Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am filing with the Secretary of State Senate Bill 05-204, "Concerning Changes to the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System." I vetoed this bill as of 12:28 p.m. today and this letter sets forth my reasons for doing so.

S.B. 204 requires the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System to be comprised of four advisory members and nine voting members. Of the nine voting members appointed by the Governor, two must have some connection to agriculture or be graduates of the University of Colorado- Pueblo. This bill is an inappropriate effort by the legislative branch to usurp the discretion of the executive to nominate individuals to serve the people of Colorado. Since the Senate already has the responsibility to confirm gubernatorial appointments, it can reject a Governor's attempt to appoint an unrepresentative board.

Throughout my time as governor, I have worked to create a broad and diverse membership on the CSU board that would further the essential mission of the university. Through these efforts, I have already ensured through my appointments that the thirteen- member board has appropriate geographical and agricultural representation, including two members with connections to agriculture and one from Pueblo. Since, in using my executive authority - balanced by the advice and consent of the Senate - I have achieved the central goal of this bill, it is unnecessary.

Accordingly, I have vetoed this bill.

Sincerely,