Why are you seeking public office?
When I was born, I was given up for adoption. A wonderful family of educators adopted me. Still, I struggled in school. Luckily, my school had a vocational and technical program. Once I enrolled in this program and took control of my education, I thrived. After school, I went on to a long and successful career. I never forgot how important my education was to my success. Now, I’m running to end the myth that kids who don’t go to school are failures and to ensure that every child has access to the same opportunities that I did.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
Why is three the universal number of priorities that a politician must have? Is this taught in journalism school somewhere?
I’m running to ensure that every kid in Colorado can access the same vocational and technical education opportunities that I had. If I can get that done at any point in my term I will consider the whole thing a success.
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?
Unfortunately, our healthcare problems were created by the Federal government and they’ll have to be solved there.
Instead of doubling down on policies that have failed, I’d like to see us try something truly novel — a free-market approach to healthcare. Letap mandate upfront, transparent pricing and coverage and then throw open the doors to allow people to buy any policy they want. Anyone who has had Lasik eye surgery can attest to the fact that competition, not subsidization, is the best remedy to rising prices.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
Police who cross the line, trample on citizens’ rights, or break the law should be prosecuted… aggressively. What baffles me is that this view is apparently controversial or revelatory. People, even police, should bear the consequences of their actions. But entire groups of people, including police departments, shouldn’t bear the guilt for the actions of a few bad actors.
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?
Why is the assumption that I would take any steps on these issues as a lawmaker? Just because these are the priorities of the Denver Post doesn’t mean they’re my priorities. I don’t even view the two as conflicting aims.
I’m running to focus on our education system and expanding the options children have to prepare for their future. Not to pick economic winners and losers.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
This question is a nice illustration of one of the most subtle and persistent biases in the media — that there should always be a new law.
The laws we currently have are either unenforceable or unenforced. Maybe we should start with making the existing laws work before creating even more meaningless legislation for politicians to slap on campaign mailers.
Why are you seeking public office?
Since early adulthood, I have dedicated myself to projects and organizations that help make our country a better place to live. My job in the Senate has been the most rewarding in that regard. I believe I have had an optimal impact, and I want to build upon the successes I have enjoyed on behalf of my constituents. In areas of public education, transportation, healthcare and more, I can see the evidence of my work, and it is apparent that some of our communities’ most vulnerable populations have particularly benefitted.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
I have seen that the most effective legislators are the ones who understand it is indeed possible to work on eight or 10 or more bills at one time, with equal amounts of passion. But if I had to choose three areas where I think Colorado can most improve everyone’s quality of life, itap in the areas of public education, transportation and healthcare. The last item, healthcare, has become increasingly critical this year, as it is affecting so many other tangential issues.
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?
Even after the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, we still have Coloradans who can’t get the healthcare they need; or the cost of the healthcare is bankrupting them. So itap a situation we need to continue to explore. If we can find a way to implement a public option without destroying the private insurance industry’s infrastructure AND still preserving individual rights, I’m in favor. If we can find a way to make Medicare for All affordable, I’m also in favor. But thatap a big “if,” especially in the current budgetary environment.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
No. I support our law enforcement officials who conduct themselves within the moral limits of their authority, and I always have. I also believe we should listen to any minority groups who want to make us aware of prejudice, racial behavior or other discriminatory practices. And whatever civil way in which they choose to make us aware, I strongly encourage. We have ignored or minimized the plight of Black, Indigenous and other people of color for too long.
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 does not need to be an either-or question. We need to preserve Colorado’s oil and gas industry WHILE we address climate change. I believe itap important to recognize the negative effects of climate change (both proven and potential), and we need to find ways that the oil and gas industry can continue to provide us with the vital energy upon which we all rely. I support the continued exploration of technological ways in which to make the industry safer; and the safety aspect must be paramount.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
First, I would like to see our state make every effort to enforce the gun laws now in place. Our judicial branch has determined that those laws are all consistent with the U.S. Constitution, the majority of my constituents believe they make our communities safer, and so I am supportive. But to be effective, those laws need to be applied evenly across the board.
