Why are you seeking public office?
I am running for office because I believe that it is essential that we have strong leaders who are able to confront and solve the most pressing issues of today. I have a passion for public service and I have learned and accomplished a lot in my time at the legislature. I have demonstrated the ability to build bridges, work across the aisle, and build consensus with my colleagues, all without ever compromising my values and beliefs. Itap important that the person who succeeds Sen. Nancy Todd in SD 28 is able to get to work immediately on the important issues that Coloradans face. When I get to the state senate, I know that my experience will allow me to work with my colleagues to pass essential legislation that uplifts all Coloradans.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
1. Ensuring that everyone has access to quality health care, both preventative care and emergency care.
2. Making large investments in our education system, especially in communities of color and communities that have historically faced funding and resource shortfalls.
3. Combating social injustices (racism, criminal justice, economic justice, and environmental justice).
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 we need to make sure that every single Coloradan has health insurance. As the ACA is increasingly under attack, I think that it’s imperative that we have either a public option or a program such as Medicare for All that would ensure coverage for everyone who has been left behind. We still have too many Coloradans who are either uninsured or under insured. It’s important that we move forward with bold policy decisions to provide quality health care to everyone in our state.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
As a Black woman, I have always been aware of unfair police practices and racism in my community and throughout the nation. The prevalence of systemic racism has been at the forefront this year and I am even more determined to address these issues through policy changes. I am proud of the work that we have accomplished by passing SB20-217, and I hope that we can seize on community support and momentum to pass more reforms to combat systemic racism in our police departments and institutions.
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?
We should always prioritize the climate and the public’s health and safety over any particular industry. Most of the leading scientists in the world agree that we must act fast when it comes to mitigating the impacts of climate change. I am completely on board with transitioning to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Our state has an opportunity to lead on this issue. I see this as an opportunity to bolster our economy, protect future generations, preserve the environment, and ensure a healthy future for all.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
I support common sense gun policy that will protect the lives of Coloradans. We have done great work in this area with the passing of Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation. I am in favor of legislation to close loopholes that allow individuals to illegally purchase firearms. It’s imperative that we protect our communities in Colorado while also respecting the rights of safe and responsible gun owners.
Why are you seeking public office?
I want to represent Colorado values for my three daughters, three grandchildren, and my neighbors. I am fighting for their futures. I support helping people (and businesses) as they recover from COVID. I support law and order, with protections that have been missing in recent riots; a strong military (I served as an Army captain at Walter Reed during Vietnam); I want all pathways of education to be open…public, private, religious. Responsible development as we construct new housing and businesses, but protect the environment. Strong Second Amendment supporter. I want good accessible medical care for everyone. Fairness in social media.
What will your top three priorities be if elected?
Support for people and businesses affected by the shutdown
Preserving the environment as we develop Aurora
Free choice in education…public, private, charter, and at-home schools
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?
The only state option I support is coverage for high risk patients for whom standard insurance is not affordable or practical.
This is a good safety net for people with severe chronic conditions.
Medicare does not cover dental, vision or hearing and requires a monthly premium.
We already have Medicaid, with close to free care for low income citizens.
A government system would have the ambiance of a bureaucracy, not a caring medical one.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how?
It is saddening that Coloradans still feel divided. I want us all to come together for a stronger Colorado. This is my belief now and always has been.
Police have a necessary and dangerous job. I stand with them. I am appalled at how they are being hamstrung by politicians, therefore endangering their lives and the lives of our citizens.
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?
The climate has always been changing and we all know that. When it was revealed that the base figures for “man made global warming” were fraudulent, the left changed the name to “climate change.” One must separate the two things, but they are not separated in the media now. As an environmentalist, I want to protect the environment, but realize that carbon fuels and products are necessary now as alternative energy sources are being developed. I would favor investigations into nuclear power in Colorado used in other states and countries with good success.
I would need better information to find which fuel standards, etc., are indicated.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support?
I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.
Criminals don’t seem to pay much attention to gun laws.
