What are your top three priorities for the next legislative session?
If re-elected, I will continue to fight for affordable housing; clean air, land, and water; and universal health care. No one should lose their home or life savings if they get sick — health care is a human right and I will continue to work for a system that is better, cheaper, and fairer.
The chamber may see split Democrat-Republican control next year. On what issues do you see common ground with the opposite party?
The state legislature has a long tradition of bipartisan work on the important issues facing our state. In 2022, 96% of bills passed had bipartisan support. I believe we can continue our bipartisan work on the issues of affordable housing, transportation, water, and agriculture. On a personal note, I have passed bipartisan legislation in the areas of public education, health care, protections against doxxing, outdoor recreation, taxes, and agriculture.
What perspective or background would you bring to the chamber that is currently missing?
My commitment to civil discourse and ability to disagree with integrity and respect will continue to serve my constituents and Colorado well. This goes past the notions of decorum and strives to recognize the dignity and worth of every person, even when we disagree on how to address the challenges facing our state. My background includes facilitating difficult conversations, intentional listening, and working through conflict in order to find opportunities for compromise and agreement. No matter the policy, I will always listen to new ideas and concerns in order to gain a new perspective.
What more can the state legislature do to ease housing costs across Colorado?
In 2022, the General Assembly made transformational investments to ease housing costs, increase pathways to homeownership, and increase the supply of affordable housing and rental units. Mobile home park residents are particularly vulnerable when lot rents increase to the point of unaffordability. We must work to address underlying cost drivers and protect cost-burdened renters and homeowners alike while giving municipalities and counties additional tools and options to preserve and expand naturally occurring affordable housing in our state.
Do you support the current law on fentanyl possession and resources for treatment?
Yes. We must take action in response to fentanyl overdoses and deaths. HB22-1326 will direct tens of millions of dollars to be used for drug treatment and education campaigns, along with funding to prevent overdose deaths. The criminal penalties will give law enforcement the tools needed in order to crack down on fentanyl dealers while allowing defendants who are unknowingly in possession of fentanyl to have their charges reduced to a misdemeanor. The data collection components will ensure transparency regarding criminal penalties and implementation. HB22-1326 is an important first step in protecting the public against this deadly drug.
Donna Walter 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.
