Colorado State Senate District 15 candidate Q&A

What are your top three priorities for the next legislative session?
Economic recovery (groceries, gas, rent, utilities and car repair costs are rapidly rising, leaving most working Colorado families facing a tough road ahead.)

Safer neighborhoods (Rising theft and violent crime are a top worry everywhere.)

Kids and education (Our kids have suffered the most over the past few years, and their academics and mental health are failing. Parents want to help their kids get the education that best fits their needs.)

The chamber may see split Democrat-Republican control next year. On what issues do you see common ground with the opposite party?
I’m optimistic that thoughtful Democrats will help reverse/moderate some of the policies that led us to inflation, crime and struggling students. I worked across the aisle with many legislators on my bills for geothermal energy, affordable housing, senior property tax exemptions, sales tax simplification, support of trade schools, mental health, teacher pay, prosecuting violent crime and wildfire mitigation.

What perspective or background would you bring to the chamber that is currently missing?
Almost none of the legislators have started, operated or run their own small businesses. When policy decisions are made, it is important that all unintended consequences are considered. It is important to have the voice of small business at the table, because they are the backbone of our economy. When they thrive, working families thrive.

What more can the state legislature do to ease housing costs across Colorado?
I served on the Transformational Affordable Housing Task Force last year. Our private sector task force members were clear that leveraging the private sector and nonprofits to increase supply, plus reducing onerous regulations would drive down the cost of housing.

Do you support the current law on fentanyl possession and resources for treatment?
I opposed the decriminalization of fentanyl in 2019 because it was clear that usage and deaths would skyrocket. We had a chance to get tough in 2022, but the bill was gutted — DAs and police told us that the new legislation sounded good, but would be impossible to prosecute. So fentanyl will continue to claim the lives of young people in Colorado. The legislature needs to do more.

What are your top three priorities for the next legislative session?
My top legislative priorities are education, reproductive rights, and supporting Colorado workers. Colorado nears the bottom of the list for per-pupil funding and teacher wage competitiveness. I will increase funding so school districts can improve teacher wages, student resources and fix critical infrastructure. As personal rights are under attack in neighboring states, I will work to protect and expand reproductive rights and care accessibility for all Coloradans. I will work to bolster our economy by advocating for the right of workers to collectively bargain for higher wages, expanded safety measures, and paid sick and family leave; and investing in main street businesses.

The chamber may see split Democrat-Republican control next year. On what issues do you see common ground with the opposite party?
Many of the issues I’m running on are shared with voters all over the political spectrum. Increasing worker protections, protecting against devastating wildfires, and lowering the cost of housing and prescription drugs are areas that have broad bipartisan support both with voters and our elected officials. In the event of a split legislature, I am confident I can work with my Republican colleagues to make progress on these issues.

What perspective or background would you bring to the chamber that is currently missing?
I’m a teacher and union member. Should I win in November, I will continue to teach throughout my term. Thanks to my union contract, I will take legislative leave in the spring and return to teach each fall, giving me two unique perspectives in the State Senate. I will remain properly connected to my community and in touch with the needs and struggles of our children and working families. And, being one of the few union members in the Senate gives me a lived understanding of the needs of union workers and how best to advocate for them.

What more can the state legislature do to ease housing costs across Colorado?
The state legislature can help ease housing costs by directing funds to create more, higher-density housing options for people being outpriced from many of our urban centers. This is a problem here in SD15, where people have been forced out of Fort Collins, Longmont and Boulder. By investing in developing more housing options, as well as subsidizing housing for middle and working class families, the legislature can ease the unaffordability of our housing market.

Do you support the current law on fentanyl possession and resources for treatment?

I support the increased funding for law enforcement and community groups to develop programs to educate the public on the drug’s dangers and how to stop its use. The funding provided to strengthen our ability to catch and charge those trafficking fentanyl is also a critical piece of the solution. We must make sure those struggling with addiction and overdose can get the help they need while focusing on catching those who are bringing this dangerous and deadly drug into our state.

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