Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Hillman, an Eastern Plains wheat farmer who aspired to the state treasurer’s office, fulfilled his wish earlier than expected.
On Thursday, Hillman was sworn in to serve as acting state treasurer in the absence of Mike Coffman, who rejoined the U.S. Marine Corps this week.
The ceremony was conducted in Gov. Bill Owens’ office just minutes after he announced he had chosen Hillman for the job.
Hillman said he would focus on the state’s fiscal condition, the shortage of money in the pension system for state workers, and economic-development issues, particularly in rural areas.
“I want to be the voice of the taxpayer,” Hillman said.
As Senate minority leader, Hillman opposed the budget-mending measure that voters will consider in November.
That plan – known as Referendum C – calls for letting the state keep an extra $3.1 billion over the next five years that would otherwise be refunded under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.
Owens, a key supporter of Referendum C, said Hillman’s position was not an issue in considering him for the job.
“I did get one commitment out of Mark,” said Owens during a late-afternoon news conference. “And that was he’s not going to volunteer for service in Afghanistan.”
Coffman stunned the Capitol in May when he announced that he planned to step down to do a second tour of duty with the Marines in Iraq, where he will be assigned to nation-building duties. Coffman also served in Iraq during the Persian Gulf War.
Coffman said he plans to reassume his duties as state treasurer when he returns next March.
Hillman, 38, from Burlington, will fill the $68,500-per-year job until Coffman returns. Then he will begin campaigning for election to the position in November 2006.
Hillman resigned his Senate seat Thursday afternoon.
A special vacancy committee will choose his successor. Republican Reps. Greg Brophy of Wray and Diane Hoppe of Sterling are potential candidates.
Sen. Norma Anderson, R-Lakewood, said she will convene Senate Republicans after a replacement is appointed to elect a new Senate minority leader.
“We are all supportive of Mark as he moves into his new role,” Anderson said. “We will miss him.”
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at mcouch@denverpost.com or 303-820-1794.
