Colorado Supreme Court approves
new state legislative district maps
The Colorado Supreme Court on Monday approved new legislative district maps for the state that shift state Sen. Cleave Simpson’s district both in district number and in the area he will represent.
The new Colorado Senate District maps place Simpson in Senate District 6 which consists of 14 counties that include the six-county San Luis Valley and counties west to the Utah border. The redistricting map changes take effect in 2023.
“I continue to be honored and humbled to represent the people of Colorado, independent of the lines drawn on a map,” Simpson said in a statement to the Alamosa Citizen. “Traveling around the state this summer with a handful of legislators from very different districts, it was easy to highlight the differences in our districts.
“The uplifting experience,” he said, “was that even recognizing our differences there is also great pride in the fact that we have so much more in common. People of Colorado strive for the same things; prosperous, uplifting, safe and resilient communities.”
State Rep. Donald Valdez remained in state house District 62. Valdez is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 3rd Congressional U.S. House seat.
Simpson, who was elected in 2020 to represent Colorado Senate District 35, said his new senate district has similar characteristics.
“I recognize that the two Senate Districts are really not that dissimilar,” he said. “Both districts are dominated by rural counties that share a variety of similar challenges and opportunities. Health care issues, including behavioral health care issues, are a dominant issue for both districts and the state. Cost of living concerns, public safety, education system (pre-k through higher ed) challenges and veterans issues to name just a few other high priority concerns. I look forward to working for the constituents of district 35 and district 6.”
Simpson’s full statement on the redistricting maps is HERE.
Roni Wisdom appointed interim
Alamosa County administrator
Roni Wisdom, former Rio Grande County administrator, has been appointed interim Alamosa County administrator following the departure of Gigi Dennis to Monte Vista. Wisdom has been working as Alamosa County Controller since 2019.
The Alamosa Board of County Commission meets again Nov. 17, their one meeting this month. Alamosa County is conducting a full search to replace Dennis. Wisdom said she plans to apply for the position.
Wolf Creek Pass will be closed briefly
on Thursday morning
The Colorado Department of Transportation will close U.S. Highway 160 Wolf Creek Pass later this week on Thursday morning, Nov. 18. The lengthy closure is needed to allow for helicopter operations and preparations of avalanche mitigation equipment for the upcoming winter season.
TRAFFIC IMPACT
The one-day helicopter operations will take place for at least a two hour period on Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Motorists will encounter full stops at closure points on the west side of the pass at Treasure Falls (MP 157) and near the pass summit (MP 166). Travelers should plan ahead or anticipate at least a two hour closure.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts, and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
- Road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
seeks input from big game hunters
CPW is randomly selecting approximately 160,000 big game hunters to participate in its annual harvest survey. CPW’s annual Big Game Harvest Survey collects hunt and harvest information from deer, elk and pronghorn hunters.
Hunters are asked questions that relate to where and when they hunted, whether they harvested, what they harvested, and whether they were satisfied with the herd. The information will help CPW biologists estimate annual big game harvest and population numbers and set future license numbers.
New for 2021: At the end of the survey, hunters can choose to answer five additional questions.
“The five optional questions at the end of this year’s survey will collect feedback from hunters on crowding, satisfaction, and preferences for future herd management,” said CPW Terrestrial Data Analyst Sherri Huwer. “Hunters, please answer those questions as well to help CPW manage our herds for future generations.”
Who can take the survey?
Only those who have been randomly selected by CPW are eligible to take the survey. If a hunter has been selected to participate, they will be contacted via email and/or phone. If they are not contacted, they cannot take the survey.
The big game harvest estimates will be posted on the CPW website in March.
Other Feedback Opportunities:
Hunters not randomly selected to complete the Big Game Harvest Survey have another opportunity to provide feedback on hunting in Colorado via the Big Game Hunting License Distribution Public Comment Form. Feedback must be submitted by Nov. 22, 2021.
CPW is considering changes to policies and regulations that direct the distribution of big game hunting licenses. To help inform this process, CPW is asking hunters for feedback on what topics they think are the highest priority for the agency to review over the coming year.
All hunters are welcome to submit feedback via the Big Game Hunting License Distribution Public Comment Form. Hunters selected to complete the Big Game Harvest Survey can also submit feedback on the Big Game Hunting License Distribution Public Comment Form.