Educational Background:
B.S. Journalism, University of Kansas 1978; J.D. Law, University of Kansas, 1986

Occupation: Attorney

Experience: 8 years in legislature; 16 years as attorney

Organizations:

Endorsements: NFIB; CACI; PPAR; Chamber of Commerce

1. Why are you running for office?
To make Colorado a better place for us and our children.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
Lowering taxes, reducing spending, promoting traditional values.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
Unfortunately, individual legislators have much less influence than the senate budget committee of six members. In general, the more broad-based the benefit, the better.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
The best approach is to reduce restrictions that prevent the free market from providing such housing.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
DNA testing for all felons. I have pushed for this for years. We have had partial success. Funding remains a problem.

6.What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Governments should not restrict this, with only a few unavoidable and even-handed restrictions as possible.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
Total immersion should be a goal to be reached as soon as possible.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
Funding (and its impact on the rest of the budget), standards, and accountability.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
We should try to make healthcare more affordable by reducing mandated coverages.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
Although we have very little staff in Colorado to assist us, I try my best to return calls, letters, and e-mails with constituents.

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Educational background:
Bachelor's Degree, Business Management, University of Phoenix.

Experience:
2 term El Paso County Commissioner; resident of El Paso County for nearly 40 years.

Organizations:
Board Member of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the American Red Cross; Former Board
Member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Endorsements: Numerous organizations promoting a strong economy and local control.

1. Why are you running for office?
To be a voice speaking for local control and a Senator who will fight: for honesty and integrity; to preserve the traditional family; to stop wasteful spending; to improve education; to reduce health care costs; for private property; and our fair share of the transportation/infrastructure funds.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
1) Economy, to provide a climate for economic growth, e.g., repeal the Business Personal Property Tax; 2) Educational Reform, to the extent that school choice be provided to parents; and, 3) Transportation and Growth, to provide Southern Colorado's fair share.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
The first step is to prioritize and not cut programs like education and transportation. Cuts should be made in non-effective programs or in those that do not affect the health, safety and welfare of citizens.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
Government should ensure a strong economy and can provide publicly ensured financing, tax credits, and economic incentives to make housing affordable for median and lower income families.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
As County Commissioner, I am already on record as supporting a new jail and courthouse for El Paso County. It is important that we adequately fund law enforcement and ensure adequate resources for prosecutors.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Expressions of religion from all faiths are appropriate, provided they do not violate the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court of the United States.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
My personal view is that this is best accomplished through a comprehensive English as a Second language (ESL) program, adequately funded and staffed according to established federal guidelines. ESL is a form of immersion.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
1) without school choice, true reform will not occur; 2) reforms already enacted into law through the Governor's and President's initiatives are given time to work; 3) school districts let administrators administer and teachers teach and view charter schools, not as competition, but as an alternative means to the same end.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
It is not so much a question of additional state programs, but rather finding ways to control the costs of existing programs so that they are available to more people who need them.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
Town-hall type meetings have been well received in El Paso County. So, I would look forward to regularly holding town meetings in conjunction with, for example, neighborhood associations and other community groups.

Education: Bachelor of Science, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, UT. 1976

Occupation: Owner, Voice Messaging America, Inc.

Experience:
Ran for Colorado Senate District 12 in 1996. 11 years as a fiscally conservative small business owner in Colorado Springs; 14 years as a resident of Colorado Springs; served on the Board of the Children's Advocacy Center, volunteer work for the American Red Cross, United Way, Care & Share

Organizations:
Board of Directors, Children's Advocacy Center. Done work for: Walking Shield Native American Charity, American Red Cross, United Way, Care & Share, Independence Fund.

Endorsements:
AFL-CIO, Local Labor Unions, Colorado Education Assn., Colorado Medical Society, Colorado Chiropractic Assn., NARAL, NOW, Colorado Trial Lawyers Assn., League of Conservation Voters Ed. Fund, Sierra Club Political Fund, Cease Fire Colorado, United Transportation Union, Colorado Professional Firefighters, Colorado Federation of Public Employees.

1. Why are you running for office?
1) Children; the most important thing we can do for children is the thing that will give them the greatest opportunities in this world, that is education. We must provide the very best, in fact, an excellent education for every child in Colorado. 2) Working people ... 3) Seniors... .

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
1)Water policy. 2) Education. 3) Growth 4) Highways & Transit. 5) Crime and Drugs.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
The same way I do in my business. Prioritize the expenditure of funds. Go down the list until you've expended what you have on what is most important. Everything else gets cut.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
Assist people in owning their own homes. There are a variety of incentives, programs, and methods government can support or use to accomplish this.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
1) Prevention: Youth crime prevention programs. 2) Pay police officers more, provide them with the tools they need to enforce the law.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
The English Only/Immersion Initiative is punitive to children. Local school boards are the appropriate and legal venue for changing curriculum.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
I believe CSAP will need to be reformed or overhauled to ensure that it is doing what it was designed to do: give us a road map to where we need to put resources, not to punish schools and children. Smaller class sizes for K-4. Amendment 23 money must be distributed legally and appropriately.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
We must insure the 25% of children in Colorado who have no health care insurance. We must make health care affordable. Strongly encourage employers to provide health insurance for their employees with small businesses receiving help from state government to mitigate the increased cost.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I will visit with them one on one. I will encourage my constituents to contact me via, email, telephone, letters, or in person. I will do my best to communicate with my constituents through those means and Town Hall meetings, and by attending as many functions and meetings as I can where my constituents are gathered.

