In response to Sue Benjamin’s letter dated Sept. 25, some misinformation needs to be corrected. The JBC, under Rep. Bernie Buescher’s leadership had discussed and recommended “scenarios to cut spending” to include a hiring freeze and the committee sent a letter to Gov. Ritter requesting that his office develop a contingency plan to deal with the budget forecast developed by legislative staff.

Additionally, Rep. Buescher, together with state Treasurer Cary Kennedy, led the fight to hold back on $269 million in state spending until the “budget picture was clear.” However, Gov. Ritter, Republican leaders and many Democrats joined ranks to defeat the Buescher/Kennedy proposal, and Ritter decided instead to “stick by” the forecast of his own Office of State Planning and Budgeting.

Rep. Buescher has taken seriously the fiscal responsibilities with which he has been entrusted as chairman of the JBC and continued to provide sound advice to Gov. Ritter and other legislators to keep our state economy strong and the budget viable.

Bernie’s legislative accomplishments include working on SB 235 to protect PERA, sponsoring legislation redistributing federal mineral lease revenues to create a permanent fund, helping communities deal with the impacts of oil and gas development, sponsoring legislation to promote Colorado’s renewable energy, and many other important initiatives that have greatly benefited the citizens in our state. His accomplishments are too many to list here, but it is obvious that the accomplishments of his opponent pale in comparison.

Rep. Bernie Buescher continues to advocate for the needs of our community, as well as those of the entire Western Slope. I can think of no finer person to represent us in Denver than Bernie Buescher.  He has my vote as well as my on-going support.

DONNA MILLER
Grand Junction

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