberts is running for state Senate.
On the Republican side, businessman Lew Webb of Durango has entered the race, and Durango City Councilor Doug Lyon is "carefully considering" it.
O'Donnell is executive director of the National Conservation System Foundation. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention last year in Denver.
"I will work hard in the Legislature to ensure that the citizens of Southwest Colorado get their fair share of government services, I will fight any effort to take our water, and I will stand up for the needs of our rural communities," O'Donnell said in a statement announcing his candidacy.
The district encompasses Archuleta, La Plata, San Juan and eastern Montezuma counties, including most of the city of Cortez.
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First Stories About Campaign Announcement
Posted Jul 15 at 8 PM
Here are a couple of early stories on the web about Brian O'Donnell's announcement for Colorado State House today:
ColoradoPols.com had this:
Democrats have a candidate for the state House seat currently held by GOP Rep. Ellen Roberts, who in turn has announced her intention to run for Rep. Jim Isgar's soon-to-be-vacated Senate seat. Brian O'Donnell, a former executive of the popular environmental advocacy group Trout Unlimited, has campaign experience and can be expected to fight hard for this swing Durango-area district. Release follows--says O'Donnell, "I will work hard in the Legislature to ensure that the citizens of Southwest Colorado get their fare share of government services, I will fight any effort to take our water, and I will stand up for the needs of our rural communities."
SquareState.net had this:
Another candidate, just announcing, is Brian O'Donnell for HD59. Ellen Roberts is leaving that seat to try for the vacated SD2 seat now that Jim Isgar is joining the Obama administration. I don't know when Brian's birthday is, but I'm guessing he reads squarestate. He's following us on twitter, sent an announcement about his campaign, and I like his website. There are no other announced HD59 candidates.
