Go to: Candidate Q&A home page · Denver Post Voter Guide
Sarah Wodson Democrat
Residence: Aurora
Profession: Business Owner
Education: A.A.S. Paralegal, CCA / Paralegal Certificate, ICDC College/ CU Boulder – Cannabis Entrepreneurship Short Course
Experience: Nine years of experience in public policy, legislative advocacy, coalition building, community engagement, and small business development.
What are your top three priorities, if elected?
My top three priorities are increasing housing affordability and homeownership opportunities, expanding economic opportunity through small business growth and workforce development, and improving public safety by investing in mental health, prevention, and community-based solutions.
What specific actions would you support to improve affordability for Coloradans, whether aimed at housing costs, tax burdens or other impacts?
Colorado must address affordability from multiple angles. I support increasing the supply of attainable housing by reforming construction defect laws to encourage the development of condominiums and other entry-level homes, streamlining permitting, and expanding pathways to homeownership. I also support policies that help small businesses grow, create good-paying jobs, and reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers that drive up costs. Finally, I believe we should carefully evaluate the impact of taxes, fees, and mandates to ensure they do not place an unnecessary financial burden on working families while continuing to invest in essential public services.
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 on issues that directly affect everyday Coloradans. Regardless of which party is in the majority, I will look for opportunities to work together on increasing housing affordability, supporting small businesses, strengthening public safety, improving behavioral health, and reducing unnecessary government bureaucracy. I believe the best ideas can come from either side of the aisle, and my approach will always be to listen first, focus on data and outcomes, and build coalitions around practical solutions rather than partisan politics. Colorado has a long history of passing bipartisan legislation, and I intend to be part of that tradition
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?
Every governor brings a different leadership style, priorities, and relationships, which creates opportunities to revisit proposals that may not have gained traction in previous years. Rather than focusing on what didn’t pass under Governor Polis, I think the next administration should prioritize areas where there is broad agreement, including housing affordability, behavioral health, public safety, and reducing unnecessary barriers to economic opportunity. I also believe it’s an opportunity to take a fresh look at issues where stakeholders have been divided and determine whether new conversations or different approaches can produce bipartisan solutions that better serve Coloradans
