Brian O'Donnell
for State Representative
Press Releases
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O’Donnell Slams Proposals for Drastic Cuts to Fort Lewis College
For Immediate Release:
January 16, 2010
Contact:
Brian O’Donnell 970-779-8840
O’Donnell Slams Proposals for Drastic Cuts to Fort Lewis CollegeDURANGO - Brian O’Donnell, candidate for State Representative in Colorado’s 59th District made the following statement in response to legislative proposals to drastically cut Fort Lewis College’s state funding:
“Last month, I read the Durango Herald’s story, “Fort Lewis College biggest loser in budget proposal” with dismay. Fort Lewis College stands to lose almost a third of its state funding under the Governor’s budget plan. The news out of Denver today is even worse, “State Eyes Cuts to FLC Indians.” (Durango Herald, January 16, 2010)
The State of Colorado is in the midst of a budget crisis, one that won’t be fixed overnight, and one that shouldn’t be addressed with shortsighted actions. The proposed cuts to Fort Lewis are unfair and excessive. No other state higher education institution is being singled out this way.
Having lawmakers from the Front Range try to balance the budget by placing a higher burden on Southwest Colorado, and singling out Fort Lewis College for excessive cuts is unacceptable.
One of the reasons I’m running for the State House is to make sure that Southwest Colorado gets the share of government services it deserves. We may be a long way from Denver, but we can make our voices heard with the right representation there. If elected, I will stand with Fort Lewis students, faculty, staff and our community to make sure that Fort Lewis is not subject to harsher cuts than other institutions. And, I will ensure that the State of Colorado lives up to its commitments to Native American students.”
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O’Donnell Starts Election Year in Strong Financial Position
For Immediate Release:
January 5, 2010
Contact: Brian O’Donnell 970-779-8840
O’Donnell Starts Election Year in Strong Financial Position
Fundraising approaches $50,000
DURANGO - 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.”
O’Donnell describes himself as a moderate candidate. He strongly supports fiscal responsibility and increased efficiency in government services.
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Paid for by O'Donnell for Colorado
P.O. Box 2191
Durango, CO 81301-2191
www.brianodonnell.org
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O'Donnell announces bid for Colorado State House
For Immediate Release:
July 15, 2009
Contact: Brian O’Donnell
(970) 764-4113
DURANGO – Brian O’Donnell, a Democrat from Durango, announced his candidacy today for the Colorado State House in the 59th District.
“I am running because we need to improve the economy of Southwest Colorado, make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable, and protect our land and water,” said O’Donnell.
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 pledge to represent all of the citizens in House District 59, whether you live in Archuleta, La Plata, San Juan or Montezuma County.
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.
I will always put the needs of our district ahead of partisanship, and I will ensure fiscal discipline in our state government,” said O’Donnell.
A veteran campaigner, 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.
O’Donnell will be touring the district in the coming weeks and months to hear from voters about the issues that matter most to them.
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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