Another bear-ish week

Another bear-ish week

Jan. 29, 2001

Capitol Report
By State Senator Jim Isgar

Well, we might just as well start out this column with a few comments about SB-44, better known as the "Bear Bill," in regard to black bear hunting. The full Senate delayed hearing the bill until at least Monday. I really do appreciate all the phone calls and e-mails I have received on this issue. Contrary to an editorial this week in the Herald, I did not champion or sponsor this bill. But I did vote in favor of the bill in committee. I am Chairman of the Agricul-ture Com-mittee, with just one vote. This bill does not set a season for bear hunting, but it does allow for the Division of Wildlife to have more flexibility in setting hunting dates. I supported it because it gives the DOW the ability to set an earlier season if their biologists feel it is necessary. It does not mandate the earlier season. I believe in allowing the experts to make these decisions; legislation to set seasons is bad legislation. Russell George, director of the DOW, thanked me for trying to give them more flexibility in their management of Colorado game herds.

Early signs are good on one of my bills. I agreed to be the Senate sponsor for Rep. Tom Plant’s (D-Nederland) organic producer bill, which was passed by the House State Affairs Committee Thursday. It’s a good omen for the bill’s success. This bill authorizes the Commissioner of Agriculture to implement a state organic certification program. This is an important piece of legislation, since Colorado is the second largest organic producer (behind California) in the country.

I added an amendment to the agriculture terrorism bill that removed the pubic meeting status of meetings designed to develop techniques and policies to protect our agriculture assets from terrorism. It seems unwise to announce to the world our techniques of protecting ourselves from terrorism.

I am also the Senate sponsor to Rep. Suzanne Williams‚ bill to enhance consistent compliance with the Federal " Indian Child Welfare Act" statewide, which passed out of its House committee. This bill was a cooperative bipartisan effort with Rep. Kay Alexander (R-Montrose), Rep. Mark Cloer (R-Colorado Springs) and Senator Lew Entz (R-Hooper) signing on as co-sponsors.

Finally, I introduced a bill to address the taxation of possessory interests. My argument is that if the federal government were paying a PILT payment to the county then there would be double taxation if the county charges an additional tax on possessory interests. This is very important for our area for farmers and others who have businesses on public lands.

I continue to work with Rep. Mark Larson on our surface use bill. This bill faces tough sledding but we both think it is worth the effort for our citizens.

It was good to see several familiar faces from Durango this week in Denver. It’s Stock Show time and also that time of year when the Colorado Water Congress meets in Denver. I talked to Fred Kroeger, Sam Maynes, Steve Harris, Barry Spear and ex-Durangoan Sally Duncan about statewide and regional water issues. My old friend, Jerry McDaniel, who now practices water law in Trinidad, was there and we had a good visit.

The Colorado Education Association had a reception honoring a group of National Board Certified Teachers in Colorado. I support recognizing these teachers at the state and local level and support funding the expenses of these teachers to encourage others to reach this status.

Carla Mulkey, school counselor at Needham Elementary School just stopped by to say hello. She was in town carrying out her duties as the Durango CEA Senate Liaison.

I continue to work hard on your issues. I really do want your feedback on issues — we can’t agree 100 percent of the time, but every discussion adds knowledge to each party.

Jim Isgar is a state senator from La Plata County. He can be reached in La Plata County at (970) 385-7664, or at the Capitol in Denver at (303) 866-4884 or e-mail at isgar1@outerbounds.net.