THE ISSUES COLORADO IS FACING ARE PEOPLE ISSUES
NOT POLITICAL PARTY ISSUES
1. DOGE / Government Efficiency
Colorado families are expected to live within a budget, and state government should do the same. Over the last eight years, Colorado families have been forced to do more with less while government continues to grow larger, more expensive, and more disconnected from everyday people.
The Joint Budget Committee and the Governor are doing a disservice to the people of Colorado when they both refuse to use zero-based budgeting and instead use base-line budgeting which only allows discussion to occur on all new money being allocated to programs and prevents discussion on all prior year funding.
As Governor, I will use zero-based budgeting which will allow discussion to occur on every taxpayer dollar identified in the state budget.
I will establish a Colorado version of DOGE focused on eliminating waste, duplication, unnecessary regulations, and inefficient spending. Every agency, program, and taxpayer dollar will be reviewed to determine whether it is truly helping people or simply creating more bureaucracy.
The goal is simple: smaller, smarter, and more accountable government. Agencies will focus on core services, measurable outcomes, and transparency. If a program is not working, it will be fixed or eliminated.
Government exists to serve the people not itself.
2. Starter Homes & Housing Affordability
Young families, first-time buyers, teachers, nurses, police officers, and working people are increasingly unable to afford housing in the very communities they serve. Colorado must return to being a place where hard work leads to ownership and stability. When the average age for a first-time homebuyer in Colorado is 40, the dream of owning a home is slipping away for too many Coloradans.
In my first four years, I will ensure that we build 25,000 starter homes. These will be modest in size, roughly 1,100 sq. ft. and with modest upgrades which will allow the purchase cost to come in around $235,000. These will be ideal for young families.
I will focus on practical solutions that increase supply, reduce costs, and restore hope for working families. One example is that I will work to reduce the cost of water taps and sewer taps. Those costs are over thirty thousand dollars each. Rising land costs, government fees, excessive regulations, permitting delays, and costly mandates have made it nearly impossible to build starter homes at prices working families can afford.
3. Reforming the Colorado Department of Transportation
Our roads “suck” and it’s time we start repairing them. Colorado drivers are tired of endless traffic, construction delays, rising fees, and transportation decisions that ignore everyday commuters. Too often, transportation decisions are made without fully considering the impact on working families, commuters, rural communities, and local economies.
As Governor, I will push for greater accountability within the Colorado Department of Transportation by improving project transparency, prioritizing congestion relief, accelerating road maintenance, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively.
I will seek to purchase E470 and remove the tolls so that drivers can bypass downtown when traveling north. This will remove tens of thousands of cars off I25 every day. In addition, we will slow down the construction of bike lanes, recharging stations and focus on moving people and goods safely and efficiently.
As the Mayor and city manager of Parker, I instituted practical solutions that improved roads, reduced commute times, supported economic growth and respected both urban and rural transportation needs. I will do the same for the state.
4. Protecting Colorado’s Environment
Colorado’s natural beauty is one of our greatest treasures, and protecting it requires common sense stewardship, not political extremes like we have seen over the last seven years. Clean air, clean water, healthy forests, and responsible stewardship of public lands are essential to maintaining Colorado’s quality of life and strong outdoor economy.
As Governor, I will direct funding to clearing out the dead trees in our forest by employing individuals that need jobs. Healthy forests are essential in addressing climate change as they act as carbon sinks. The biggest mistake that Colorado made pertaining to protecting our environment was to combine the Game and Fish and State parks department into one agency.
To properly protect Colorado’s environment, we must re-establish these two agencies as separate agencies. The Game and Fish will focus on wildlife management, hunting, fishing, and habitat protection and State Parks will focus on managing state parks, trails and recreational facilities.
We know that environmental protection and economic prosperity can work together when guided by common sense and balanced decision-making.
I will support practical conservation efforts, responsible forest management to reduce catastrophic wildfires, water protection initiatives, and policies that encourage innovation without destroying jobs or increasing the cost of living.
I will roll back all policies that create economic hardship and will embrace realistic solutions that protect both the environment and the people who live here.