1. Why are you running for office?
To take responsibility away from government and give it back to the people. We can solve our own problems and help those who need it much better if we get government out of the way and take back control of our lives.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
a) Get the state government out of the education business, fixing responsibility firmly on the local school board. b) Get the state out of the failed drug war. Drug prohibition causes more problems than it solves.
c) End the state income tax.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
The primary role of government is to protect our rights. Everything else, it tends to do badly, destroying our rights in the process. Programs and departments that go beyond the basic tenet of protecting our rights would be the first ones cut - not leaving many left over.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
None. The only way government can ensure available housing is to subsidize it, taking the money to do so from all of us. Better to let us keep the money, so that we can take the responsibility of helping those who need it.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
Ending drug prohibition will cause a precipitous drop in violent crime. Getting the gangs out of the distribution business and dropping prices to a level where users do not have to steal Grandma's purse will make life safer for all of us.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
People should be free to worship and pray wherever they wish, so long as they do not force others to do so and so long as they do not impede others in the process.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
I believe English immersion is the best method. However, that is a personal opinion and I do not support laws or initiatives that mandate either English immersion or bilingual programs. Let parents and teachers decide.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
a) That our children are too important to be left in the hands of government. b) That continued reliance on political systems to manage education will continue to set us one against the other, trying to control it. c) That good teachers and students are trapped in a system not succeeding.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
Our healthcare access crisis is caused by the constant meddling by government in the medical and insurance industries. We need to get government out of it, not more into it, and take back our responsibility for helping those left out.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I would put up a website and issue press releases to inform constituents how I am leaning on upcoming bills and why I am leaning that way, along with my complete voting record.

Educational background:
AAS Electronic Systems Technology, AAS Telecommunications Applications Technology, Currently pursuing a BS in Telecommunications Engineering at Colorado Tech.

Occupation: Senior Consultant

Experience:
I'm the current Chair of the Libertarian Party of El Paso County and was the Libertarian candidate for County Commissioner District 2 in 2000. I have 20 plus years in Air Force military experience, plus over three years as a Senior Consultant for an international consulting firm.

Organizations:
Planetary Society, Life member Gold Prospectors Association of America

Endorsements:

1. Why are you running for office?
Our great nation began with a unique dream never really seen before, or since. … the rights of the individual became more important … The endless pursuit of power and control over others, both here and abroad, have become more important to than protecting your personal liberty. It is time to stop the madness.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
1) Parental Choice in Education: … When school district taxes are collected, parents are no longer buyers of education … 2) Improving Our Roads: … federal government uses a large portion of those dollars … instituting unfunded federal mandates … 3) Lowering Taxes: 50 cents of every dollar you earn is eaten away in taxes. …

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
My first step would be to determine whether the items under review are constitutional and act accordingly.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of
housing for families earning median or lower income?
Available housing for median to lower income people can be achieved by allowing builders to build to that market. Taxpayer subsidies and restrictive zoning laws create an artificial shortage of available housing and increases the median housing costs for everyone.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our
community and how would you support it?
Statewide "Vermont-Style" conceal carry for victim defense and concentration of limited police resources on preventing/investigating crimes where a clear victim exists, as opposed to victimless crime enforcement. I will push for both of these issues.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Public space should be non-parochial. The constitution guarantees us that the state shall never "establish" a national religion or deny the individual the right to practice any religion they choose.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
By total immersion in the English language unless otherwise dictated by the parents.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
1) Teachers are not given enough flexibility to adjust to the specific needs of individual students. The current system is too regimented. 2) Parental choice in what, where, and how much education their children should get. 3) A decided lack of competition in the current monopolistic educational program.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured
should the state provide?
First of all, the state doe not provide healthcare for the uninsured/underinsured, the taxpayer does. Instead of using taxpayer money, we should promote dollar-for-dollar tax credits to any healthcare providers that treat those people in need.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your
constituents?
A complete and total open-door policy with anyone who wants to meet me.

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Educational Background: High School

Occupation: Electrician

Organizations: IBEW

Experience: No previous political office held.

Endorsements:
Colorado AFL-CIO, UFCW #7, Colorado Bldg & Construction Trades Council, Colorado State Electrical Workers Conference, Carpenters Union, Pipefitters Local 208, IBEW 113

1. Why are you running for office?
To offer to the people in my district a choice in the election.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
Healthcare for all citizens and education.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
By determining whether it would be detrimental or advantageous to the average person in Colorado.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
By providing low-cost loans to 1st time home buyers, encouraging developers with incentives to build more affordable housing.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
Supporting the public school system and making it the #1 system in the nation. Education is the answer.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Prayer, Nativity Scenes at Christmas, etc.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
Bilingual education with emphasis on learning English and using it as their primary language.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
Teacher shortage and pay, deteriorating facilities, using CSAP to punish schools that obviously need help.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
All human beings should have access to basic healthcare.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
Strict open-door policy for anyone; Internet and Email; Town meetings on a regular basis.

