Why are you seeking public office?
I have been a member of the Libertarian Party for nearly 30 years. While the party’s traction has grown, there is still not enough know about the party’s ideals. When I describe the Libertarian Party Platform to friends and family, most of them indicate that they think they are actually a Libertarian. Partisan politics has become so divisive, that the issues at hand and the people that they affect are lost in the struggle. I want to fight for a better world for future generations as I feel our nation has become very lost. I believe we need to get back to the basics and focus on family and mental health, which includes less technology and more face time.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
My top three priorities are:
1 – Education – Prioritize US History in schools with a priority on debunking fake news
2 – Focus on Natural Capitalism over consumption and support local production over outsourcing
3 – Mental Health – provide support to individuals experiencing homelessness and those prone to violence.
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?
No, because Medicare is nearly failing and I don’t believe that a government run health care system would be cost effective or efficient.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
I believe that there are bad cops and that there are racist individuals. However, I believe that these are isolated problems that have been accelerated by the press and social media has been the conduit to propel these issues into an apocalyptic state. I believe in peaceful protesting and conversations and believe that we would all be able to better vet out our differences if we stayed off of social media.
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?
I do believe that climate change is the more pressing issue. While I recognize that the initial capital outlay for alternative energy sources is significant, I do place great importance on preserving our natural resources and harnessing energy in a clean and natural way. I would support efforts to expand the solar and wind transmission networks throughout the state.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
No, I believe that every person has the right to arm themselves and would not restrict the Second Amendment. I do not believe that banning guns would curb violence or deaths, actually quite the opposite because our criminals would still find ways to arm themselves. I also believe in our right to defend ourselves against our government should that ever be a necessity.
Why are you seeking public office?
When I first ran for office I was motivated by my family’s experience at the end of my dad’s life. I hated that despite having good coverage, he based his decisions on what would be left for my mom, not on what he needed to have the dignity and quality of life he deserved. As a state rep., I’m proud of the healthcare bills I’ve worked on and am happy that I’ve also been able to apply my legal experience to work on criminal justice reform and consumer protection bills. I’d love to continue that work.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
Given COVID-19 and the economic strain we are facing, getting (and keeping) people and businesses safely back on their feet is the top priority for next session. This includes drawing down more federal funds for rental and mortgage assistance, supporting local and state level economic drivers, and reinforcing critical government services that our most vulnerable Coloradans rely on. I’ll also continue to work on improving healthcare access and transparency and driving down costs to patients. Finally, I’m committed to criminal justice reform efforts to improve outcomes and reduce the $1 billion we spend every year on corrections.
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?
Yes, the tricky part is figuring out which system works best to get us not just to 100% coverage in Colorado, but to coverage that is affordable and accessible for all Coloradans. It is unacceptable that people can lose a lifetime of savings because of one medical emergency or that folks forgo medical treatment or ration prescription drugs because the cost of either is unaffordable
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
Yes and no. Earlier in my legal career I prosecuted civil rights violations and worked with police departments to improve community relationships and policing outcomes. These issues aren’t new to me. But this year put into sharp focus problems that have long been unaddressed. Because of this acute awareness, we were finally able to pass reforms in Colorado (including eliminating conduct the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional) that otherwise never would have succeeded. And instead of stalling out, these reforms were supported by an overwhelming number of republicans and democrats in both chambers
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. In Colorado alone, we spent the summer with horrific air quality and set records for the number of 90-degree-plus days. It is the defining issue of our time and one that haunts me when I think of the future I leave for my brand new baby girl. We need to keep moving towards low-cost renewables and energy efficiency, and to do this we can (and have) partnered with Colorado’s utilities. The biggest issue in transitioning to a green energy economy is replacing those good paying jobs — something I am absolutely committed to figuring out.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
Yes. I’d support instituting wait periods (with exceptions) and restrictions on the purchase of military-style semi-automatic weapons some folks refer to as “assault” weapons. Colorado is also a “must-issue” concealed carry state, meaning law enforcement has no discretion on whether or not to issue a permit if the applicant meets certain conditions. I’d support changing the law to a “may-issue” which would give law enforcement discretion if they reasonably believed the individual was a danger to themselves or others. I would also support some reasonable extension of the firearm safety training requirement beyond just the conceal carry permitting process.
Pedro “Pete” Roybal has not returned the questionnaire.
