Office and district sought: State Senate, District 21
Name: Matt Knoedler
Party affiliation: Republican
Website: www.mattknoedler.com
E-mail: mattknoedler@comcast.net
Age: 31
Last degree earned: BA in Political Science
Occupation: State Representative; Policy Advisor; Realtor
Hobbies: Hiking, coaching and playing ice hockey, reading to my baby daughter.
Family: wife, Ariahn; daughter Ciara Dorothy; dog, Claire.
How long have you lived in Colorado? Where did you live before? I’ve lived in Colorado since 1987, after my family moved here from Columbus, Ind.
Last book read: “1776,” by David McCullough
Civic Involvement: Youth Ice Hockey Coach – Foothills Park and Recreation District, 2003-06; Second Wind Run/Walk – annual volunteer; I’m an active volunteer for (but not a member of) Green Mountain Kiwanis.
Major endorsements: Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry; National Federation of Independent Business
Why are you running? I want to live in a vibrant community, where children can safely walk to school and businesses can thrive without government’s red tape getting in the way.
What are the top three challenges facing Colorado or the institution you seek to represent?
1. Health Care – In order to lower health care costs, both parties must work together, which is why I’ve reached across the aisle to support proposals to lower prescription drug costs.
2. Education – Lakewood’s citizens strongly support our local schools, but they also worry about the safety and well being of the students.
3. Illegal immigration – It impacts so many issues, including the rising costs of health care, overcrowded classrooms, and it puts an additional stress on our public infrastructure.
What is your top priority in the next session if you should win? We need to coordinate federal, state and local efforts to fight illegal immigration by establishing a standing task force to share resources and information.
What proposal in the last session did you oppose the most? Rep. Gwen Green proposed a bill to extend product liability lawsuits against businesses or non-profits (including homeless shelters) that offered hand-me-down baby products to parents.
What proposal in the last session did you agree with the most? I was an original co-sponsor of Rep. Bill Crane’s legislation to make identity theft a felony. Finally, we got that bill passed!
