LETTER: Vote Naomi Riess for HD59

Naomi has shown up for Southwest Colorado for 35 years.

A candidate’s biography should give voters an accurate picture of the experience she brings to office. Naomi’s biography does just that.

Brief early-career volunteer EMT work should not be confused with an established career in healthcare as Katie Stewart claims.

Four years of school-board service and family history in the region are facts worth considering in their proper context. But they do not, establish a record of broader involvement in local schools or demonstrate that someone grew up here. These limited resume entries are not equivalent to decades of professional, personal, and civic experience, sustained community involvement, and public service.

And none of this establishes an understanding of the rural dynamics that shape Southwest Colorado.

Naomi Riess has spent 35 years building and owning businesses, working for others, employing people, and serving Southwest Colorado through land use, local government, historic preservation, agriculture, mediation, youth and parent organizations, long-range planning stakeholder groups, and community service.

Naomi’s record is documented, verifiable, and well known. Do not believe the lies about her being spewed by dark Denver money.

Voters should look beyond resume titles and consider what each candidate has actually accomplished, the depth and breadth of her experience, and the years of professional and community service she brings to the job.

Southwest Colorado deserves a representative with a proven track record of experience, service, commitment and devotion to this region. Vote Naomi Riess for HD 59.

John Rice
Durango, CO