Born
May 9, 1969
Experience
Professional musician, 1990s; web designer, video and audio production specialist and search engine optimization consultant since 2002; adjunct instructor at Front Range Community College and the Community College of Denver since 2003.
Education
Bachelor’s in advertising from Brigham Young University, 1994.
Family
Wife, Paige; children Brandi, Allex, Baylee, Andrew. |
What makes you more qualified than your opponent?
I have worked for years as a small business owner so I understand the economy on a personal level. Unlike my opponent I will vote in line with the wishes of my constituents on affordable energy, the Second Amendment, Jessica’s Law, and taxes. I also have a common sense approach to life that comes from a wide range of experiences including being a father of four children, being a husband, a small business owner, playing in a rock band, working for environmental protection organizations, traveling the country studying alternative and renewable energy in our nation’s airports, doing church work in the inner city of Chicago, traveling and speaking to youth groups about life values, being a teacher in two community colleges, working for government contractors, and being a regular everyday employee in private industry.
Should the state revisit sentencing restrictions to reduce prison spending?
No. Keeping criminals away from society keeps people safe. Many people in our community and country would be alive today if sentences would have been completely carried out. We should not use cost to determine whether or not someone is incarcerated. We should also consider higher sentencing requirements for some offenses. My opponent opposed Jessica’s Law, which would have done more to keep violent sexual offenders off the streets. I would have listened to my constituents and supported that law just like most states in the Union have.
Would you support an expansion of the state’s public school voucher program?
Yes. Our public education system is a one-size-fits-all monopoly. This effort would introduce elements into the system that would allow good teachers newer opportunities to use their talents and get the pay they deserve. It would also give everyone a truly equal opportunity at a good public school.
Should Colorado pursue a four-day work week for state employees as a way of conserving energy and reducing energy bills?
Yes, provided work times can be staggered so vital services are not interrupted. Some services such as those provided by DOT can easily be turned into a four-day work week. Also, with the advent of high-speed internet, some state employees should be allowed to work from home offices as appropriate. This would also play a significant role in reducing traffic congestion.
With so many state “entitlements,” such as Medicaid and public schools, how can the state best increase spending on roads, bridges and other transportation projects?
Look closely at some of the overpasses throughout the metro area and you will see that transportation funding is important. But with our lack of leadership in the state, it will likely take a crisis before anything significant is done. We need to reprioritize funds in the state and put transportation higher on the list. There have been proposals to increase funding for transportation without raising taxes that I may support with additional study, such as the Plus One plan. I also think that Governor Owens proved that bonding at the appropriate time is a great tool to use to maximize what we can do with our existing revenue streams. I will oppose any new taxes for transportation funding. In the 1980s our state government raised taxes on diesel fuel to help fund transportation. But in the end all it did was run a number of truck stops out of business. The unintended consequences behind raising taxes are frequently as bad as the original problem. We also need to find creative solutions. For example, with the advent of high speed internet over the last decade, many more people are able to work from home. This trend will most likely increase. We need to encourage this as a means of decreasing the number of people using the roads and using petroleum products on a daily basis. Also, most people forget that the asphalt on our highways is a byproduct of petroleum. As long as we are restricting the development our own petroleum resources, our transportation maintenance costs will be impossible to predict or manage. We must tap into our own resources to get the massive transportation price tag down to a reasonable level.
Should the state increase taxes on gas and oil production in Colorado?
No. There are several western states with these resources. Companies will likely develop these resources in the states with the lowest taxes. We should however, ensure that Coloradans benefit from the resources taken from within our borders.
How do you think Colorado unions would see you as a candidate? Pro-union or anti-union?
They would see me as anti union because I am a republican – but they would be wrong. I am best described as pro-employee. There is a place for collective bargaining in our society. In some industries unions also play a significant role in promoting and maintaining standards. Like anything else in life, there are good and bad examples of everything.
Should the state convene a constitutional convention to investigate resolving budget problems with TABOR, Amendment 23 and the Gallagher Amendment?
No. Ref C already took care of some of the more-difficult issues. A constitutional convention is too much. We should address fiscal responsibility in our state government.
How would you judge the performance so far of Gov. Bill Ritter?
I think he is a nice guy with a lack of foresight. He has done little to address transportation and little that will lower the cost of energy, the cost of health care or insurance. |
Who is your hero?
My father.
Are you a dog or a cat person?
Cat – most of the time
What food do you hate most?
Cauliflower
The book you’d most like to read next?
“Happiness is a Serious Problem”
The movie that made you laugh out loud the most?
The Madness of King George
The “one food” you would want stuck on a deserted island?
My wife’s pumpkin cake.
The person you wish would run for U.S. president?
My mother. She has the perfect blend of compassion and a no-nonsense attitude.
What personal feat are you most proud of?
Church work I did on the south side of Chicago. Service is the greatest source of happiness.
What one question would you love to have answered and by whom?
No answer.
Where do you recommend people from out of town eat?
No answer. |
