Originally published in the Denver Post.
INCUMBENT
LISA CUTTER
Democratic Party
AGE 56 RESIDENCE Littleton PROFESSION Legislator EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Business FAMILY Husband Brett and three children; Kendra (married to Luke) and twins Blake and Ryan EXPERIENCE Before I was a legislator, I operated a strategic communications and public relations firm and volunteered extensively in the community.
Why are you seeking public office?
I was born in Colorado, and have lived most of my life in Jefferson County, part of which I now serve. I want to be part of creating a Colorado that employs the creativity and ingenuity of its people to address our abysmal school funding, crumbling roads and infrastructure and poor recycling rates. This year, much of our work was focused on helping Coloradans impacted by COVID. I hope to return and continue my work on legislation to care for our planet through environmental legislation, our people through mental health and education legislation and our democracy through information and access.
What will your top three priorities be if elected? We must ensure our state gets back on track for recovery from COVID. The best way to help our state is to learn from the weaknesses exposed by the pandemic and work together to rebuild. This means supporting policies that help our environment while putting people back to work, provide resources and support for our desperately hurting schools and increase access to mental health services. I believe by investing in people and the environment, we can create a path to recovery and set up Coloradans to succeed in the future.
Do you support some type of public option health insurance or Medicare for All at the state level? If so, which and why? If not, why not? I believe healthcare is a human right. If the federal government does not create a better system of coverage, I would support a public option and then assess how many Coloradans still lacked coverage. I’ve talked to countless constituents who are afraid of losing their job and not being able to afford healthcare. Healthcare should not be tied to employment, nor be prohibitively expensive. When people can obtain (and afford) preventative care and necessary treatment, they can better contribute to society as productive citizens. Investing in people is the best way to create better communities and a thriving economy.
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how? Systemic racial injustice and inequity in our society is a real issue. The protests arising from the death of George Floyd elevated the issue in public discourse and galvanized us into action. I was thrilled to support Colorado’s Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity bill, which included the feedback and partnership of law enforcement in the final version. There are many dedicated, courageous police officers, and I firmly believe that this legislation will help us all rise and do better. We must. Our world can no longer continue on this path and bear the collective pain.
Do you place a greater importance on addressing climate change or preserving Colorado’s oil and gas industry? What steps would you take on these issues as a lawmaker? As legislators, our job is to support the health and well being of the people we serve. Climate change is already affecting our health, as smoke from wildfires creates dangerously poor air quality. We need to move away from our reliance on fossil fuels, while helping transition workers. Climate change is accelerating more rapidly than predicted, and it is past the time to make dramatic change. I have been working on zero waste legislation and will continue to do so. This is an area that has not been fully addressed in Colorado, and has great potential to mitigate climate change.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support? I would support safe storage laws. Gun ownership should come with responsibility, and this would protect guns from getting into the hands of children. It would also prevent firearms from being stolen and used in violent crimes.
DONALD ROSIER
Republican Party
AGE 53 RESIDENCE Unincorporated Jefferson County, Littleton PROFESSION Civil Engineer EDUCATION Bachelors of Science – Civil Engineering FAMILY Married for 31 years with 3 adult children EXPERIENCE Unanswered
Why are you seeking public office?
The current state of one-party rule in the legislature and the governor’s office is not reflective of the diversity that we Coloradoans embrace. We must restore balanced representation in our State Government with individuals who have proven leadership and want the job not the title.
What will your top three priorities be if elected? COVID-19 recovery. We must work with our community’s, businesses, and stakeholders to develop opportunities where displaced workers can be rehired, where businesses and citizens are not over burdened with additional fees and taxes, and that schools have the resources and direction to safely and efficiently conduct classes.
Public safety. We must address the rioting, looting, and mental health issues that have only gotten worse under one party leadership
Infrastructure repair maintenance and expansion. We must stop ignoring our ageing roadways, utility systems, and bridges. Our overall community health and safety is reliant on good infrastructure.
Do you support some type of public option health insurance or Medicare for All at the state level? If so, which and why? If not, why not? No. A public option would drive many doctors and hospitals along with most if not all private insurers out of business. It will decrease needed care and increase costs
Have your views on policing and racism in Colorado changed this year? If so, how? It has. Civility has been lost in many forums. We must bring back truthful and honest discourse between all parties and move towards actual change.
Do you place a greater importance on addressing climate change or preserving Colorado’s oil and gas industry? What steps would you take on these issues as a lawmaker? I place a higher importance on our national security and our energy independence. We can achieve both with an all of the above energy approach. A one size fits all approach does not work for society and as such does not work for the energy industry.
Should Colorado consider any new gun laws? If so, which do you support? Colorado has numerous guns laws on the books and I do not feel that additional guns laws are necessary.
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