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I am writing in support of Jay Fetcher for state senator in District 8. I grew up on a West Slope ranch, and then enjoyed a 40-year career in education. Fetcher's experience, his innovative work in education and land preservation, and his understanding of water issues indicate to me that he is the best candidate in the state senate race.

Sen. Jack Taylor has been active in politics since 1992. His record is strong. But I favor Fetcher for the following reasons:

He has operated a working ranch in the Yampa Valley, requiring of him the skills it takes to manage a cattle operation that pays its bills without incurring debt.

He founded the Colorado Cattleman's Agricultural land trust to assist fellow cattlemen in their search for ways to protect ranch land in the valley, and he understands how important it is to visitors to our corner of the state who want to see these ranches preserved.

He has fought to preserve education funding and to keep decision-making at the local level. As chairman of the Steamboat Springs Education Fund Growth Commission, he has learned the art of compromise. That the Steamboat Springs Education Association has chosen to support him, 23-0, should be seen as a measure of his approval by local educators.

He understands the importance of water from the working end of a shovel, and he is educated about statewide water issues as a result of his work on the Reapportionment Commission and the Statewide Water Supply Initiative. In her Oct. 3 letter to the Pilot , Rosemary Rodriguez, chairwoman of the Reapportionment Commission, makes it very clear that the decision to remove Grand County from Senate District 8 was mandated by the State Supreme Court, and not by any interest or act of Jay Fetcher.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Fetcher has cultivated leadership in himself and among others all his life. He has taught leadership, and he has trained himself in forums such as the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Council and the Colorado State University Livestock Leadership Council. Among the many challenges our state senator will face during the next four years, especially in matters of water development and protection, the most difficult task will be that of exerting the kind of leadership that will encourage the many stakeholders to follow the guidance of those whose integrity, experience, and hard work are admired. In my opinion, Jay Fetcher will rise to the occasion and make a record for himself of which we can all be very proud.

Daniel Tyler

Steamboat Springs