Educational background:
B.S., M.S. in Mathematics Education

Occupation: Technical writer

Experience:
Professional - technical writer, mathematics teacher, computer programmer. Volunteer - leader of local chapter of Colorado grassroots group; web site manager; secretary, and press secretary for Colorado grassroots group

Organizations:
Political Voice for Animals and other animal-advocacy groups; Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine

Endorsements:
Political Voice for Animals "Pro-Animal Pick," for my district

1. Why are you running for office?
I do not feel adequately represented by my elected officials, I want to work for legislation that I think is important, and I think we need to change how we conduct politics.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
Advocating for Coloradans in general (e.g., accountability for human service agencies, local voter control of growth, fair taxes, anti-SLAPP legislation), animal protection, and petition rights.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
For cuts, I think we need to look closely at subsidies, tax breaks, government expenses, and programs that are funded but not effective or that are not really within the state's purview. For additional allocation, I would look for programs that have proven effective.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
I need to learn more about this issue before I can answer this question responsibly.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
Prevention. I would support proven rehabilitation programs that reduce recidivism rates, "quiet time" each morning and afternoon in schools to reduce stress in students, "boot camp" for first-time young offenders, and stiff penalties for violent crimes. As a side note, priority for jail space should go to violent offenders.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
I'm not sure about this. It depends partly on the type of public space - government buildings, parks, etc. - and the occasion. And it should be up to people of the particular religion to pursue the opportunity and provide the expressions.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
I think an immersion program involving both subject-matter teachers and ESL (English as a second language) teachers is a good idea, and its duration should be flexible to truly help individual students with varying needs become functional in English.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
Insufficient parental and public involvement, no constructive relationship between school district practices and funding, lack of competency tests that students must pass before proceeding to the next grade or graduating. Examples of "practices" are publishing the curriculum, having an accountability committee (teachers, parents, students, and members from the general public).

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
Preventive and alternative health care.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I will hold regular public meetings; be available by telephone, e-mail, and letter (including fax); and send regular non-partisan e-mail updates to constituents who request them.

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Candidates for House of Representatives
District 16

Education:
Master's Degree/Organizational Management; Bachelor's Degree/Business Information Systems

Occupation:Occupation: CEO-ECHENT, LLC CEO-ECHENT, LLC

Organizations/Experience:
Over 25 years of technical, managerial and business owner experience; Board Member-El Paso County Highway Advisory Commission-1998 to present; President-El Paso County Democratic Club-2000 to present; Member-Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee-2001/2002; Member-Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Air Service Task Force-2002/2003; 2nd Vice Chair-El Paso County Democratic Party-1998-2000; Candidate-Colorado House of Representatives-1998; Public Speaker-Radio, Television and Toastmasters; Legislative Liaison-Cherry Creek Schools-Village East Elementary … .

Endorsements:
I have received multiple endorsements but do not want to use those endorsements as bait for other endorsements. If other persons, groups or organizations endorse me, I want it to be because we agree on the same solutions and not because I was endorsed by someone else.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for the Colorado House of Representatives because I feel that our current state government can do more to resolve our problems/issues and plan better for the future. The current/past leaders seem to feel that crisis management or disaster recovery is a valid way to manage state government and I disagree with that philosophy. We need less government with strong positive leaders.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
… 1) Plan ahead - stop this disaster recovery methodology. 2) Look at the true problems and not just the symptoms. 3) If a bill is good, don't add special interest amendments to it that will dilute the bill. Let's pass what is good and work on special interests as a separate issue.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut or allocate additional funding under budget review?
We must review our budget on a priority basis. What are our needs? What are our optional extras? The long bill must be viewed in an unbiased nature. Where is our money going that benefits Colorado and where is it going that only benefits special interests?

4.What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
Developers must build homes that median/lower income families can afford. There is not as much profit in lower/median income homes so the developer must be required to build some percentage of homes for the median or lower income compared to the homes built for higher incomes.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
The most effective and most rewarding anti-crime measure is to involve parents and family in our children's lives when they are young. If a child never learns the value of basic rules when they are young, what value are the rules when they become adults?

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Expressions are only expressions if they are not abusive. Yelling, blocking traffic, loud noise, forcing others are not an expression. Abuse of any action is wrong. If we would all respect each other, each other's space and each other's beliefs, whatever they are, we could live peacefully in spite of our differences.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
All schools, public, private or religious, must learn to work with non-English speaking students. English is a difficult language and requires a major effort for older students. We need to work with the children and the parents. If kids do not have parental support, it will be very difficult for them… .

