In 1996, as the assistant manager, Catlin started his career at the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association (UVWUA). In 2002, the same year as the 2002 North American drought, Catlin accepted the position of manager of UVWUA. He won the Colorado Division of Water Resources - Division 4 "Water Manager of the year" for his actions during the drought season.[2] Catlin served as President for the Four States Irrigation Council for three consecutive terms: 2001, 2002, and 2003.[2][3]
In September 26, 2009, Catlin oversaw "The Century of Water Celebration," the one hundred year celebration of the Gunnison Tunnel opening.[4]
On January 11, 2023, the Colorado River District Board of Directors elected Catlin to serve as the Board's Vice-President.[6]
In July 2013, Catlin started a talk-radio program named Diversions Radio, hosted on KUBC 580 AM. Diversions discussed issues regarding agriculture, business, policy, and events happening around the state.[7] The program ran through 2019.
Catlin was elected by the member of the Gunnison Basin Roundtable to serve on the InterBasin Compact Committee (IBCC).[8] In 2005, the Interbasin Compact Committee was formed in same legislation that created the nine permanent basin roundtables, the Colorado Water for the 21st Century Act. Catlin remained on the IBCC for 7 years.[2]
Catlin served as President in 2006 for the Colorado Water Congress.[2]
Political career
On January 8, 2017, the Republican 58th House District Vacancy Committee appointed Catlin to fill the Vacancy caused by the resignation of Don Coram.[9] Coram left the Colorado House District 58 to fulfil the vacant seat of Colorado's 6th Senate district, which was created by the Ellen Roberts' retirement. Catlin was sworn into the Colorado House of Representatives on January 11, 2017, three days after being appointed.[9] He was assigned committee membership to the House Public Health Care & Human Service Committee and the House Finance Committee.[10]
In 2018, Catlin was reassigned from House Public Health Care & Human Service Committee to the House Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. The same year, Catlin was assigned to the Water Resources Review Committee, an interim committee that studies the conservation, use, development, financing of the water resources of Colorado, and holding hearing on the Colorado State Water Plan.[11]
Term limited in the state house, in 2024 Catlin ran to represent District 5 in the state senate. In the Republican primary election held June 25, 2024, he ran unopposed.[12][13] In the general election held November 5, 2024, Catlin defeated Democratic candidate Cole Buerger, winning 52.23% of the total votes cast.[14][15]
References
^Colorado Independent Legislative Redistricting Commission (March 18, 2022). "Colorado House District 58 (2021)"(PDF). State of Colorado. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
^Ashby, Charles (April 9, 2024). "Catlin jumps into Senate race". The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Colorado. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
