What are your top three priorities for the next legislative session?
Protecting and preserving Southern Colorado’s water and fighting the RWR proposal.
Passing a Rural Colorado Economic Incentive Package.
Starting a Colorado Veterans Mental Health Initiative.
The chamber may see split Democrat-Republican control next year. On what issues do you see common ground with the opposite party?
I believe that all the issues I have proposed are non-partisan issues, especially protecting and preserving water. Additionally, having Colorado step up to help our veterans who need mental health services is something that I believe is not a partisan issue.
What perspective or background would you bring to the chamber that is currently missing?
I was born and raised to a single mother and we lived with my grandparents until I was 13 years old. I am a Marine Corps and OIF veteran who has been advocating and fighting for veterans since I was honorably discharged. These perspectives can offer a voice for southern and rural Colorado to ensure that meaningful legislation is passed and implemented.
What more can the state legislature do to ease housing costs across Colorado?
This is an issue that does not have a single answer. First and foremost we must address workers’ pay across the state. Wages have remained stagnant for far too long and Colorado is long overdue for a true living wage adjustment. Additionally, being able to make sure homes are affordable for all is a priority of mine.
Do you support the current law on fentanyl possession and resources for treatment?
There are some positives in the bill such as the change to one gram of fentanyl from four grams for a felony conviction. Though I believe a more targeted approach, aimed at dealers and suppliers should be addressed in this next session.
What are your top three priorities for the next legislative session?
Water protection for the San Luis Valley; parents’ and children’s rights; medical freedom
The chamber may see split Democrat-Republican control next year. On what issues do you see common ground with the opposite party?
Water protections for Colorado.
What perspective or background would you bring to the chamber that is currently missing?
I will bring a solid healthcare background working in the healthcare industry for over 30 years as an administrator. I understand deeply the senior, veteran, and disabled population. I also have a vast experience working in corporate America creating and managing large budgets, building code experience, building assisted livings. I also bring small business owner support as an owner and founder of several small businesses within healthcare, restaurant/coffeeshop/taphouse industry, and founder of a non-profit that helps seniors and disabled in Kenya.
What more can the state legislature do to ease housing costs across Colorado?
We have forests full of trees that need to be harvested before disastrous fires occur. Why not bring down the supply cost when we have our own timber? Why not eliminate the 10-year waiting period within the Homestead act for seniors and disabled to size down from their home? This way, it will open the market to flow with homes for families. Why not pass the bill introduced that gives homeowners grants to rent out part of their homes?
Do you support the current law on fentanyl possession and resources for treatment?
I, in no way support the current law on fentanyl possession. Irresponsible legislatures have loosed death on our children damaging their futures for life as well as risking the lives of our first responders.
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.
