Bertschy seeks Democratic nomination for House District 52

Bill Bertschy, who has served on the Fort Collins City Council since 1997, is seeking the Democratic nomination for State House District 52. As of press time, he had one Democratic opponent, John Kafalas of Fort Collins.

Republican Bob McCluskey currently holds the legislative seat. House District 52 includes most of Old Town, areas reaching north to East County Road 54 and east Fort Collins to Interstate 25.

Bertschy, a fifth generation Colorado native, works as director of the Pingree Park Campus of Colorado State University. He said the legislature must do more to address the issues of growth, education, jobs and the economy.

"Improving the economy and putting people back to work is job one for the legislature," Bertschy said in his campaign announcement. "... The legislature must ensure that adequate funding for local schools is part of any compromise on the state budget."

He added that the legislature needs to return to the debate regarding growth management by giving local governments additional tools to wisely manage growth.

While serving on the city council, Bertschy has supported the ordinance that bans smoking in public places, supported opening Gateway Mountain Park to the public, advocated for the open space program and served on the transportation subcommittee. He currently serves as mayor pro tem.