Why are you seeking public office?
I have worked for a US Representative, a US Senator, and under the Obama Administration so I know how the legislative process works. I’ve been practicing law for 8 years now and understand how laws actually work in a courtroom. I want to use this experience to make sure the people of Arvada and Westminster are being heard and getting the help they need.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
I’m passionate about COVID recovery, education funding, and criminal justice reform. I’m a small business owner and my fiance is an ER physician so I understand finding the balance between keeping businesses open and prioritizing public health. I come from a family of teachers and see firsthand from my Guardian ad Litem work that funding our schools is of utmost importance. We need to make sure that students and teachers have the resources they need. I also want to shift the criminal justice system from its current focus on punishment to one on rehabilitation.
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 that all Coloradans deserve access to quality and affordable healthcare. Furthermore, I believe that all Coloradans should be able to make decisions based on what treatment is best for their health and not what option is cheapest/covered by their health insurance.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
Racism is still an issue in the United States and Colorado is not exempt. All people, regardless of color or background, need to be treated with dignity and respect. All individuals should be included in conversations and deserve to be heard and protected. I believe the best way to move forward is to know as much about a situation as possible and I hope to have more conversations and create a safe place for everyone.
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 care about environmental issues but know we can’t displace Colorado jobs, especially during a pandemic. I know there is a way to embrace clean energy jobs without putting Coloradans out of work.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
Colorado has a history of gun violence, especially in schools. We need to do better to make sure that we are decreasing the number of shootings in our state and ensuring that our citizens feel safe. I believe we should make sure that we have responsible gun owners who are properly trained and undergo background checks to ensure the safety of our residents.
Why are you seeking public office?
For the People. I grew up in the district I am asking voters to elect me to represent. I understand choices that families have to make, because I have to make those same choices. I see kids and teens struggle with self-harm, suicidal ideation, and pressure from school. We can make better use of resources to address needs of future generations now.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
Currently, Colorado faces a 3.3 Billion dollar budget shortfall. EVERY Representative’s priority should be getting to work to find solutions for a hurting economy without placing the burden on the tax payer or the business community. Policy should reflect the desire of the population, I believe in my district that is Mental Health, School Safety and Education, and Transportation.
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 want ALL of Colorado families to equal and affordable access to the spectrum of health care that is right for their family.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
This year, we have learned a great deal about policing in the US. This year, the Colorado legislature passed bold legislation in an attempt to address the growing unrest but with many unintended consequences. We can better tool and skill law enforcement by giving them better resources for training, not less. We can help them advocate for better qualified candidates, remove bad officers, and help make necessary changes to better address a diverse population. As a volunteer, I have participated in patrol ride-alongs, mock building searches, arrest tactics and use of force. This job is unlike any other, and would encourage all residents to go through a local citizen academy before making quick judgements that can have life changing consequences for an entire community.
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?
There is room for discussion around both these topics, it should never be an “either/or”. I grew up in a working class family, my dad worked for an oil company his whole life as a diesel mechanic, that put food on our table. Careful consideration and active participation in committee meetings to bring a fair and thoughtful perspective can be brought to both topics.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – Ronald Reagan
Why are you seeking public office?
Because I believe change needs to happen and we need fresh ideas.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
I have an ambitious agenda but I would like to tackle Education reform, police reform, and health reform.
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 support a public option if it is in fact an option. It will need to allow people to opt in and out as desired. Allow people to pick the services they want and need rather than the one size fits all approach health care is now. Also allow them to change their services when they need. Needs to fairly participate in the free market.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
No I have always thought police reform needs to happen. Police brutality has been going on since the 19th century and we need to address that.
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?
This shouldn’t be a one size fits all approach we can find away to help our planet and preserve industries. Pass legislation that incentives businesses and people to work towards helping with climate change. We also need to address our approach to foresting services that will allow for thinning of forest to help with the out of control wildfires.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
The Colorado Constitution clearly states the 2nd Amendment shall not be questioned. So we need to roll back things like ERPO laws. I do support universal back ground checks, but not as a means to suppress a persons 2nd Amendment rights. I also believe people should be held accountable if your firearm was used negligently. For instance if a crime is committed with your weapon because you failed to secure it properly.
