Face the State

Reflects on legislative record, keeps options open for 2010
Face The State Staff Report

Sen. Tom Wiens, R-Castle Rock, announced Thursday that he has decided not to seek a second term as a Colorado state Senator.

Wiens says "hundreds" of emails flooded his e-mail inbox shortly after his revelation went public, and he was touched by the kind words people had to offer. Fellow members were eager to reminisce about their shared experiences, and a nostalgic Wiens said it's the people he will miss the most.

“You work together to accomplish something bigger than yourself, and you develop a lot of meaningful relationships out of that,” he said.

One of the individuals Wiens worked with during his six year tenure at the Capitol was Tom Wambolt, President of the Colorado Property Rights Coalition. “I got to know Sen. Wiens back in 2005 when he spoke at an eminent domain conferences,” said Wambolt, “He is a great guy, and he’ll be missed.”

Capitol insiders are buzzing that Wiens may be planning to make a bid for governor, but he was mum on the subject. Wiens promises he's not gone from politics, despite not appearing on the ballot this November.

“Who knows what will evolve for me in 2010 and beyond,” he said.

The Douglas County Republican is leaving after completing what he considers a successful legislative session, though one not free of controversy. He spearheaded a movement calling for the repair of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel to avoid a potentially life threatening disaster. Critics accused Wiens of staging the emergency for his own political gain. Despite the criticism the coalition was able to pressure state and federal agencies into accelerating cleanup efforts.

Wiens also passed an amendment that would eliminate a $150,000 earmarked in this year’s budget for Gov. Bill Ritter’s private counsel in a case challenging a statewide property-tax increase. And he was able to get unanimous approval for his bill that will improve school safety.

After session, Wiens plans to refocus his efforts on business and family. “Colorado has a citizen legislature, and I’m a citizen,” Wiens said. “I have a real life, and I’ve kind of been missing that.” Between business prospects, his ranch and a growing family – Wiens just became a grandfather a few months ago – he has no doubt that there will be plenty to do after wrapping up his sixth term in office. Having served a term in the House and a term in the Senate.

Wiens said he is not worried about the future of his district because there are many qualified people who may make a bid for his seat. Among them are Castle Rock Mayor Randy Reed, Charcie Russell, Dave Gill, Rodger Patridge and John Peterson.

A word of advice to these prospective candidates from the veteran lawmaker: “Don’t underestimate the amount of work.”