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
1) All schools need the funding to operate with out leaks in their roof and adequate heating/cooling systems. 2) Testing-CSAP is not the answer. 3) All schools need the funding to be brought up to a strong technical/functional level.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
The state, which is us as taxpayers, needs to be able to fund health insurance for children under 18 years of age whose parents cannot afford it. Our elderly also need help with healthcare. [They] gave the freedoms we have today; we need to continue to give them our respect.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I plan to build a strong communication link with my constituents through e-mail, web page, telephone, monthly meetings and attending organizational meetings in the district as much as possible. My constituents elected me; they deserve my full attention.

Educational background:
Attended undergraduate courses

Occupation: Owner of A White Knight Locksmith

Experience:
I have worked on many campaigns and have run for office in other places I have lived.

Organizations: Libertarian Party, National Locksmith Association

Endorsements: Libertarian Party of Colorado

1. Why are you running for office?
I have a family, and cannot stand by and watch our state go down the path it has been on. I have to work to make a better state for my family and if I don't do it, who will.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
Legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use. Support home schoolers with improvements to the testing process. Work to restore public lands to local control.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
Any budget item that does not protect our liberties will feel a deep cut. Any budget item that outright takes away individual liberty will be de-funded.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
Reductions in the property tax rates would decrease monthly housing bills. Reductions in, or outright elimination of, the state income tax would increase the take home pay of Coloradoans. Ending our failed experiment with drug prohibition can easily pay for these tax cuts.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
Legalization of currently illegal drugs would first off eliminate a significant percentage of the crime rate. Also this would de-fund criminal gangs and allow the police to use their resources to go after dangerous criminals.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
When a person expresses their religious beliefs in public, it is acceptable. When a person uses the public monies to express those beliefs it is unacceptable.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
It can't. Generations of people have immigrated to America and learned English to communicate with their fellow countrymen. People should learn English and immersion is the best method. However the "public education system" fails not only to teach natives to speak English, but fails the immigrant as well.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
1) That it fails to provide an education to the majority of the students. 2) That it fails to prepare children for the real world. 3) That it costs too much for what little it does provide.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
The state should remove itself from the health care system. However state involvement in the health care system has driven up prices to where the average person cannot afford to seek care. We need to repair the damage done and then allow the free market to return prices to reasonable levels.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I will have an e-mail address and a local phone number that people can leave messages with and those messages will be sent along to me if I am in session. While out of session I will be available for speaking engagements and other contacts with the public … .

Educational Background:
I am a graduate of Tulsa Junior College, a graduate of RHEMA and studied two sessions at Academia Hispano Americana (an International Language Institute) in Mexico.

Occupation: State Representative, House District 17

Experience: Current State Representative, former ESL Instructor and Educator

Organizations:
Legislative member of the Colorado Civil Air Patrol, National Republican Hispanic Caucus, Honorary member of Political Voice for Animals, Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition

Endorsements:
Colorado Nurses Association, Colorado Education Association, NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses), Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Biker's PAC of Colorado.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for re-election in an effort to make sure that the people of House District 17 have a strong voice for the working class.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
My top three legislative priorities are affordable & accessible health care, improved education, and maintaining low taxes.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
It is vital to the budget process that all state departments are streamlined and wasteful spending cut. In addition, it is imperative to freeze the rate at which government grows. The Tony Grampsus funding and affordable housing funding need to be restored to their 2000/2001 budget levels.

4. What role, if any should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
As a member of the Affordable Housing Commission, I believe government should act in a manner which is helpful to Colorado's families. Adequate and affordable housing plays an important part in developing family stability and directly impacts a child's educational performance.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
The most effective anti-crime measure is to enforce the laws already on the books. Criminals should be expected to pay for a portion of their incarceration.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Any expression of religion in a public space is appropriate as long as all expressions are given equal access and it does not cause physical harm to any individual.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
Non-English speaking students should be given access to intensive ESL (English as a Second Language) studies. As someone who has taught ESL, I have seen a student's success and the speed at which they learn is greatly amplified when the entire family is given the opportunity to learn English collectively.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
Public education needs to be fully funded, vocational options need to be offered to students at the secondary level, and the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers needs to be made a top priority.

9. What, if any, additional health care for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
The state should continue to encourage businesses to provide health care options to their employees. In addition, it is imperative that we fully fund local community health centers.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I will continue to have numerous town hall meetings, publish my home phone number, and participate in neighborhood meetings as invited.

Occupation: Software Engineer

Experience:
Past Media director and past Chair of the Libertarian Party of El Paso County (LPEP). Past candidate for El Paso County Commission, District 4.

Organizations: LPEP

Endorsements: None (thus far).

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because the people in my district need a candidate who is committed to reducing government interference in our private lives (both inside and outside the bedroom) as well as reducing government's cost.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
End marijuana prohibition (prohibition doesn't work), make it more difficult for DHS to disrupt families, and move our failed government education system to a competitive free-market system - our children deserve the best education.

3. What process would you use in determining items which to reduce, cut or allocate additional funding under budget review?
I will look to other state and local governments for examples. If Colorado's government is one of a handful of governments providing a service, then I'll look at how well the private alternative works
elsewhere. If it works there, it will work here.

