Edward Vigil

Representative Edward Vigil is a sixth-generation Colorado Native. Born in San Pablo and later moving to Fort Garland, Vigil has resided within the southern portion of the state his whole life. Vigil attended Adams State University where he earned a Bachelors of Art in Sociology and later a Masters of Business Administration. Prior to serving in public office, Vigil worked in many different fields. His experience has ranged from social-worker, factory worker, substance abuse counselor, peace officer and special investigator for the District Attorney's Office. Up until his election to the Colorado House of Representatives, Vigil worked as a Costilla County Commissioner for eight years. Vigil and his wife Evelyn currently reside in the city of Alamosa where they co-own a testing facility known as Sangre de Cristo Laboratory.[4]

Edward Vigil defeated Rocky White in the contested Democratic primary in August, taking 66 percent of votes cast.[5] Vigil faced Republican Randy Jackson in the November 2008 general election. Vigil's candidacy was endorsed by the Denver Post,[6] and he won with 58 percent of the popular vote.[7]

For the 2009 legislative session, Vigil was named to seats on both the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the House Local Government Committee.[8]

In 2010, Representative Vigil ran for re-election for House District 62. He was unopposed in the democratic primaries held earlier in the year. On November 2, Vigil defeated Republican Randy Jackson.

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In 2011, Representative Vigil along with Senator Gail Schwartz and Rep. Don Coram sponsored Senate Bill 11-258. This bill assessed the ability of vendors at local farmers' markets to merchandise homemade non-perishable items such as baked goods, jams, jellies, and eggs. In addition to SB 11-258, Vigil also sponsored HB 11-1087, which concerned reimbursements to county governments for pest-control related charges.

In the 2012 General Election, Representative Vigil faced Republican challenger Tim Walters. Vigil was elected by a wide margin of 61% to 39%.[10][11]

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Representative Vigil was able to pass many bills within the 2013 session. HB 13-1168; Recognize Unincorporated Acequia Ditches, HB 13-1186; Special District Meeting Notices and Transparency, SB-188; Landowner Preference Wildlife Hunting License, SB 13-263; Development of Capitol Master Complex Plan, and SB 13-280; Tittle Off-Road Vehicle Law are just a few pieces of legislation that Vigil sponsored within 2013 that became law.

In 2014, Representative Vigil sponsored a number of bills that were signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper. Many of the bills that he sponsored in 2014 represented the interests of Vigil's constituents and his district: HB 14-1166; Renewal of Concealed Handgun Permits, HB 14-1096; Underfunded Courthouse Facilities Program, HB 14-1184; Elect Pueblo Conservancy District Board Flood Mitigation, SB 14-017; Limit Use of Agriculture for Lawn Irrigation.

On November 4, 2014 , Representative Vigil battled local businesswoman and Republican candidate Marcy Freeburg for House District 62. Vigil won the election with 59% of votes.

In 2015, Vigil was appointed as the Chair of the House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee. Vigil sponsored many bills within the 2015 legislative session that advocated for environmental causes and public health concerns. Among a few bills that were sponsored by Vigil in 2015 that became law were: HB 15-1087; Alcohol and Substance Abuse Medical Detox Centers, HB 15-1277; Species Conservation Trust Fund Projects, SB 15-008; Promote Water Conservation Trust Fund Projects, and SB 15-226; Hunter Education Wildlife Hunting License.