By Mark Larson
State Representative

Last summer I chaired the Oil and Gas Interim Study Committee while sitting on two other interim committees. By the end of the summer I said, "Never again!" Chairing and organizing an interim committee is similar to managing a 24-hour truckstop but at least at the truckstop, my word is final. Not necessarily so on interim committees. The chairperson must listen and consider all po-tential participants while trying to keep the committee on track with its legislative mission.

This summer seems even busier. And, in conversations with other legislators, they wholeheartedly concur. I know, many of you are probably thinking, "Yeah, every new legislative session's members probably say the same thing!" I know that whenever I meet a New Mexico Military Institute alumni, at some point in the conversation the topic will turn to whose class suffered the worst while hazing and being a "rat" (freshman cadet). My thoughts struggled in search of the truth — "Yep, this summer is worse than any previous interim ever could have been!" That having been settled, let’s look at what the interim has in store.

My primary mission this summer is to make sure I stay on top of the many constituent concerns and requests for assistance. I never thought I was going to get caught up, but as of this article, all requests are handled, awaiting agency replies or forthcoming research. Now, that does not mean I am making an appeal for more work! Quite the contrary, this simply means that I now have time to get ready for the many committees I have been appointed to or requested to participate on. It is a nice feeling knowing that I have time to adequately prepare for these meetings.

Speaker Russell George (R-Rifle) appointed me to the Interim Committee to Study the Division of Wildlife (DOW), authorized by House Joint Resolution 00-1027. This committee was proposed by Rep. Scott McKay (R-Denver). The tone in which the resolution was written indicates that Rep. McKay had an agenda that, quite frankly, centered around a general disregard and distaste for the DOW. The committee has a rather ambitious mandated agenda to accomplish before we must report to the legislature on October 15, 2000. If this committee is to have any positive impacts that will potentially assist the DOW and propose enabling legislation, all members will have to remain open minded and work toward a common goal. Readers can find HJR 00-1027 at http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/stateleg.html.

I was also requested by Department of Health Care Policy and Finance Executive Director Rizzuto to participate on the task force that is to "examine any issues of rate disparity and rate shortfalls within the long-term care continuum of care." This task force was directed by Footnote 50a in the Long Bill (Budget Bill) when a hard fought battle last session failed to adequately address rate adequacy and utilization issues in the home health care and alternative care facilities area. The complex, emotional and potentially expensive topic will be analyzed and recommendations made to the Joint Budget Committee also in October. A recent visit to little Ashley Johnson's home in Bayfield clearly demonstrated the absolute necessity of these programs to remain viable and available.

The Capital Development Committee (CDC) is also an interim committee that meets many times over the summer. This summer we will be focusing on controlled maintenance (infrastructure upkeep), DOW land acquisitions and visits to the sites of capital projects the committee has funded or is requested to be funded. I was also recently appointed to the State Capitol Building Advisory Committee which is a subcommittee of the CDC that is charged with taking care of that Grand Old Lady, our magnificent State Capitol Building. This is also an interim committee but meets much less frequently than the above (thank goodness!)

In between all of the above committee meetings, I find time to answer e-mail, write letters of recommendation, attend local meetings and spend what little precious time I have available with Margie, my wife. You will notice that I did not mention my business or campaigning. My business has very capable management, and they call me when and if needed. Campaigning will just have to remain secondary. If I am to do your work and do it well, I will have to trust that the voters will understand and do their homework regarding candidates.