Dear Members,

Professional opportunities are available to us. The concept of "cooperation" is one avenue towards our advance.

PLSC has completed it’s first year as co-sponsor of GIS in the Rockies. By combining with other GIS societies we became part of a successful conference with seven survey classes for GIS. By combining facilities with Metro State College, we introduce a new college course called "Surveying for GIS Users". By cooperating, we advance. Curt Sumner, PLS, CEO of ACSM, addressed an audience of 200 GIS people. What did we learn? The professional duty and benefit of cooperation among professionals. If we do not seek to advance, others will do our work for us.

Referendum C will be on the November State ballot, and gives the voters the chance to allow the office of county surveyor to be either elected or appointed. This is a result of working with some of Colorado’s county commissioners. By partnering with the commissioners, we drafted language we would like to see passed. Then, we can advance this office beyond where it’s been for so long - unfunded, underutilized. Please vote YES on Referendum C!

The opportunity to combine forces has arrived from our national colleagues: Each State Society is considering a pilot program from ACSM/NSPS (National Society of Professional Surveyors). The offer is to combine membership dues. Joining PLSC will also mean joining ACSM/NSPS, for a total dues of $165. This would be a reduction of ACSM dues from $183 to $70. Our National voice would be stronger with increased membership. PLSC members would enjoy the benefits, information and representation from ACSM for 62% less dues.

Our fellow NSPS surveyors are making an offer to strengthen our profession. The pros and cons are discussed in this issue. I urge every member to research the offer, and formulate an opinion. The decision is ours to make.

I’m reminded of two past issues: In 1987, PLSC enacted the Plat Deposit law. Twice, PLSC lobbied the legislature for mandatory continuing education. Both of these advances were seen by some as being "forced" to do something. Some quit PLSC. But the profession and the public are now better served. Our NSPS colleagues know you can’t make a surveyor do anything. We’re all too stubborn. This concept is voluntary. That is my point. As individuals, we can make a difference in how the public is served. If we expect others to do it for us, we ARE the "others"!

At this time, we enjoy national representation regarding ALTA, FEMA, GIS, GPS, BLM and education. National politics is forged by clout. The question is how do we best serve the public, is it not? Our profession, like the public, crosses state lines. Meet a surveyor from California or New York, we have similar challenges. We are a brethren of individuals. ACSM has represented our interests, and mine, since 1941. Now that’s the kind of society I am proud to be part of! I vote yes.

Sincerely Yours,

Warren D. Ward, PLS