State Rep. Don Coram, who represents the 58th district that now includes Cortez, undeniably is from the north part of the district, and he does not venture down south very often. That is too bad, because no matter how distinct the Western Slope is from the Front Range, Montezuma County is not exactly like Delta County. Our issues are not entirely the same.
Yet the fact that he was unchallenged in the primary and is also unopposed in the general election for this far-ranging district is telling. Coram generally does a good job representing us.
Coram is an unabashed Republican, and his stated values include property rights, free enterprise, small government, fiscal responsibility and the U.S. Constitution. That is entirely congruent with his constituency. In 2012, he stood on principle in killing a bill that would have allowed civil unions for same-sex partners, even though his son is gay.
Coram also is a practical, down-to-earth man, not inclined to political posturing. He is well informed, and he collaborates well with other legislators from both sides of the aisle on bills that are beneficial to this part of the state. He and state Sen. Ellen Roberts have been effective partners in representing Southwest Colorado. That is refreshing and necessary, and Coram deserves to be appreciated for it.
He has said he believes the Legislature does not run as well as it could, a position with which his constituents certainly can agree. He is aware that the greater population and tax base on the other side of the Continental Divide put his district at a disadvantage when it comes to funding essential projects, including transportation. He is realistic about those limitations but unafraid to challenge them.
He is a strong advocate on agricultural issues, including hemp production, and on water conservation and storage. He needs to step up on mine reclamation, including in the Dolores River watershed that feeds McPhee Reservoir, because he has the knowledge and experience to be a considerable asset on an issue of prime importance to his district.
Coram’s one weakness is his lack of visibility here. In that, he could take lessons from Roberts and U.S. Rep, Scott Tipton, both of whom are here more often even though their districts are much larger. We hope to see him more often in the future.