Candidate, Colorado State House of Representatives, District 1, 2014

No caucus information on file.

Loan Officer, Public Service Credit Union

Private Pilot Certificate

Pets (include names):

Dog: Austin

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

I believe a fundamental change is needed in order to successfully meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

"Change" is a word that is thrown around a lot in politics, from both conservatives and liberals. Everyone is exasperated by partisan politics. When politicians rigidly subscribe to only Republican or only Democratic ideals it hinders thoughtful and opened minded discussion and debate. Too often party loyalty takes priority over the needs of the community. This ideological entrenchment thwarts any chance of a new, fresh approach to solving issues facing our community.

Approximately 75,000 people live in Colorado State House District One. The members of this community represent a wide variety of nationalities and income levels. This level of diversity requires a candidate who will thoughtfully review the issues that are important to community members, not just votes along party lines.

The status quo of modern politics requires us to choose between two parties. We've all had to make this choice. We've all gone to the ballot box and voted for a party rather than a person.

One on hand you have the Democratic Party. This party is committed to advancing social issues like marriage equality and immigration reform; yet also subscribes to the erroneous notion that larger government and higher taxes are a recipe for economic growth.

On the other hand the Republican Party understands that true growth comes from people, not governmental expansion. But this party stubbornly clings to antiquated beliefs regarding social issues like marriage equality and immigration reform.

Every two years we have to decide which issue is more important to us. Will you join the Democrats and fight for the rights for immigrant and homosexual neighbors? Or will you side with the Republicans and work to create a community that is built for economic growth through lower taxes and fiscal responsibility?

Why can't we have both?

We can. That is the purpose of this campaign. Together we can fight for the social issues that our community faces AND we can work towards conservative fiscal policies that leave more money in your pocket and create jobs.

I will stand with my LGBT friends and neighbors and will fight to repeal Amendment 43 which defines marriage as only a union between a man and a woman. Immigration is another important social issue that demands reform. We must work together to eliminate discrimination of all kinds, not only in legislation but also in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.

Conservative fiscal policies will ensure our district is an environment conducive to business and job growth. Thanks to our low tax rates small businesses consistently give high marks to Colorado and Denver for our overall business-friendly environment. I will oppose increases in taxes and undue regulatory burdens that would jeopardize future job growth. Extra money in anyone's pocket means extra money into our economy. That leads to job growth and eventually a larger tax base. We can then, if the voters approve, invest those funds in our infrastructure to prepare for even more growth in the coming years.

As you can see, I don't fit in with a political party, but neither do the issues.