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Matthew Martinez (i) Democrat
Residence: Monte Vista
Profession: Higher Education
Education: Master of Science – Political Science
Experience: I am a 7th generation, Colorado native, United States Marine Corps and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and I am the Majority Co-Whip in the House and I am seeking my third term.
What are your top three priorities, if elected?
My priorities for this term are protecting the San Luis Valley’s water and agriculture, expanding access to higher education and helping Veterans in rural Colorado with healthcare and access to their benefits.
What specific actions would you support to improve affordability for Coloradans, whether aimed at housing costs, tax burdens or other impacts?
We must tackle affordability in Colorado. I firmly believe that all options are on the table. We have to partner with local counties and municipalities to build more affordable housing as soon as possible. This also includes providing support to both to approve new projects and providing grant funds to expedite projects. We all do better, when we all do better. Healthcare and home insurance are skyrocketing and we must do everything we can to decrease the cost to our citizens.
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 are a lot of issues that are not partisan issues, but Colorado issues. The first is preserving and expanding funding for our K-12 schools. We have made massive progress in the last few years, but more work is needed in this space. Additionally, helping our Veterans has been a place for common ground. From helping Veterans transition into job placement, to protecting them from predatory industries, this issue has seen overwhelming bi-partisan support. Lastly, there is a growing coalition to address the state’s water situation.
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?
I think there will be plenty of opportunities for the new Governor to partner with legislators on. First and foremost, I believe passing and signing the Worker Protection Act should be the highest priority for the new administration. Next, I would love to see better partnerships with rural Colorado and the Governor’s office. Life happens outside of the metro area, and that life matters. Collaboration and partnerships with rural Colorado have long been overdue and having a Governor that is willing to learn and support Colorado’s agriculture and rural needs will be welcomed.
Donald Vermillion Libertarian Party
Residence: Pueblo
Profession: Disabled Veteran
Education: Some college
Experience: Born ’77, youngest of 3, raised by a single mom and business owner. Enlisted in the Army ’96, medical discharge. Survived homelessness (911 in Newark).
What are your top three priorities, if elected?
Fulfill the promise of the San Luis Valley-Calumet-Comanche Transmission Project through an alternative routing.
Digital Rights and Privacy. Keep Flock cameras out of state agencies (as well as other surveilence companies).
Keep Decisions Local. Keep data center decisions in local municipalities hands.
What specific actions would you support to improve affordability for Coloradans, whether aimed at housing costs, tax burdens or other impacts?
We need to investigate the fraud, waste and abuse of our social programs and hold people accountable for defrauding the taxpayer. Next we need to reduce all these taxes labeled as fees.
Whether your party is in the majority or minority next year, where do you see actionable common ground with the opposing party?
From where I stand, most of the problems are from the lack of meeting at the common ground. Whether is a democrat or a republican, it seems more often then not its about pushing “The Agenda” of the party. Not about meeting at the common ground.
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?
That all depends on who wins the seat. If its the democrats, its more of the same for the foreseeable future. All at the expense of the taxpayer. If the republicans or libertarians win (if they have a spine) we might see progress in keeping business in our state.
Steven Rodriguez did not return the questionnaire.