4. What role, if any, should the government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
Stop driving up the cost of housing (and eliminating alternative options) via zoning and building codes. Dump that whole bureaucracy. Stop making people too poor to afford homes by reducing taxes generally. Quit preventing people from renting out spare rooms of their houses.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
Decriminalization of drugs. Over 15% of prison bed space is currently occupied by non-violent drug "offenders." Freeing up this space for violent offenders would keep them in prison longer at no extra cost. Also, police could stop wasting time on narcotics and start working on real crime.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public place?
If it's a private individual, they should be able to do as they please so long as it's not aggression. Government officials should keep their religion private.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
Public education has proven that it can't or won't. Private education does, though. However, if public education were to put real study of languages including English, back into the curriculum, it would help. This could be paid for by cutting school bureaucracy drastically.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
I think the system should be privatized. However, if we can't do this: 1. Fewer administrators; more teachers. Over 50% of personnel do not teach. 2. Return control to parents, including the freedom to homeschool. 3. End police-state tactics like zero tolerance policies, metal detectors, and cameras.

9. What if any additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
None. The real problem is that healthcare is overpriced due to government regulation, out-of-control lawsuits, and third-party-pays psychology. It's also difficult to find alternative medical care. Stop this government interference and the problem will correct itself.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
My phone line will always be open and listed. I will try to answer all e-mails and make real town hall meetings (not the bogus, orchestrated ones) a priority. I will also take down the "security" fortress at the capitol so citizens can stop by unmolested.

Educational experience:
1975 Mid West Junior College; American Cosmetology School

Occupation: INROADS, Regional Accountant

Experience:
TV talk show host, Talk Radio, Gospel Announcer, Loving Mother

Organizations:
Unity in the Community Founder, "WEE"-Women in Education and Employment, Past Chair for Sickle Cell Association, Past NAACP Board Member, CLIS-Creative Leadership Institute-Class of '98, Statewide Representative for the Colorado Jay Cees, Former Board Member of the Wagon Wheel Girl Scout Council.

Endorsements:
Ceasefire, Pipefitters Union, IBEW

1. Why are you running for office?
I want my son to succeed in life by being able to obtain a world class education, find an affordable wage in a job equal to his abilities, and be able to afford comprehensive health care. I don't think that the house of representatives currently focuses to help my son …

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
Affordable Health Care, Smart Transportation Planning, and Defending Public School funding!

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
I would have to review the studies done on each area in the budget, and those that are failing depending on their importance will either need to be cut or looked at for an overhaul.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
As a government for the people by the people, it is the role of government to help those that cannot help themselves with achieving the basic needs of housing so that they can one day help someone else achieve the goal of obtaining housing that they can afford!

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
The most effective anti-crime measure is prevention not reactionary. Prisons are not the answer for preventing crime. We need to spend money on youth out reach programs. For every dollar we spend on prisoners we spend less than 1/1000 on a child at public school. Something needs to help educate the populace …

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Religion is something that is personal. A relationship between you and God does not need to involve the forcing of your friends or fellow citizens to worship with you. The founders made it very clear that government should not intertwine with religion.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
Bi-lingual education is the only way to approach students that don't speak English. Why let students lose years of education because they are forced to take one intensive year of English so that it is easier for teachers in 35-50 students to teach? Teach them slowly without letting them fall …

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
Vouchers, Under-Paid Teachers, and Small class sizes. Vouchers would take money away from schools that would desperately need MORE money not less. Teachers need to be paid a wage that is not below the national poverty line! Student to Teacher ratio & contact is important in this day and age …

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
GAP insurance. The type of insurance that can breach the gap between having to be on welfare and Medicaid to having to pay the prices of insurance $178 a month for a single male, and $985 a month for a family of 5. There has to be some kind of program to
help … .

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
As a voice of my community, just because I come to office does not mean that my voice will be silenced. It will mean that everything I do now privately will get the attention of a representative of the State. In other words, I would still do the constituent contacting …

Organizations:
Music Educators National Conference, American Choral Directors Association, National Education Association, Sierra Club, Crested Butte Land Trust, International Mountain Bike Association, Trails and Open Space Coalition

Endorsements:
Colorado Education Association, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO, Colorado Professional Firefighters Association, Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, NARAL, Colorado Ceasefire, Pipfitters Local No. 208, Union Food and Commercial Workers Local #7, Transportation Political Education League

1. Why are you running for office?
I was brought up to believe that service to the community was extremely important. For the past 30 years I served the community as an award-winning public school teacher. Now I believe I can do more for my community in the state legislature providing a moderate, alternative voice … .