5. Wolf Management
Colorado’s wolf reintroduction program has failed both the people and the wolf. The US Fish and Wildlife Service classified the wolf program as a nonessential experimental population. By all accounts, the wolf reintroduction program has failed, and it is time to abandon the effort.
It failed primarily because the wolf policy was guided by personal emotional politics of individuals in the urban corridor who support ballot-box biology. I believe wildlife decisions should be guided by science, local input and balanced management.
Due to the survival rate of the translocated wolves falling below the acceptable survival rate established by biologists, as Governor I will inform the US Fish and Wildlife Service that the state is not able to properly fulfill the responsibilities of a designated representative as outlined in the 10j rule.
The well-being and the future of the wolf in Colorado needs to be the responsibility of the US Fish and Wildlife Service as Colorado does not have the funds or the expertise necessary to be involved in the nonessential experimental population project.
This will remove the concerns for ranchers, rural communities, wildlife managers, and families whose livelihoods depend on agriculture and responsible land stewardship.
My administration will ensure that wildlife policies respect the people who live and work closest to the land while maintaining healthy ecosystems and responsible wildlife conservation practices.
6. School Choice & Vocational Training
Not every high school student is going to be able to afford to attend college or may not want to go to college after high school graduation. We know that every child learns differently, and parents deserve the freedom to choose the educational path that best fits their child’s needs.
As Governor, I will work towards expanding educational opportunities in every school district through school choice, charter schools, home schooling support, career pathways, and vocational training programs that prepare students for real-world success.
There is no shame in making a living by working in the trades and using your hands. I will work alongside the trade unions to restore respect for skilled trades and technical careers throughout the state.
It is a well-known fact that many students can build successful and meaningful lives without taking on massive college debt.
My administration will work to expand partnerships between schools, businesses, unions, and trade organizations to strengthen vocational education and workforce development programs that lead directly to good-paying jobs.
7. Outdoor Recreation Industries
The outdoor recreation industry’s total economic output in the state is approximately $65.8 billion dollars.
Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry supports jobs, tourism, small businesses, and local economies across the state. From hunting and fishing to skiing, camping, rafting, hiking, and off-road recreation, Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle is deeply connected to both our economy and our identity.
The success of the outdoor recreation industry is being threatened and currently is on life support due to overregulation and unnecessary mandates from state boards, commissions, and agencies.
I have attended several CPW Commission meetings and I am concerned that their actions are focused on implementing the agenda of the Governor’s friends and family members. Once in office, I will be reviewing the qualifications of the current commission members and removing those that are not focused on fulfilling the mission of the agency while protecting the outdoor recreation industry.
I will protect both private lands and public access, maintain healthy forests and waterways, support rural tourism economies, and ensure outdoor recreation opportunities remain affordable and accessible for future generations.
My administration will work to balance environmental stewardship with practical access policies that support both conservation and economic growth.
8. Veterans
Colorado owes a deep debt of gratitude to the men and women who served our nation in uniform. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, I understand firsthand the sacrifices military families make and the challenges many veterans face when returning to civilian life.
While serving as the Director of the United States Small Business Administration in Colorado, I oversaw the “Boots to Business” transitional program offered to veterans as they returned to civilian life. I will direct every agency director to ensure that veterans are offered an opportunity to be hired and serve the citizens of the state.
As Governor, I will prioritize veteran mental health services, workforce opportunities, housing support, and improved coordination between state agencies and veteran organizations.
Under my administration, Colorado will become the most veteran-friendly state in America by expanding support systems, recognizing military experience in licensing and employment, and ensuring veterans receive the respect and services they have earned.
9. Parental Rights
Parents are the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives and should never be treated as obstacles by government institutions.
As Governor, I will publicly speak about the importance of strong families and ensure that all residents of Colorado embrace the absolute moral truth that parents deserve transparency, respect, and involvement in decisions affecting their children’s education, health, safety, and well-being.
I encourage all voters to support the efforts of “Protect Kids Colorado” in passing the three legislative initiatives that will appear on the November general election ballot.
