In politics, it is important to be able to seize the moment. Congressman Scott McInnis has done just that, taking a leadership role in shaping the form and content of public lands in Western Colorado. He has been responsive to the concerns of his constituents while dealing realistically with the Clinton administration’s end-of-term enthusiasm for public land protection.

The Great Sand Dunes National Monument in the San Luis Valley is being expanded in size and significance to become a national park that will also protect some of the San Luis Valley’s water. McInnis carried that bill. In his White River National Forest management plan, in northwest Colorado, he tapped a respected forester and developed his own plan to offer some constructive challenges to the U.S. Forest Service’s efforts.

West of Grand Junction, he worked to create the Colorado Canyonlands National Recreation Area.

During the past two weeks, McInnis has been laying the groundwork in the House for a friendly reception for legislation to fund the Animas-La Plata Project if it passes the Senate and enough time remains in the session.

McInnis’ only failure, perhaps, came in Montezuma County, where a congressional alternative to Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt’s plan for the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument was pre-empted in the early stages by Sen. Ben Campbell’s refusal to get involved because of the vociferousness of extremists on both sides of the issue.

Understanding the mix of multiple uses on western lands, and being able to bring locals together with specialists to work out how the land should be best managed, is a critical skill for the representative of the 3rd Congressional District. McInnis has showed he knows how to do that

McInnis has a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, and always works to reduce taxes. He has matured and is less shrill in his attacks, is approachable and in touch with his constituents, and clearly enjoys the job. He’s managed to represent a diverse district with respect for the views of all of his constituents. That’s no small accomplishment.

McInnis’ major party opponent is Democrat Curtis Imrie of Buena Vista, who would use public money to fund elections, reduce school class size and double teachers’ salaries. The North American Free Trade Act is not "fair trade," Imrie claims, and it is undermining our environmental laws.

Reform Party candidate Victor Good, who recently moved his family to Lewis to be near his parents on their truck farm, would also use public money to fund campaigns. He sees both parties as being too tied to their contributors, and would strengthen education with block grants, fewer mandates and more instruction in United States history and the Constitution.

Drew Sakson is actively campaigning for office, unlike most Libertarian candidates in Colorado who are just using their names to give the party some visibility. Sakson is promoting personal responsibility, which is what being a Libertarian is all about, would "re-legalize" drugs, reduce the number of traffic laws to a half dozen or so, and greatly simplify the tax code.

McInnis has ably represented the district for eight years, and knows it well. He would like to serve a fifth term, and should be given that chance.