Loveland Republican appointed to HD 49 seat

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

Loveland Republican B.J. Nikkel was sworn in as a state representative from House District 49 on Jan. 22.

She replaces Kevin Lundberg, who was appointed to fill a state Senate vacancy when Steve Johnson was elected county commissioner in November. Nikkel was chosen by Republican Party leaders in Larimer and Weld counties.

The new representative said she's prepared to "hit the ground running" as a result of her experience with legislative issues and procedures. Active in the Republican Party since 1990, she has been especially involved in judicial matters. She was also a delegate to the 2004 Republican National Convention and ran district offices for former U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave from 2002 until 2006.

Nikkel has been assigned to two legislative committees, Health and Human Services and State, Military and Veterans Affairs.

Two areas of special interest to Nikkel are renewable energy and environmental issues.

"I believe Republicans have been afraid to talk about these issues, and we shouldn't be," she said. "I'm concerned about air quality, conserving our natural resources and preserving the land for future generations--without restricting the right to access on public lands such as wilderness areas."

On the renewable energy front, Nikkel wants to look at wind and solar technology in addition to natural gas, nuclear energy and oil shale deposits as energy sources.

Other issues of importance to Nikkel include education, private property rights, transportation and health care.

Nikkel's experience in the state's judicial system includes 10 years of working with the Colorado Judicial Performance Review Commission for the 8th District. She also served on the 8th District Nominating Commission and helped with the appointment of several judges.

Nikkel and her husband, Phil, live near Carter Lake west of Loveland. They have two sons. Nikkel is a musician, and she and her family enjoy backpacking and sailing.