passed the first legislative hurdle Wednesday in her road to the lieutenant governor’s office, telling lawmakers she is committed to helping rural development, making government more efficient and working to improve health care.
In a 6-2 vote, the House Committee on State, Veterans and Military Affairs moved a “favorable recommendation” for her confirmation before the full House.
Lynne, a Kaiser Permanente executive, was tapped by Gov. John Hickenlooper in March to replace who is leaving his post to become president of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.
Lynne was flanked by Garcia and Hickenlooper at a Wednesday hearing before the committee, with the governor .
Lynne worked in government service for New York City for 20 years — under three Democratic mayors and one Republican — before joining the private sector.
She told the committee that she hopes to bring her experience in the business world to state government.
“I think influence means you’re not telling people what to do — you’re working with them cooperatively,” she said.
Lynne said she is committed to visiting all of Colorado’s 64 counties in her first year to meet with communities in a town hall setting to hear their needs.
Rep. Su Ryden, an Aurora Democrat who leads the House Committee on State, Veterans and Military Affairs, applauded Lynne’s confirmation moving forward and wished her luck.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
