The News-Press 25
October 11, 2018
ELECTIONS 2018 What can be done to ensure the state’s transportation system will be able to accommodate continued population growth?
What two issues demand more attention in the upcoming Legislative session than they received in the previous one?
Taxpayers must demand that their state legislators prioritize funding for roads and bridges. As the ballot question “Fix Our Damn Roads” (without a tax increase) rightly points out, taxpayers are already paying enough to the state in order to have better roads and bridges. We do not need a tax increase; we need more legislators who will prioritize those dollars for the intended purpose. I have, do and will continue to do so.
Voters are about to decide whether to: A) increase taxes to pay even more for roads and bridges or B) to require the General Assembly to fund better roads and bridges without a tax increase. Depending on which, if either, of those ballot questions voters approve, transportation funding will be a major topic next session. Next, the General Assembly should pass legislation requiring proof of citizenship and photo identification to register to vote.
Continue to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Colorado, the laws of the state of Colorado, and to limit the intrusion of government into the lives of We the People.
We need a light rail network throughout the Front Range and into the mountains. We need ecofriendly buses to coordinate with the light rail to move people to their destinations. In addition, we need to ensure that our roads and bridges are in good repair. We should also encourage companies to allow telecommuting whenever practical, and to allow flexible hours.
1.) Cost of prescriptions was not addressed and needs to be. Colorado needs to join with other states to negotiate drug prices, and if necessary, contract with companies to produce life critical drugs for our residents. 2 .) Money in politics was not addressed. We need to remove dark and big outside money from all statewide, assembly, county and local races and initiatives.
Lower cost of prescriptions for Colorado residents. Improve funding for Colorado schools and add pre-K. Address money in politics. Enact environmental protection laws to cover regulations recently relaxed at EPA. Re-establish credits for renewable energy and extend to new developments. Get the light rail that Highlands Ranch residents have been paying on for 10 years finally started/done. Enact legislation ensuring that families of first responders killed on duty that be provided for by the state.
In the near term, roads are our main transportation system, so more money should be allocated to this essential government function, even if that means cutting cost from other areas of the state budget. Longer term — 10-20 years out — we should invest in mass transportation solutions when and where they are economically viable.
Gerrymandering — if amendments Y and Z (redistricting committees) fail, we must demand fair district legislation that creates competition toward the center of our politics. Special-interest influence: Both major parties are controlled by special interests. This is the root cause of many of Colorado’s biggest political challenges. We need laws that make it harder for special interests to control our legislators and we must demand more transparency about special interest money influencing our politicians.
My term would be a success if I get Democrats and Republicans to work together again in the state Senate, broker a deal to fix our roads without raising taxes and, improve teacher evaluations and pay the best teachers substantially more.
What can be done to ensure the state’s transportation system will be able to accommodate continued population growth?
What two issues demand more attention in the upcoming Legislative session than they received in the previous one?
It has been proven that giving people access to alternative and affordable options for transportation will decrease the number cars on the road and subsequently the impact on the environment as it relates to air and noise pollution. Incentivizing small and large businesses who provide light rail and bus passes for low costs to employees and investing in alternative transportation in suburban and rural areas would improve the quality of life for all Coloradans.
Red Flag Bill: It is no longer possible to ignore the issue of gun violence. Something must be done to keep our communities and law enforcement officers safe. Health care reform: Healthcare affects everyone therefore it is imperative that all Coloradans have access to quality affordable healthcare. This can be accomplished by requiring transparency from payors, eliminating waste, standardizing processes and negotiating a better deal for government mandated coverage in our state.
What are the most important traits or skills for a coroner to possess?
If elected, what must you accomplish in order for you to consider your term a success?
If elected, what must you accomplish in order for you to consider your term a success? Setting up a future for affordable health care that is quality driven and accessible to all Coloradans would be a major achievement in my book!
What must an effective coroner accomplish?
What else should voters know about you?
The ability to listen is vital for a coroner. The coroner must listen to the police, medical examiners and other investigators when it comes to declaring a cause of death. The coroner also needs to listen to families and loved ones that have lost someone to better help them heal.
An effective coroner must accomplish giving families the answers they deserve in a timely fashion with accurate results. She must work closely with other departments, colleagues and witnesses to ensure this happens. The coroner must also be there for the people of Douglas County during difficult times.
I am a Colorado native that has years of experience as a biologist. I’ve worked in quarantine zones where it was vital that I did not contaminate an area. There, I’ve taken biological samples from both living and death specimens. I also have years of experience of managing people for successful outcomes.
A coroner must possess proper training, a working knowledge in medicolegal death investigation and years of experience. I have participated in tens of thousands of death investigations in my 27 years in the Medicolegal Death Investigation profession. This experience will always be used to engage the living for the prevention of death through public health initiatives and education of citizens.
The coroner is responsible for all aspects of the office. Some of the main duties include: concluding the manner of death through medicolegal training and experience, conducting autopsies, testify in criminal and civil court, notify the family/next of kin, maintain and reducing budgetary costs, preserving life through suicide prevention and improving or saving life by facilitating the final wishes of the departed through the gift of tissue donation and much more.
I’m not, and never have been a politician. I was elected due to my credentials, experience and proven history of providing care for families on behalf of the community. I invite all voters to vet this very important position independent of political beliefs. I am transparent enough that you can prove I do not bring politics to the exam table, conference room table or the dinner table of those I serve. Thank you in advance for your mature vote.