An introduction from one of Gunnison’s newest faces

As I began writing this introduction on a Friday afternoon, I glanced out the window at my mountain bike leaning outside my new office at the Gunnison Country Times, where I have just begun serving as editor. That moment reminded me why I chose this place. My mountain biking instincts quickly took over. I wrote a few sentences, then headed out for my first ride at Hartman Rocks.

The outdoors and an exceptional group of coworkers are two of the main reasons I accepted this position. I would not be here writing this if I didn't wholeheartedly believe that.

My journey to journalism and to Gunnison began in the far west Texas town of Terlingua. After completing a rewarding field botany research position in Big Bend National Park, I fell in love with the area and wanted to stay. I had the wild idea of starting a monthly newspaper with my partner Marlys Hersey. We founded the Big Bend Gazette, a small monthly newspaper in Texas. We published the Gazette for 18 years before selling it in 2021. Following the sale, we moved to Colorado, where I served as editor of the newspaper in Alamosa and also as editor of the newspaper in Crestone.

Journalism and the role it has in our society have always been deeply important to me. I am particularly fond of Walter Cronkite's observation: “Journalism is what we need to make democracy work.” Recently, I attended a business luncheon where a school superintendent spoke about the essential role education plays as a pillar of democracy. I couldn't agree more.

Many years ago, while interviewing a national park official, I asked him about Wallace Stegner's famous statement that “national parks are the best idea America ever had.” That park official immediately replied, “The Constitution is the best idea America ever had, and the national parks are the second best.” An excellent point. The First Amendment to that Constitution has these amazing 45 words, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

It is an honor to have the opportunity and the right to report the news to you, our readers. I believe journalists have a profound responsibility to pursue the truth with honesty, integrity, fairness, and objectivity. My goal is to earn your trust—a process that takes time. I strive to report accurately, listen carefully, and remain consistent in my work.

I am excited to join the Gunnison Country Times, located at 218 N. Wisconsin Ave. in Gunnison. If you happen to see my Klein mountain bike parked outside, please stop in and say hello. I'd be glad to visit with you.