TO THE EDITOR:
It was with great sadness that I read “Tim Jackson parts ways with Colorado Auto Dealers Association” (autonews.com, March 31). I became a director at the National Automobile Dealers Association one week before Tim was hired as our Automotive Trade Association Executive. I spent the next 18 years working side by side with him on challenges to dealers and our industry.
Tim was energetic in his efforts for dealers, a mighty understatement. We traveled, lobbied, visualized and fund-raised together, meeting with dealers thousands of times on issues, always improving the dealer environment. Tim liked to start early and work late, driven by his passion for us. Dealers and others in the industry respect him for his intense focus and relentless pursuit of solving whatever came.
His efforts to engage dealers in the legislative process broadened our understanding of the regulatory scheme and allowed us to be more effective advocates for our industry at the local, state and national levels. Tim always maintained the highest integrity, and he had an amazing ability to balance controversy when it arose, making him very effective in the legislative process.
Tim loved dealers, and most dealers loved Tim. I won’t miss Tim for long because he’ll be cycling in the Rockies, and our door will always be open for my great friend and mentor. I fear for what it will take to replace his vision, energy, excitement and commitment to protecting Colorado dealers.
JEFF CARLSON, Glenwood Springs, Colo.
The writer is a past chairman of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association and NADA.