Dear Editor,
I support Karla Shriver to continue her service as a Rio Grande County commissioner for the reasons below. 
I have known Karla for many years and have witnessed her dedication to serving our local community, the San Luis Valley, the state of Colorado, and international humanitarian needs.  I have seen her knowledge, talents, and energy applied to improve many aspects of community life.  I am impressed with the strong sense of ethics that she lives by. She is thorough in her work, basing decisions on sound information.  She is pleasant, friendly, and easy to work with. She has vital experience in county government and helped manage the catastrophic effects of two forest fires. She is experienced in grant-writing to supplement tax revenues and has networking connections within governmental and other organizations that facilitate accomplishing community goals.
Some years ago, when developers were trying to sell the water from under the San Luis Valley, Karla was heavily involved in the fight to keep it here.  She understands water law and how it impacts the economic health and quality of life of this Valley.
Karla has served/continues to serve, on civic, non-profit, bank, and water/ditch boards, and other boards related to her service as a county commissioner.  With the lesser experience levels of other county commissioners and members of municipal boards, the stabilizing value of Karla’s considerable experience becomes even more apparent.   
Karla is also vitally concerned and works with law enforcement, the courts, and government entities to address the crushing impact of drug addiction and related crimes in this area. 
In summary, Karla Shriver has been actively involved in serving the community for over thirty years; she has vital experience to see the county through events, including forest fires, that may occur during the next few years.  She has the integrity, dependability, work ethic, and proven track record to be the best choice for serving Rio Grande County as commissioner for another term. 
Respectfully,
Lola Brimhall,
Monte Vista