I will veto any legislation that seeks to implement policies that weaken or removes parental access to school information, weakens communication between schools and families, and removes or interferes with the right of parents to guide the upbringing of their children.
Colorado families deserve a government that partners with parents instead of undermining them.
10. Protecting Kids
Children should be protected from exploitation, violence, dangerous drugs, online predators, and policies that place politics ahead of their well-being. I believe that we all care about our kids and it is because of that belief that the First Lady and I will refocus the State on protecting the innocence, safety, mental health, and future opportunities of children.
My administration will support stronger efforts to combat child exploitation and trafficking, improve youth mental health services, strengthen school safety, and encourage healthier childhood development. Colorado’s future depends on raising strong, healthy, and resilient young people who are prepared to succeed in life.
11. Taxpayer Bill of Rights
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) was passed by voters to prevent government from raising taxes without the people’s approval and to also share in the prosperity of the state’s economy.
I firmly believe that Colorado taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and protection from unchecked government growth. I strongly support the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights because it empowers citizens, limits excessive taxation, and ensures taxpayers have a direct voice in major fiscal decisions but it also restrains government from wasteful spending.
As Governor, I will defend TABOR protections, oppose efforts to weaken taxpayer safeguards, and fight to ensure refunds are returned fairly to the people. Government should learn to live within its means just like Colorado families and businesses do every day.
12. Promote and Respect Life
I strongly believe every human life has value and deserves dignity, compassion, and respect. I will continue to support policies that protect life while also supporting mothers, families, adoption services, healthcare access, and community-based support systems that help women and children thrive.
Colorado must move away from the divisive politics surrounding this issue and focus on building a culture that values both life and compassion for those who are faced with difficult decisions. It is a well-known fact that society is strongest when it supports families, encourages responsibility, and treats every human being with dignity.
13. Gun Rights
For the last eight years, Colorado Legislature has been passing gun laws that are infringing on the constitutional rights of citizens and that needs to stop. The right to keep and bear arms is a constitutional right that millions of responsible Colorado gun owners exercise safely every day.
I support the Second Amendment and believe law-abiding citizens should not lose their rights because of the actions of criminals.
As Governor, I will oppose unconstitutional restrictions on responsible gun ownership while supporting practical efforts to improve public safety, enforce existing laws, and address violent crime. Colorado should focus on targeting criminals, not punishing lawful gun owners and rural communities with additional burdens and restrictions.
I have a concealed weapons permit and will be the first Governor in modern times to carry either concealed or openly every day.
14. Energy Economy
Due to the overbearing environmental and clean energy policies of the Polis administration over the last eight years Colorado families have seen a severe increase in their gas and electric bills across the state. Affordable and reliable energy is essential to Colorado families, businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and the overall economy.
I will lead Colorado in pursuing an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that supports innovation, affordability, reliability, and job creation. In addition, I will be reviewing the appointments to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and replacing those individuals.
My administration will support responsible development of Colorado’s energy resources while encouraging new technologies like nuclear energy and maintaining grid stability. Energy policy should protect the environment without forcing families to have to pay higher utility bills, economic uncertainty, or reduced reliability during extreme weather conditions.
15. Non-Sanctuary State
While Governor Polis claims that Colorado is not a Sanctuary state everyone in Colorado and across the country knows that it is. When the state refuses to cooperate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws it is a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants.
Colorado should fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts involving violent criminals, drug traffickers, gang members, and individuals who pose a threat to public safety. Communities should not be forced to bear the consequences of policies that limit communication between local law enforcement and federal authorities.
I believe that legal immigration is an important part of America’s history and economy. Colorado can remain welcoming and compassionate while also enforcing laws, protecting public safety, and maintaining respect for the rule of law.
16. Restoring Local Control
As a former mayor and city manager in Colorado I fully understand and appreciate that Colorado is a diverse state with communities that have very different needs, values, economies, and priorities. I know first-hand that local communities are often better positioned than state government to make decisions that directly impact their residents.
