#ShowingUp in Support of Rural Colorado Agriculture

Colorado Livestock Association has sent a letter in response to Gov. Polis’ appointment of Ellen Kessler to the public at large position on the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. You may utilize it as a guide to send your own letter.

As a self-proclaimed vegan animal activist, Ms. Kessler has publicly demonstrated her strong bias against animal agriculture. Members of the Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine need to be able to fairly judge not only small animal veterinary work, but also livestock and food animals. Because of Ms. Kessler’s obvious conflict of interest, we believe she will be unable to serve in a fair and unbiased manner on issues related to veterinarians who are vital to Colorado’s livestock industry.

Please sign the online petition to retract Ellen Kessler’s appointment to the CO State Board of Veterinary Medicine here: https://www.change.org/ShowingUpFP 

Dianne E. Ray, CPA, MPA
State Service Building
1525 Sherman Street, 7th Floor
Denver, Colorado 80203

August 11, 2020

Dear Ms. Ray,

We are writing to express our concern with the appointment of Ellen Kessler to the Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine. Colorado Livestock Association is a multi-species membership organization representing beef, dairy, swine and sheep operations across the state of Colorado. These industries combined represent a $4.6 billion impact to our state economy.

As a self-proclaimed vegan animal activist, Ms. Kessler has publicly demonstrated her strong bias against animal agriculture. Members of the Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine need to be able to fairly judge not only small animal veterinary work, but also livestock and food animals. Because of Ms. Kessler’s obvious conflict of interest, we believe she will be unable to serve in a fair and unbiased manner on issues related to veterinarians who are vital to Colorado’s livestock industry.

We respectfully request that Ellen Kessler’s conflict of interest be given consideration prior to her confirmation hearing during the upcoming legislative session.

Sincerely,

Dwain Weinrich, President

Bill Hammerich, CEO

cc: Governor Jared Polis, Commissioner Kate Greenberg, Press Secretary Conor Cahill, Sen. Kerry Donovan, Sen Jessie Danielson, Sen. Don Coram, Sen. Robert Rodriguez, Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, Rep. Dylan Roberts, Rep. Donald Valdez, Rep. Jeni James Arndt, Rep. Bri Buentello, Rep. Marc Catlin, Rep. Richard Holtorf, Rep. Rod Pelton, Rep. Brianna Titone, Rep. Perry Will, Rep. Steven Woodrow, Rep. Mary Young.

Email the letter to the following individuals: