Emails show Colorado’s first gentleman is pursuing more wolf-related laws

GRANBY, Colo. — In emails obtained by 9NEWS Investigates, Colorado’s first gentleman Marlon Reis was in contact with a group that included the governor’s wildlife adviser. He wanted to meet to “craft legislation” related to wolves, and the adviser replied they would not meet without him.

This week, lawmakers pressed Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s leaders about how the governor’s office has affected their decisions. The CPW director conceded he was not directly answering the questions.

“That’s a very big concern because, in my opinion, that’s how it’s happening,” Grand County Commissioner Merrit Linke told 9NEWS, “It doesn’t seem like CPW is making decisions based on science, based on evidence, based on what’s happening in other states.”

In the emails obtained by 9NEWS, Reis was not communicating with CPW officials.

Reis has a state of Colorado email address, which means what he sends and receives are public records. In one email chain, Reis wanted to strategize how to pass new wolf-related laws before his husband leaves office.

9NEWS redacted the email addresses of the people on the email chain. 

One June 28, Reis wrote to three wildlife activists outside of state government as well as the governor’s wildlife, agriculture and rural economic development adviser:

“Hi, Everyone,

I’m so sorry we had to end our call prematurely yesterday. The topic is of such great importance, it deserves more time to discuss and form a strategy around it.

If 12-12:30/1pm works for everyone else, I have that time available as well!

With only two legislative sessions to go while Jared is still Governor, I suspect we would want to start safeguarding parts of the wolf reintroduction plan that are likely first to attack on the opposition’s list of priorities, i.e. downlisting and then relisting as a Game Species.

I also think there are opportunities for us to learn from other States and craft legislation that further restricts tools traditionally used in hunting wolves, like artificial lighting at den sites, snowmobile regulations, etc.”

The governor’s adviser replied, “We definitely won’t meet without you.”

The governor’s office completely redacted Marlon’s response, calling it a “work product,” which they did not have to release under the state’s open record law. 

“I guess it’s not surprising that there’s influence, obviously indirectly, because those aren’t directly CPW people,” Linke said, after reading Reis’ email.

He did not believe it was appropriate for the first gentleman to strategizes ways to pass new laws.

“It feels it’s like government pushing something onto, and it feels like it’s just another brick in the wall of attacks against ag, attacks against rural way of life, attacks against Western Colorado, attacks against producers versus consumers,” he said.

A political science professor did not see any ethical issues with what Reis wrote.

“That’s freedom of expression. Everyone’s entitled to that,” said Dr. Norman Provizer, an MSU Denver political science professor emeritus. “Sending an email in support of an issue you have interest in is fine, and to make some suggestions. If he sent an email saying we’re going to fire, I’m going to convince my spouse to fire everyone in your department, that’s a little different. Actually, it’s a lot different.”

Provizer pointed out the emails obtained by 9NEWS do not show Reis offering access, seeking funding or seeking anything in return.

Reis declined 9NEWS’ interview request.

“The First Gentleman serves an important ceremonial role for the State of Colorado, just as any first spouse would in Colorado and across the country. The First Gentleman does not take a salary, and devotes his time toward championing animal welfare, voting integrity and fair elections, and LGBTQ+ rights.. He has hosted several pet adoption events at the Governor’s Mansion, serves as an Honorary Board Chair at Butterfly Pavilion, a member of the Destination Stewardship Council through Colorado Tourism Office, and Colorado State University Veterinary Health System Community Impact Advisory Board,” a Governor’s spokesperson told 9NEWS.