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
Improving and supporting public schools through: smaller class size, equitable funding, attracting and retaining the best students into teaching profession, fair, effective accountability methods. 2. Finding solutions for Colorado's growing health care crisis. 3. Finding effective means to guide growth so that it doesn't negatively impact our quality of life.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
I would not make cuts that negatively impact children, at risk youth, the poor and elderly, as Gov. Owens did. Other than that, I would support across the board cuts. Put capitol construction on hold. We should NOT cut programs with matching Federal funds. Negotiate discounts on prescription drugs.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
The government should be actively involved in helping low and medium income families find adequate housing. Funds the governor cut for these programs should be restored.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
First, support to make all schools excellent schools so kids have an opportunity to succeed. I would also support juvenile diversion programs to keep youth involved in positive activities, especially after school, with safe, supervised places to play,
study and interact positively with other youth and adults. Restore funds … cut.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Any expression of religion should not be coerced, required, or interfere with the legitimate use of public facilities. If it passes that test, it is appropriate.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
The goal should be for theses students to LEARN first, in whatever language is most effective. As they are learning, they should be taught in English as quickly as possible, but not at the expense of their learning. I don't support the "English Immersion" amendment.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
1. Smaller class size. 2. A dedicated, well-trained and supported teacher in each classroom. 3. Equitable funding for all schools, regardless of neighborhood or community.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
The state should study the state of Washington's Basic Health Plan and adapt it to fit Colorado's needs. It offers subsidies to low income individuals and families to purchase private managed care. The subsidy is linked to family income. The state negotiates premium levels. The subsidy declines as income increases.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I would establish neighborhood constituent service centers throughout the district to inform about the status of legislation, refer for community services and answer questions. I would create a schedule of town meetings, at least once a month.

Educational Background:
Colgate University (BA-Geology); Indiana University (Law Degree)

Occupation: Attorney

Experience:
Served eight years on the Manitou Springs City Council, including two terms (four years) as Mayor; Former chair of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments; Currently serving in my seventh year on the Colorado Transportation Commission (Chaired that Commission 1999-2000).

Organizations:
Former Board Member and Chair of the Clean Air Campaign, the Mineral Springs Foundation and the Business of Art Center. Current member of the El Paso County Bar Association and the Committee for my son's Boy Scout Troop.

Endorsements:
Colorado Springs Mayor Mary Lou Makepeace; Manitou Springs Mayor Marcy Morrison; Senator Andy McElhany; Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce; Pikes Peak Country Attractions, my spouse, and others.

1. Why are you running for office?
My experience, over the past 20 years, with state and local governments, has prepared me for the challenges facing Colorado. I've been an active volunteer in my community and in my children's schools, and have worked professionally with small businesses and families. I believe in public service.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
I intend to work for more affordable health insurance, plan for additional water retention capacity, and address tax policy to help Colorado's economy get back on track.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
Both parties must work together to identify and maintain essential services. I expect the hiring freeze to continue, to postpone capital construction, and look at layoffs. The Colorado Constitution limits which areas of the budget can be reduced, making the issue even more challenging.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
Government should continue to partner with the private sector and charitable institutions to assist in the supply of affordable housing.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
Personal responsibility may be the most effective measure; beyond that is the continued enforcement of existing criminal laws.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Religious expression is a personal, private matter.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
That determination should be left to local school districts, to best serve their diverse constituencies.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
a) Schools need to provide a safe environment, where each student is challenged to learn and excel. b) Parents should be involved in their children's education. c) Continued accountability helps ensure that tax dollars are wisely spent. Such testing should benefit the students.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
The state should reduce the mandates in health insurance, so that more choices are available at a cheaper cost, allowing people to choose coverage which better fits their circumstances. The state should also permit public hospitals to partner with private companies, to provide services as cost-effectively as possible.

10. What interaction will you promote with your constituents?
My job will be to be accessible to people. My constituents need to know that I'm only a phone call or email away, if a problem comes up. I anticipate holding town meetings, attending meetings of neighborhood organizations, and continuing to communicate with local elected officials.

Educational Background:
Colorado Municipal League Certificate in Elected Official Training 1993; National Academy of Paralegal Studies-Paralegal Certificate 1993; Western State College, Gunnison, CO Music Education-M. A. Degree 1983; Adams State College, Alamosa, CO Music Education-B. A. Degree 1960; Pueblo College (U.S.C.), Pueblo, CO-A. A. Degree 1958 …

Occupation: Retired Teacher (taught mostly middle school band for 31 years)/Landlord

Experience:
ELECTIVE OFFICES HELD: Fountain City Council 1985-1993; Fountain Mayor Pro Tem 1989-1993; Fountain City Council 1995-1998; Colorado State Representative, 1998-present, Vice-chair of Local Government Committee, Member Criminal Justice Committee.

Organizations:
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Security; Past Chairman of the Steering Committee; Past Member Fountain Chamber of Commerce - Past Member Board of Directors; Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments: Past Member Board of Directors Urban Area Policy Committee; Colorado Municipal League-Policy Committee; Fountain Valley Dollars for Scholars …

Endorsements:
Colorado Concern, Pikes Peak Realtors, National Federation of Independent Business, Colorado Education Association, Greater Colorado Springs Chamber or Commerce, Colorado Education Association, National Rifle Association, Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry(CACI)

