Letter to the Editor regarding Bob Gardner

This weekend, many residents of House District 21 received my latest campaign mailing. It speaks directly to the question of whether Robert S. Gardner should continue to represent House District 21 in the Colorado State Legislature. In the mailing, I ask the question "Who does Bob Gardner work for?" I believe Bob Gardner's own actions led to this question being raised. Bob has kept his personal corporate website - http://www.rsglaw.net - active all through his tenure as State Representative.

On his web page Rep. Gardner advertises that he is looking to:

• "represent clients before...various political subdivisions and governmental entities at the local, state, and federal level. Our areas of practice include matters such as...legislative hearings and investigations...rulemaking and proposed legislation."
• "represent clients before various government agencies, boards, and committees regarding government contracts."
• "provide our clients with campaign management and consulting services, political communication and lobbying advice."

Bob even states: "Our clients include members of the Colorado General Assembly."

Bob underscores his conflict of interest, stating: We work closely with our clients and provide exceptional service in...lobbying."

In 2006, House District 21 voted over 60% in favor of limiting the influence of lobbyists in Denver. Every single precinct voted yes on limiting that influence. Yet, in spite of the wishes of the voters of the District, Bob Gardner persists in soliciting clients for the professional services listed above, creating the unavoidable perception that he is essentially a "legislator for hire".

The voters of House District 21 should have a representative in Denver who works for them, not clients! Before you vote, I invite you to visit his web page, and then mine at www.annalord.net.