Economy

Economic growth and job creation needs to be a top priority.  Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. Colorado must cut taxes, end unnecessary regulatory burdens on business, provide access to credit for small business, and focus our education resources on math, science, engineering and technology. Our leaders in State Government need to recognize and support the business community, and the hard working families and communities that depend on a solid foundation of successful businesses in Colorado.

Second Amendment

The Second Amendment is very clear and unequivocal regarding our right to keep and bear arms. As a gun owner myself, I recognize that responsible gun ownership is a fundamental right that must not be infringed upon.

Pro-Life

Each life is precious and should be protected. The first unalienable right delineated in the Declaration of Independence asserts the inherent dignity and sanctity of all human life and affirms that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life. I oppose using public revenues to promote or perform abortion and will not fund organizations which advocate it.

Education

The efforts of the Douglas County School Board in creating the Choice Scholarships, recognizing that educating our children is not a "one size fits all" endeavor should be a model for Colorado. Empowering parents with  choices for the education of their children should always be paramount. We should focus our educational resources on math, science, engineering and technology, while also embracing those students who choose to pursue careers outside of the college track. Transparency regarding the expenditures of each school district should be a priority and would give the taxpayer a clear understanding of the priorities set by each school board.

Property Rights

Ownership of private property is one of the most important aspects of our great country. At the center of a free economy is the right of citizens to be secure in their property. Every person has the right to acquire, own, use, possess, enjoy, and dispose of private property.

Marriage

I recognize the importance of having a father and a mother who are married in the home to raise children. The two-parent family still provides the best environment of stability, discipline, responsibility, and character.

Infrastructure

Colorado must place a high priority on investing in physical infrastructure – roads, bridges and water systems. The success of our economy is directly tied to the efficiency of the Colorado and national interstate highway system. The federal gas tax was established to construct the system we have today, with no end in sight for the collection of those federal gas taxes. Perhaps it’s time to stop sending the federal gas taxes collected in Colorado back to Washington. Those tax dollars should stay here in Colorado to support our infrastructure needs. Colorado currently has over 125 structurally deficient bridges and hundreds of miles of roadway in desperate need of repair/replacement. Keeping Colorado’s share of the federal taxes, instead of remaining a donor state, could move Colorado toward a solution for our aging systems.

Energy

The energy future for Colorado should encourage legislation that promotes the responsible development of all sources of energy including oil, natural gas, coal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, and nuclear power, using sound environmental practices and private sector investments while producing energy jobs for Colorado. Colorado needs to develop an “all of the above” energy policy to move our state forward with the clean, cost effective, energy resources.

Water

Water in Colorado continues to be a topic of discussion. As a headwater state, we must promote sound conservation practices, while looking at ways to use our water resources in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible. As a State, we must take a comprehensive approach that includes conservation while moving forward with new water storage projects. We have a new era of cooperation between water boards in the State who recognize that coordination and cost sharing may be the best approach to solving the increasing water needs of Colorado.

Immigration

The Legislature must support a system which insures that American Jobs are filled by Americans and those who are legally present. We, as a country, need to get serious about securing our borders, enforcing our immigration laws and not allow those who have broken our laws a fast-track to citizenship.

Health Care

The system needs reform without government intervention. Individuals and private businesses need a choice in their health care options; an open health care market creates and promotes competition, which is a key factor in lowering costs and increasing access Health Care.

Public Safety 

Giving law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to keep our communities safe must remain a priority.  These tools should include tougher penalties for child sex predators and the end of the early release program for criminals.