1. Why are you running for office?
I was recruited by my own conscience that told me I should work to protect our rights, values and traditions in our great state and nation.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
1) To make the responsible cuts necessary to balance the budget. 2) To repeal the 20 year old driver's license picture and eye exams possible under current Colorado law. 3) To pass a statewide and uniform conceal-carry gun bill.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding under budget review?
Instead of cutting additional programs, I would prefer making additional line item cuts (8-10%) with no discretion of department heads. K-12 and TANF would be exempted. It may be necessary to l y-off state personnel and freeze salaries to make up for the estimated 1/3billion dollar shortfall.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income? Our insistence that growth pay its own way, is shutting middle-income families out of the housing market. Fees, government regulation, treble damages for homebuilders, water tap fees, etc. get "lobbed" on top of the cost of new housing. Cutting some of those requirements might help.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
Petty Crimes such as bad checks, shop lifting and gas drive-offs, are on the increase and account for a large share of total dollar losses when considered in aggregate. Often it is difficult to get law enforcement to respond even when a complaint is filed. We should enforce existing laws.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
In God We Trust, ...[sic]Under God...[sic], and God Bless America, The Ten Commandments or other positive expressions. Recently I attended a very large public ceremony that was attended by thousands of people from all around this nation and included prayer and religious songs and not one person complained.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
I fear I'm loosing my native tongue (English). It is very important we expect our non-English speaking students to learn English quickly (English Emersion). One year might not be quite enough, but it needs to be done rapidly so students can get the maximum benefit out of their school years.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
1) With all of the emphasis on reading and writing, we are loosing our ability to produce well-rounded students. 2) I am seeing more control by the state and federal governments and less control by school boards. 3) Instead of the focus on testing, we should spend more energy on proven methods ...

9. What, if any,additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
In our present economy, I do not see any possibility of adding more money into healthcare for the uninsured, but we can continue to work on tort reform and require fewer mandates of the insurance companies.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
While we are in session, I will hold Town Meetings the fourth Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in various locations. During 2002 I hosted seven. I write a weekly column "House Report" which is published in several local and regional papers and on my website (www.richarddecker4cohd19.com).

Occupation: Training Specialist

Experience:
Served as an Army officer from 1982 to 1992, and continue to
serve in the Army Reserve.

Organizations:
Boy Scouts of America, 10 years; Pikes Peak Chapter, ASTD
(American Society for Training & Development); Active Citizens Together
(ACT).

Endorsements: none

1. Why are you running for office?
I want to provide the voters of my district - the largest in El Paso County - with a positive, pro-liberty choice in this election.

2. What are your top 3 legislative priorities?
1) Reduce state taxes (income & sales) by 50%. 2) Reduce the state's budget by the same amount (50%) in my first year. 3) Begin a phased privatization of public school functions.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut or allocate additional funding under budget review?
Libertarians believe in returning government back to its legitimate purpose: protecting the lives, liberty and property of its citizens. This would be the litmus test I would use to judge the validity of existing or proposed legislation.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of
housing for families earning median or lower income?
While government should have no direct role in providing or guaranteeing housing to anyone, it can assist families by cutting government spending (and, thus, taxes) and eliminating zoning & other regulations that discriminate against low-income families.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our
community and how would you support it?
First and foremost, we must end the War on Drugs that creates criminals out of otherwise peaceful people and makes it profitable for criminals to enter this market. Secondly, eliminating restrictions on the purchase and carrying of firearms will help deter crime.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public place?
Any expression of religion in a public place must not have any real or implied endorsement of government.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
When the government monopoly in education is broken, then parents will be able to make decisions as regards bilingual versus immersion schooling for their children.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
1) Implement the phased privatization of government schools. Only this will lead to more choice and competition, which is the only path toward systemically improving our children's education. 2) Allow parents at each school greater determination over school affairs. 3) Expanding tax credits for homeschooling and alternative education.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured
should the state provide?
Government should stay out of the health care business. In fact, government needs to deregulate health care and medications so lower income and unemployed families can find affordable healthcare through non-traditional sources.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I would conduct quarterly "town meetings," in addition to taking advantage of
technology and employing an interactive website, email, etc.

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Candidates for House of Representatives
District 20

Educational Background:
MBA, Graduate Honors, with an emphasis in Finance and Accounting, Regis University, 1997; BS, Computer Science, University of California at Santa Barbara, 1977

Experience:
Independent systems consultant and private investor; computer programmer and systems analyst; I have developed many business system applications (e.g., finance, accounting, payroll, personnel, manufacturing, inventory control, purchasing, and engineering data collection) for several high-tech companies.

Organizations:
Libertarian Party, Separation of School and State Alliance, Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition, Active Citizens Together, Colorado Union of Taxpayers, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, John Birch Society

Endorsements:
Martin Lammers, who fought against the Nazis in WWII as a member of the Dutch underground resistance.

1. Why are you running for office?
As a Libertarian, I want to be a loud voice of conscience, reason, and principle in the Colorado General Assembly. With the exception of all taxpayers and individuals who love liberty, no special interest groups will influence my decisions as a state representative.

2. What are your top three legislative priorities?
1) Foster a free market in education. 2) Repeal the state income tax. 3) Reduce the size, cost, and intrusiveness of state government to an absolute minimum. The only valid laws are those which prohibit individuals or government from initiating harm to other individuals' lives, liberty, and property.

3. What process would you use in determining items for which to reduce, cut, or allocate additional funding budget review?
My criteria in determining which budget items should remain and which should be cut will always be those of more individual liberty, more personal responsibility, and less government. If less individual liberty, less personal responsibility, or more government results from a budget item, then it should be cut.

4. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
All interference by government in the ownership of property, such as zoning, condemnation, eminent domain, and other takings of private property for use by wealthy and influential real estate developers, must end. Violations of individuals' property rights and control of land by government cause a lack of affordable housing.

5. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
A well-armed society is a polite society. Empirical studies, such as those reported by John Lott in his book, "More Guns, Less Crime," show that communities which have the least restrictive gun laws also have the lowest crime rates. All laws that infringe the right to self-defense should be repealed.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
Religious expression is no different from philosophical, political, scientific, artistic, musical, or any other type of expression. Individuals' freedom of speech, regardless of its content or form, should neither be abridged by government nor sponsored, at taxpayers' expense, by government.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
Education for non-English speaking and English speaking students would be improved by fostering an unrestricted free market in education. Dollar-for-dollar private educational fund tax credits for all taxpayers and tuition payments to parents who do not have their children enrolled in the government schools should be enacted.

8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
1) The government schools are youth propaganda camps that indoctrinate rather than educate. 2) Instead of fostering creativity and analytical thinking skills, the public schools serve primarily as producers of robotic slave laborers for an increasingly totalitarian state. 3) The per-pupil cost to taxpayers for public education is exorbitant.

9. What, if any, additional healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
None. Laws and regulations that increase the costs of health insurance and medical procedures must be eliminated. The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (www.aapsonline.org) provides a wealth of information about the numerous problems caused by government to diminish the quality and affordability of health care.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I will maintain open communications with all of my constituents via telephone (719-599-5706), e-mail (SFGresh@aol.com), and snail mail (1460 Montezuma Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80920-1526). I will use my web site (www.SteveGresh.com) to provide information about my positions on various issues. I will also hold meetings on a regular basis.

Educational Background:
Master of Science, Applied Natural Science-Spring 1996, University of Southern Colorado (USC) Pueblo, CO. My Master's thesis dealt with using and applying molecular genetic techniques to differentiate hybridized populations of cutthroat and other trout taken from isolated populations. GPA: 3.8 graduate. Bachelor of Science, Agriculture/Biology-Spring 1981, Agricultural Aviation, Minor: Biology

Occupation:
My work experience includes environmental consulting, professional biologist with the Forest Service, and have worked with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. I have classroom time in K-12 and have taught environmental education to students up to the university level. Other experience includes wildland and volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician.

Experience:
I have a strong background in government service, environmental
activism, and have worked with groups on several successful legislation
passages. I am active in the Fremont and El Paso County Democratic Parties.

Organizations:
I'm endorsed by The Sierra Club, Colorado AFL-CIO, Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Colorado Education Association, and others. I have been a past Chapter President of Trout Unlimited and belong to the Union of Concerned Scientists, The Wildlife Society, The Wilderness Society, and Audubon.

1. Why are you running for office? What are your top three legislative priorities?
There are three priorities in my District, improving education, affordable health care, and maintaining a healthy environment. I advocate for smaller class size, parent involvement, and a liveable wage for teachers. I support the Patients Bill of Rights and affordable health care insurance, and champion for the environment.

2. What process would you use in determining items to reduce, cut, or allocate
additional funding to under budget review?
I have one dominant criteria for basing such decisions on: What would be the best long term benefit for the majority of the people. One of the key failures in government of late is the dominance of special interests and lack of vision for the good of the whole.

3. What role, if any, should government have in ensuring the availability of housing for families earning median or lower income?
Low income housing is a necessity in some areas. Groups that are affected include the elderly and "working poor" in our communities, those who are paying their dues, but need assistance. Community development and growth planning must incorporate low income housing needs.

4. What do you think is the most effective anti-crime measure for our community and how would you support it?
One of the most cost effective measures are the teen intervention programs that are designed to prevent children and teens from being drawn into crime. These programs save taxpayers millions by keeping youth out of institutions and helping them become productive citizens. Unfortunately, some short-sighted politicians are cutting these programs.

6. What is an appropriate expression of religion in a public space?
One that does not intrude on the beliefs of others.

7. How can public education best accommodate non-English speaking students?
All students graduating from our system should be proficient in English. Many educators believe it takes longer than one year for a child to grasp English. If more than a one-year immersion course is needed, I think we should support what works to attain the desired goal.
8. What are your top three concerns for public education?
I feel we need to direct our attention and energy into promoting a public school system that gives every child the best education. Smaller class sizes, parental involvement, and teacher pay and recruitment are major hurdles for public schools.

9. What, if any, additional health care for the uninsured or underinsured should the state provide?
We must work towards a system that provides access to health care for everyone. This will take coordination at the state and national levels. Those who cannot afford health insurance, which are as high as 20% of Coloradoans by some estimates, do not have equitable access to health care.

10. Once in office, what interaction will you promote with your constituents?
I have a number of ideas on interactive governance that would incorporate the constituents into the decision making process. One fact becomes clear as I talk to constituents, most do not know who their representative has been for the last four years, much less how he votes on the issues.

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