Experience

Education

Family

What makes you more qualified than your opponent?
I have developed productive working relationships at the Capitol and throughout our community over the past 12 years representing south Aurora. My policies are informed by the experiences of fellow legislators throughout the country, and by the experiences of the people in my district. I am actively involved with a number of diverse groups in my community and making constant contact with voters so I understand their priorities and reflect their values. My constituents deserve an experienced advocate who knows the issues that affect Aurora and knows how to address the challenges we face.

Should the state revisit sentencing restrictions to reduce prison spending?
Yes. The state should routinely examine and evaluate its current policies, and the cost of current sentencing guidelines.

Would you support an expansion of the state’s public school voucher program?
No, I believe our current system, which includes charter schools, gives parents options, but maintains the focus on strengthening our public schools.

Should Colorado pursue a four-day work week for state employees as a way of conserving energy and reducing energy bills?
I would certainly consider changes that would improve our energy independence, and would welcome data that quantifies the impact of a four-day work week. Each agency has different requirements, so flexibility would be key.

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?
I support Amendment 59, which would reduce the need for education spending to compete with Medicaid, transportation and other programs.

Should the state increase taxes on gas and oil production in Colorado?
I support Amendment 58, which would eliminate the state tax credit, and bring Colorado into line with the severance tax rates imposed by surrounding states.

How do you think Colorado unions would see you as a candidate? Pro-union or anti-union?
I am pro-union, and generally support the rights of individual workers.

Above all, what one thing should the state do to improve student performance in public schools?
Providing quality Early Childhood Education programs would have the most positive, cost-effective impact on our students’ performance and graduation rates.

Should the state convene a constitutional convention to investigate resolving budget problems with TABOR, Amendment 23 and the Gallagher Amendment?
If Amendment 59 does not pass in November, we would need to convene a constitutional convention to resolve the budget problems resulting from the TABOR, Amendment 23 and Gallagher Amendment requirements.

How would you judge the performance so far of Gov. Bill Ritter?
He has provided impressive leadership on issues such as achieving energy independence and developing our green economy. I admire his ability to bring Coloradans together and have confidence we can work together for a better future under his leadership.

Are you a dog or a cat person?
Dog

What food do you hate most?
Liver

The book you’d most like to read next?
“The Nine” by Jeffrey Toobin

The movie that made you laugh out loud the most?
“The Bucket List”

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

The person you wish would run for U.S. president?
Mark Udall

What personal feat are you most proud of?
Surviving an Outward Bound weekend, and walking the Boston Marathon with my daughter

What one question would you love to have answered and by whom?
I would ask the Commissioner of Education whether the ACT is the best measurement tool to predict students’ future achievement.

Where do you recommend people from out of town eat?
Marlowe’s on the 16th Street Mall and The Bent Fork in Aurora