Governor visits SLV in farewell tour

Governor John Hickenlooper addresses supporters in Alamosa on Wednesday morning./Courier photo by Helen Smith

ALAMOSA — Governor John Hickenlooper addressed a packed house at La Manzanilla in Alamosa on Wednesday morning.

He is currently traveling around the state during the final days of his time in office.

The governor was introduced by Marguerite Salazar and opened his remarks with thanking the numerous local officials who were present. They included State Senator Larry Crowder, State Representative Donald Valdez, Alamosa County Commissioner Darius Allen and Adams State University President Dr. Cheryl Lovell. Hickenlooper also congratulated the San Luis Valley for investing in communities. He noted that these investments are part of “what makes our state great.”

Hickenlooper also pointed out that during his time in office progress has been made in providing assistance to at-risk individuals and mitigation of the opioid crisis. He also pointed out the importance of water to the State of Colorado. He is also hopeful that each of the current gubernatorial candidates will become aware of the importance of the “rural parts of Colorado.”

At the conclusion of his remarks, Hickenlooper took a few moments to answer questions from the audience, many of which related to upcoming ballot initiatives. There were also numerous expressions of gratitude. During this portion of the event, Rio de la Vista from Salazar Rio Grande Del Norte Center at Adams State University thanked the governor for his support of conservation efforts and presented him with a commemorative bottle of water from the Rio Grande.

Hickenlooper has just over 80 days left in office. He will take time to evaluate options and decide what his next steps will be.

The audience made their appreciation for his work clear.