Experience

Education

Family

What makes you more qualified than your opponent?
As a former member of the State Board of Education, and now as a state representative, I have experience, dedication and a strong commitment to making Aurora and Colorado the best place to live and work.

Should the state revisit sentencing restrictions to reduce prison spending?
Yes, particularly drug sentencing and minor crimes.

Would you support an expansion of the state’s public school voucher program?
No, I oppose vouchers and believe we need to expand education reform through the public education options.

Should Colorado pursue a four-day work week for state employees as a way of conserving energy and reducing energy bills?
I would prefer to see telecommuting, flexible schedules and other strategies to improve efficiencies before eliminating a work day, particularly in jobs with customer service or public outreach responsibilities.

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?
Amendment 59 can help us rebalance education spending, eliminate a portion of Amendment 23’s impact, and allow us to fund other key state budget priorities. Beyond that, we must propose a plan to fund transportation and offer it to taxpayers on the 2009 ballot.

Should the state increase taxes on gas and oil production in Colorado?
I support Amendment 58 which increases severance taxes to support higher education. When we compare our severance tax rates to those in our region, we are currently lower than surrounding states. I also look to Wyoming where a modest severance tax increase was used to create significant education funding and support for all their students.

How do you think Colorado unions would see you as a candidate? Pro-union or anti-union?
Colorado unions would see me as a legislator who supports Colorado’s working families. I also have a good reputation working with Colorado business and chamber of commerce interests.

Above all, what one thing should the state do to improve student performance in public schools?
There is a strong program in place at the Colorado Department of Education that works with districts to target and improve student performance based on an audit process. This program was funded in the 2008 legislative session as part of “closing the achievement gap” and the state can expand this program through current accountability measures (accreditation contracts) and through continued funding for this successful model.

Should the state convene a constitutional convention to investigate resolving budget problems with TABOR, Amendment 23 and the Gallagher Amendment?
No. The scope of a constitutional convention cannot be limited to these topics which opens up the potential for larger disagreements on unrelated issues. Beyond that, with the single subject law in place, I believe we can propose changes to our constitution that address ‘fixes’ one at a time – such as Amendment 59.

How would you judge the performance so far of Gov. Bill Ritter?
I have had a good working relationship with the governor and have supported his work on education reform. As a fellow elected official, I believe it is the constituents who need to judge the governor’s performance.

Are you a dog or a cat person?
Dog – I have 3 dogs

What food do you hate most?
Bananas

The book you’d most like to read next?
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

The movie that made you laugh out loud the most?
"Superbad"

The “one food” you would want stuck on a deserted island?
Chocolate

The person you wish would run for U.S. president?
Not sure.

What personal feat are you most proud of?
The birth of my daughter, Zoe Grace Middleton (b. Aug. 19, 2008)

What one question would you love to have answered and by whom?
“Why are you crying?” – daughter, Zoe

Where do you recommend people from out of town eat?
Thai Flavor