What are your top three priorities for the next legislative session?
First, Pueblo County needs more career-building jobs. I want to bring attention to the capable and proud workforce that is poised for expansion. Secondly, I intend to work hard to protect and preserve the water resources that enrich Pueblo. Third, I think we can all agree that the crime rate is too high in Colorado. This is a complex problem that will not be solved by simply locking more people up for longer. I am dedicated to funding mental health resources, fighting for smarter investments in education and after-school care, and housing solutions aimed at getting people off the streets sooner.
The chamber may see split Democrat-Republican control next year. On what issues do you see common ground with the opposite party?
Most people in the opposing party will see common ground with my three priorities of building jobs, being smart about water policy, and fighting crime. We may not agree fully on the best way to go about those priorities, but having a common goal is a great place to start.
What perspective or background would you bring to the chamber that is currently missing?
The House is full of a diverse and dedicated team. I will bring an intimate knowledge of the needs of my district along with a dedication to carefully studying the issues at hand. It will be my goal to craft and support legislation that goes beyond convenient talking points crafted for a Twitter attention span.
What more can the state legislature do to ease housing costs across Colorado?
According to an in-depth study done by Pueblo, the biggest strain on the housing system right now is a lack of inventory all the way across the cost spectrum. This lack of inventory is putting the greatest pressure on the lowest cost brackets both in the rental and for-purchase markets. We need to increase inventory as quickly as possible. This calls for creative solutions ranging from exploring permitting for Accessory Dwelling Units, to exploring ways to streamline the permitting process. We also need to find ways to increase the number of high-density housing starts all across the state.
Do you support the current law on fentanyl possession and resources for treatment?
Fentanyl overdoses are wreaking havoc on families all across Colorado. Recent changes to criminal penalties for possession are aimed at helping to get pills off the streets and to discourage even small-time dealers from getting in the game. I am hopeful that these new penalties will help law enforcement decrease street use and get more pills out of circulation. There is always a danger that the threat of jail time will drive users underground and keep them out of treatment. But the bill that took effect last July also had provisions to try to counter that possible outcome. I support the direction we are headed, but will be watching to see that it has the intended effect.
Jonathan Ambler has not returned the questionnaire.
How candidate order was determined: A lot drawing was held at the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office on Aug. 3 to determine the general election ballot order for major and minor party candidates. Colorado law (1-5-404, C.R.S.) requires that candidates are ordered on the ballot in three tiers: major party candidates followed by minor party candidates followed by unaffiliated candidates. Within each tier, the candidates are ordered by a lot drawing with the exception of the office of Governor and Lt. Governor, which are ordered by the last name of the gubernatorial candidate.
