County

Wilhelm begins campaign tour, will visit Meeker Aug. 15, Rangely Aug. 22

Colin Wilhelm is running for Colorado House District 57 against Rep. Perry Will. — COURTESY PHOTO

RBC | Glenwood Springs attorney Colin Wilhelm is running for Colorado House District 57 as a Democrat this election. He faces incumbent Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle for the district encompassing Garfield, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties.

Starting this week Wilhelm begins a “socially distanced tailgate tour” to hear from people around the district.

“It’s gonna be very informal, I’m not gonna be giving a speech or anything. I’d love to hear what they wanna say, hear what they want from their representative down in Denver, hear what issues are most important to them.”

Wilhelm is focused on a message of unity, working together and resolving differences.

“I want to get us talking about these issues, and talking about different ways to solve the issues. If me and six other people sit down at a table and have a calm rational discussion, we can come up with seven great ideas that could turn into one really good idea that might solve that issue.”

Wilhelm believes that for too long, Americans have avoided some of the difficult conversations needed to really move the country forward.

“That has actually led us to having a much more divisive country and not listening to other people and their ideas.” 

ENERGY INDUSTRY

One example of this divide in HD57 pertains to the energy sector, specifically the subject of fossil fuels versus renewable energy.

“We can expand the renewable footprint while at the same time not diminishing the oil and gas industry footprint,” Wilhelm said. 

“What we need to do, while keeping those [energy] jobs, is to diversify our jobs. We need to incentivize new companies coming in, and that’s a broad range of companies.” 

Wilhelm shared examples like outdoor equipment manufacturers and retailers, a new railroad line through northern Colorado as a goods distribution satellite hub for Salt Lake City, and bringing in tech companies looking to do remote work.

“We’ve spoken to some front range companies like Lockheed Martin and defense contractors who would like to put satellite offices up here on the Western Slope.” Wilhelm said.

He emphasized the urgency of economic diversification, but described the current moment as an opportunity.

“We need to work now and get these things lined up, and if we do that then we can have a really phenomenal transition to an even better, diversified economy,” he said.

PANDEMIC

Aside from long term economic strategies for the district, Wilhelm is focused on mitigating the impacts of COVID-19, both economically and healthwise. 

“Garfield County, Rio Blanco County and Moffat County have very few ICU beds for the size of their population. And those beds need to remain available while the pandemic is going on for heart attacks and car accidents and hunting accidents and the various things we get throughout the year. We can’t be filling up those beds with COVID-19 patients,” said Wilhelm. Wilhelm acknowledged that we need to get through the health crisis as quickly as possible, so that we can begin to address the economic crisis. He cited wearing masks as one way to accomplish this goal.

“It is one of the most useful and least imposing things that somebody can do to help protect their neighbors,” Wilhelm said.

Wilhelm, a practicing attorney, also said he does not believe mandatory mask orders violate the U.S. Constitution.

“Governments under the Constitution are allowed to make laws and pass ordinances for the health and safety of their constituents. Those laws are reviewed by the Supreme Court under what’s titled ‘strict scrutiny.’”

 “I believe it would stand up to strict scrutiny and would therefore not be unconstitutional. That would be my legal analysis that I would do if I was presenting it to the supreme court, or to a judge,” he said.

As long as the pandemic is still happening, Wilhelm says workers need to be supported. One way to do that,  is to continue the $600/week pandemic assistance payments mandated as part of the federal CARES act. 

“For now it’s necessary. If in the future we need to lower that, we need to start in a trickle down way. Not from $600 to $200 to zero. We need to lessen that burden on our workers.” 

“As we do these things in the interim to protect people now, we develop a plan for the future in case another economic collapse comes like this. So that way we have some benefits there that protect people and keep them from all of the sudden being out of work for 12 months with no income, and unable to pay their rent.”

PROTECTING WATER RIGHTS

Also on Wilhelm’s radar: water rights. He said we “can’t diminish the importance” of the Colorado River as a water source for 37 million people, but he notes the importance of avoiding a call on the Colorado River for as long as possible.

“We are the headwaters up here in these districts. So we need to stand up and protect our rights first and foremost,” Wilhelm said.

He mentioned a few ways to prevent a call on the Colorado anytime in the near future.

 “I like some of the programs that reduce the use when people aren’t necessarily needing to use all their water.”

Wilhelm believes these kinds of measures can be achieved within the existing legal framework and policies like “use it or lose it.” For example, water lease-back programs, which give rights-holders the option to lease water they don’t need for a given period of time. 

“Previously that had been done in a 10 year block system where you had to lease those rights for 10 years. Recently it’s gone down to about five. I wouldn’t mind seeing it go down to one year programs.”

“There’s also incentivizing some agricultural businesses to lower their water use consumption and build new agricultural water distribution plans that are more efficient.”

“Really what we’re looking for here is preventing water waste, which will prevent a call on the Colorado River,” Wilhelm said.

Wilhelm had more to say about issues like improving healthcare access, bolstering restaurant workers, expanding broadband access throughout the district and more. You can listen to the full interview in our podcast feed at soundcloud.com/heraldtimes1885

Colin Wilhelm begins touring the district this week, starting in Meeker on Saturday, Aug. 15, at City Park from 1-4 p.m. He will be in Rangely the following week on Saturday Aug. 22 at Elk’s Park from 1-4 p.m.

Wilhelm has multiple trips to Meeker and Rangely scheduled through October. You can find the full list of dates at facebook.com/ColinWilhelmForColorado/


By LUCAS TURNER | [email protected]

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  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
6 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
9 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
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