Why are you seeking public office?
After several years of working as a structural engineer, I felt called to do more to address climate change, public education, health care reform, and equal rights. After leaving engineering, I spent several years working on campaigns and at the capitol before running for office myself. I was elected in 2016 and reelected in 2018. Over my four years as your representative, I have found the work both challenging and gratifying. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I am excited to continue this work for the people of Colorado.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
Our top priority must be recovering from the pandemic and recession. Much of my work over the last four years intersects with the current crisis. I’ve worked to reduce the high cost of health care and increase access to quality health insurance, which is more important now than ever. I’ve worked to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which reduces the air pollution that exacerbates respiratory conditions. I’ve worked to increase funding for our public schools and universities, and while TABOR has tied our hands, we’ve been successful in closing up a few corporate special interest tax loopholes.
Do you support some type of public option health insurance or Medicare for All at the state level? If so, which and why? If not, why not?
I believe our current health care system still prioritizes profits over people, and I believe we need substantial reform in order to bring down the high premiums and deductibles and ensure we have patient-centered and integrated care. I believe a public option is a great step to increase competition and expand options for consumers, and I certainly support Medicare for All at the federal level, but there are many other big ideas. The development of a statewide purchasing collaborative, modeled after the Peak Health Alliance in Summit County, for example, has tremendous potential to make health care more affordable.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
I first started paying close attention to police violence after the murder of Michael Brown by the Ferguson police in 2014. Growing awareness and incremental reforms since then have done little to stop this horrifying violence against innocent people, as the recent murders of George Floyd and Elijah McClain have shown. Pervasive problems call for structural changes, and I’m incredibly proud to have supported the Law Enforcement Integrity and Accountability Act this year. Under this law, police officers are still supported and equipped to serve and protect, but those who shoot first and ask questions later will be held accountable.
Do you place a greater importance on addressing climate change or preserving Colorado’s oil and gas industry? What steps would you take on these issues as a lawmaker?
Climate change is the most significant challenge facing our country. We’re already seeing the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires and other natural disasters, and itap going to get far worse if we don’t transform our energy systems within the next few decades. While I’m certainly concerned about the families whose incomes will be impacted by our efforts to curb carbon pollution, the solution is not to look the other way. Rather, I believe we must invest in these families to help with a just transition into new industries and job opportunities. Clean energy creates great jobs, too.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
Until kids can go to school again without fear of being shot, we have work to do. I am proud of the common sense gun violence prevention laws we’ve passed in Colorado, as well as our the increased investments in mental health care. I believe there are additional laws that can make it harder for potentially dangerous people to access firearms, such as safe storage laws and better tracking of lost and stolen firearms.
Doug Anderson and Fred Clifford have not returned the questionnaire.
