Experience

Education

Family

What makes you more qualified than your opponent?
I am reliable, responsible, accessible and will be a strong voice representing the people. I spent almost a decade in the Office of the Lt. Governor as the state liaison for the smallest population of minorities in the state and I feel I was very effective in education, advocacy and bringing their issues to the State Capitol.

Should the state revisit sentencing restrictions to reduce prison spending?
Yes. Penalties imposed should equal the crime. Courts and judges are not always consistent with sentencing which leads to overcrowding in jails and prisons. There should also be alternatives to incarceration when a person is charged with a minor infraction. When this happens, individual lives are ruined with arrests records.

Would you support an expansion of the state’s public school voucher program?
In order to support an expansion, I would have to carefully review the details.

Should Colorado pursue a four-day work week for state employees as a way of conserving energy and reducing energy bills?
Private enterprises are expected to work/be open 5-7 days a week to meet the public need. With better organization, structure, and eficiency, state offices can stay within budget and still provide services 5 days a week to the public.

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?
Through improved accountability and efficiency of all departments.

Should the state increase taxes on gas and oil production in Colorado?
The state should enforce collection of taxes based upon current law then look at increases.

How do you think Colorado unions would see you as a candidate? Pro-union or anti-union?
Pro-union with choice.

Above all, what one thing should the state do to improve student performance in public schools?
Develop and accurately implement standard assessments that not only evaluate student ability but drive future instruction for all students.

Should the state convene a constitutional convention to investigate resolving budget problems with TABOR, Amendment 23 and the Gallagher Amendment?
Yes. Elected officials should be investigating whether proposed bills conflict with the constitution prior to reading on the floor.

How would you judge the performance so far of Gov. Bill Ritter?
All governors leave a legacy of their term in office, therefore, each governor has a previous administration to follow and another legacy to leave. I think Governor Ritter is doing what he feels is in the best interest of the State of Colorado.

Are you a dog or a cat person?
Which ever has the shortest hair.

What food do you hate most?
Anything too spicy hot.

The book you’d most like to read next?
My Bones are Red by Pat Waak

The movie that made you laugh out loud the most?
Any movie that my grandkids enjoy; usually something rated PG.

The “one food” you would want stuck on a deserted island?
Strawberry Shortcake with whipped cream

The person you wish would run for U.S. President?
Al Gore (again)

What personal feat are you most proud of?
Being the first in my family to recieve an undergraduate degree.

What one question would you love to have answered and by whom?
With all the modern capabilities and technology now available as well all the systems, agencies & organizations (operatives) in place, why haven’t you been able to find Osama Bin Laden?

Where do you recommend people from out of town eat?
The Fort.