On a consistent basis state government interferes with local control by forcing unfunded mandates on counties and communities. The individuals that introduce these types of laws often times have no understanding of the negative impacts they have on the small local communities and their ability to govern.
As Governor, I will work to restore local control whenever possible by reducing unnecessary state mandates and empowering counties, municipalities, and school districts to make decisions that best serve their communities. One-size-fits-all government policies often create unintended consequences that hurt local communities.
17. Water Supply
“Whiskey is for Drinking and Water is for Fighting”.
Water is one of Colorado’s most valuable and limited resources and most people are unaware as to where our water comes from. Approximately 83% of the state’s water comes from the snowmelt and 17% comes from underneath the ground.
Colorado is “out of water” and the states entire economic future is in jeopardy. Population growth, drought conditions, aging infrastructure, and interstate water obligations require serious long-term planning and responsible management.
As Governor, I will protect the state’s water future through practical, science-based solutions that balance agricultural, municipal, environmental, and economic needs.
My administration will prioritize water storage expansion, infrastructure modernization, conservation technologies, forest health management, and protection of agricultural water rights. Colorado must plan realistically for future water availability while ensuring rural communities, farmers, and future generations are protected.
18. Police Qualified Immunity
I will work to restore “qualified immunity” to all law enforcement officers. Our communities have become unsafe because of the state’s legislature elected officials need to react to individual incidents that occur and they have lost sight of the bigger picture.
Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect Colorado communities. I believe police officers deserve support, proper training, and legal protections that allow them to perform their duties without fear of politically motivated retaliation when acting in good faith.
At the same time, accountability and professionalism are essential to maintaining public trust. As Governor I will support balanced reforms that protect constitutional rights, improve training and transparency, and ensure both public safety and fairness within the justice system.
19. Small Business
“Small Business is Big Business”
I am the only candidate that truly understands that small businesses are the backbone of Colorado’s economy and the foundation of local communities. Entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, contractors, restaurants, and startups create jobs, drive innovation, and keep communities strong. Unfortunately, under the Democrat leadership in the state today small businesses are struggling with rising costs, excessive regulations, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty.
I bring firsthand experience working with businesses large and small, including serving as Colorado Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. As Governor, I will work to reduce unnecessary regulations, simplify licensing processes, expand workforce development, and create an environment where businesses can grow and succeed.
20. Removing Regulations on Rural Hospitals
I, along with my Lt. Governor, who has over 25 years of experience in the medical industry, fully understand the importance of healthcare in rural communities. The cost overruns and mismanagement of the Medicaid program in Colorado has caused havoc in rural communities.
Many rural hospitals in Colorado are struggling to survive under growing financial pressure, workforce shortages, regulatory burdens, and reimbursement challenges. The closure of rural healthcare facilities can devastate entire communities by reducing access to emergency care, maternity services, and basic healthcare I will not allow that to happen.
I will reduce unnecessary regulations that drive up costs and make it harder for rural hospitals and clinics to remain operational. My administration will work with healthcare providers, local communities, and policymakers to improve sustainability, expand workforce recruitment, and preserve healthcare access in rural Colorado.
21. Data Centers
As far as I am concerned, the jury is still out as it pertains to Data centers.
Data centers are becoming one of the most important economic and infrastructure issues facing Colorado and the nation. The rise of artificial intelligence has dramatically increased demand for computing power, but the benefits and costs are not evenly distributed.
While I recognize that advancements in technology such as AI models are being embraced and utilized by the public, private and consumer sectors, we must not allow ourselves to blindly embrace the desire to construct Data centers.
Should Colorado counties and cities choose to embrace my administration will make sure that Colorado families do not subsidize corporate profits like they are currently being forced to do with electric companies.
It is imperative that any data center built in Colorado be required to utilize Colorado companies in building and maintaining these facilities. The residents of these communities need to know the number of jobs it creates both short term and long term.
It must protect our water resources, strengthen our electric grid, and provide real benefits to the communities that host them. Colorado can embrace innovation without sacrificing affordability, reliability, or local control.