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Michelle Tweed Democrat
Residence: Colorado Springs
Profession: U.S. Navy Veteran, Public Service Professional, and Doctoral Researcher
Education: B.S. Criminal Justice–Human Services; M.S. Management–Homeland Security; Ph.D. Health Psychology Candidate
Experience: U.S. Navy veteran with experience in public service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, criminal justice, homeland security, community engagement, leadership, and serving diverse populations.
What are your top three priorities, if elected?
My top three priorities are strengthening working families, protecting our communities, and investing in Colorado’s future. First, I will focus on affordability by supporting small businesses, addressing housing costs, and promoting good-paying jobs. Second, I will prioritize public safety while ensuring our veterans, military families, law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders have the resources and support they need. Third, I will strengthen education and workforce development by supporting teachers, expanding career and technical education and apprenticeships, and creating pathways that prepare students for college, skilled trades, military service, or the workforce. Approaching each priority with fiscal responsibility, accountability, and a commitment to the people of HD-21.
What specific actions would you support to improve affordability for Coloradans, whether aimed at housing costs, tax burdens or other impacts?
I would support practical measures that lower the cost of living without shifting unnecessary burdens onto taxpayers/small businesses. On housing, I support expanding supply, reducing unnecessary barriers to responsible development, encouraging starter homes, and helping first-time homebuyers compete in the market. I would scrutinize taxes, fees, and regulations that increase costs for families and small businesses and require greater accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent. I also support strengthening workforce development, career and technical education, and apprenticeships so Coloradans can access good-paying careers. Affordability policy should focus on reducing costs, expanding opportunity, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring government programs demonstrate measurable value
Whether your party is in the majority or minority next year, where do you see actionable common ground with the opposing party?
I believe there is meaningful common ground when we focus on practical solutions rather than party labels. Areas where I see opportunities for bipartisan work include lowering costs for families, supporting small businesses, expanding workforce development and skilled trades, strengthening public safety, supporting veterans and military families, improving access to healthcare, and protecting Colorado’s water and natural resources. I would also work across the aisle to improve government accountability and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. Whether serving in the majority or minority, my responsibility would be to represent the people of HD-21, listen to different perspectives, and work with anyone willing to find responsible solutions that benefit our communities.
A new governor will take office next year. What opportunities are there for legislation or other changes that did not gain traction under Gov. Jared Polis?
A new administration creates an opportunity to reassess policies that may not have received sufficient consideration and build broader bipartisan coalitions. Prioritize greater local control, stronger support for small businesses, responsible approaches to housing, growth, water, and relief from regulations or fees that unnecessarily increase costs for families. I also see opportunities to strengthen career and technical education, improve support for veterans and military families, address healthcare workforce shortages, and ensure reliable and affordable energy. Rather than simply reversing previous policies, I evaluate what is working, identify what is not, and pursue practical reforms based on evidence, affordability, accountability, and the needs of Colorado communities.
Brenda Miller did not return the questionnaire.
