Education: I have no allegiance to any education system. My allegiance is to the children and parents that raise them. Schools must serve families and be sensitive to the voices of those that love/know their children best — parents.

We have many under-performing schools in Colorado where graduation rates and proficiency in core subjects are incongruous. Some schools have been deficient for over 15 years! Children should receive a high-quality education free of political agendas, violence, or sexualization. We must support teachers who promote civil behavior, classroom discipline, structured learning, etc. Parents should have liberty to use any educational manner/funds available for their children without government interference.

Safety: Laws must be strictly enforced and criminals should be punished appropriately.

We must also address mental health issues that often lead to crime. Jails will not solve mental health issues. Funds used to incarcerate people whose primary issue is rooted in poor mental health can be diverted to mechanisms which restore mental stability.

Those who have committed violent crimes must be incarcerated and their mental health issues treated beyond mere “sedation.” There must be cooperation between law enforcement agencies (local, state, federal) ensuring our citizens are safe in their persons, homes, and possessions.

Immigration status is irrelevant where safety is concerned.

Rights. Rights of individuals matter. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. No one should be forced to surrender their rights even if their convictions are at odds with those of others.

Government must not pick winners and losers in the realm of constitutional rights and liberties. There must be recognition that not everyone has the same belief systems and, as a free country, we have the right to live in accordance with our convictions. We must also understand the need to respect those who differ from us.

Having rights comes with the responsibility of respecting others who may not agree with us.

Civil discourse, mutual respect, recognition of the rights of others, and the willingness to cordially disagree are key aspects of civility.

Housing costs and other economic pressures are making Colorado an unaffordable place to live. We need energy to keep Colorado moving forward, but we do not want to sacrifice the environment.

We also want to develop alternative means of energy production while at the same time not forcing these alternative means of generation into production prematurely. Doing so drives up costs, embitters people towards these mechanisms, and underminds the credibility of those who promote them prematurely.

We need wise and steady leadership that works across a multitude of realms to effectively lower costs and preserve the beauty of our state. As an example, consider the cost of housing. Land value, use restrictions, material costs, wages, insurance costs, permitting, infrastructure, etc. all contribute to the high cost of housing. Also, the influx of people to Colorado is placing even more pressure on our limited supply of housing units. There is not an easy and quick solution.

Governmental leaders must be willing to consider new means of lowering costs. Zoning changes, density restrictions, land donations, etc. should be on the table if this problem is to be fixed.

We cannot tax our way out of this. Higher taxes will only increase inflationary pressures. Innovation MUST occur.

Understanding perspective:  There is more than one way to look at a situation. The perspectives of others, even those you disagree with, can help help shape one’s outlook, guide responses, and understand those who differ. Being willing to listen and converse accomplishes more than trying to win an argument.

Considering the big picture:  In a marriage and family, the interconnectedness of relationships is irrefutable. Knowing that decisions made from self-interest do not merely affect the individual family member, but the whole family, causes me to be more contemplative and considerate, and less dogmatic.

Investigative and curious:  As a former detective, I have learned to look into matters beyond the surface level. What may appear to be innocent may turn out to be insidious, and what may look harmful may be necessary/prudent under the circumstances.

Experience:  As a law enforcement officer, I had to enforce laws passed by legislators and regulations passed by administrators. There have been times where things such as “zero tolerance policies” were detrimental to individuals and families. As a small business owner, the regulatory burden often raises costs, adds complexity, and hinders the health of businesses. Not all regulations and laws are bad, but having the perspective of living out laws and regulations makes me quite cautious about “going with the crowd.”

Concern for the future:  I know future generations will live with the consequences of the decisions we make today. I want future generations to be thankful for what we leave them. Our decisions must go beyond acquiring wealth, power, and influence for the moment. Future citizens should be happy and feel blessed that I served.

I am very concerned about:

• Education
• Parents’ rights
• Personal liberties
• Energy
• Cost of living
• Public safety.

Also, the hyper-sexualization of our society has been a divisive influence pitting parents, schools, medical professionals, politicians, etc. against one another.

These and other issues have become so contentious that failure to comply with someone you disagree with is grounds for hostility and other discordant behavior.

We must work to allow Coloradans the freedom to live, think, and speak freely. We mus tallow everyone the opportunity to succeed.

Government must be a servant of the people, not the other way around. We must work to make living in Colorado affordable, enjoyable, safe, and prosperous for all.

I want to leave a legacy of freedom and prosperity where everyone has the opportunity to maximize their potential and celebrate the success of others.

The laws we pass must not foster division, confiscate wealth (punish success), or hinder people from having the opportunity to succeed. There is not a finite amount of success. Positioning people to make the most of their talents and abilities is critical.

What better legacy can we leave than for people to be thankful for the reality that their leaders did not stifle their abilities or pacify passion to succeed? I do not see government as a provider. Government is first and foremost an instrumentality of th epeople for the preservation of liberty, the promotion of success, and the protector of the minority from the tyranny of the majority.

I spoke with a gentleman who had invested in rental houses to help fund his retirement. He told me he was getting ready to sell the homes due to laws passed which severely restricted his rights as the landlord. He said he did not want to do so, but the restrictions had the potential to do great financial harm to his family. This gentleman was concerned that the families he rented to would be negatively affected by his decision. He knew they could not afford to buy the home they were living in and that a new owner might not continue renting to them.

The unintended consequences of legislation are often quite harmful. This incident helped reinforce the reality that good intentions do not always produce good results. Emotions and feelings may move one’s heart, but these same motivations can lead to poor legislative decisions.

Passing laws is a consequential practice which should NOT be taken lightly.

The movie “Saving Private Ryan” illustrates the fragility of freedom, the necessity of sacrifice, and the responsibility to live a life worthy of the freedoms we have enjoyed at the cost of the lives of others.

One can extrapolate from this movie not just acts of valor on the battlefield of war, but also the battlefield of the civil rights movement, the fight to end slavery, etc. The scene where Private Ryan is told to “earn this” is the reality we all face.

Also, Benjamin Franklin‘s response to Elizabeth Willing Powel’s question: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic, if you can keep it.”

I looked up to my recently deceased father. He started life as a field hand at a very young age. He was from a financially poor family — his parents, an aunt, and 8 children who shared a 2-bedroom/1-bath house in a predominantly Italian area of San Jose.

My father, from a young age, learned the value of hard work and generosity as the entire family worked together and pooled their finances to get by. My father had a tremendous level of faith and leaned heavily on the teachings of the Bible. His steadfast and uncompromising example was one to be admired. I never heard him say an unkind word to my mother. I never heard him gossip, complain about difficult times, or refuse to do hard work. He was generous, loving, and taught me and my brother how to maintain a strong work ethic.

People of character and conviction are needed in places of leadership. People who know how to work hard and sacrifice for the sake of others and for future generations must rise up to meet the challenges we face as a nation.

My father never sought recognition, fame, or fortune. He knew what it was like to be poor and worked hard to better himself, provide for his family, and set a high behavioral standard for us to emulate.

We need leadership of such caliber in every realm. I want to leave a  lasting, positive legacy. When I look bak on the life of my father, I remember a man who lived a life with no regrets. I remember a man who sacrificed for others. I remember  man of great character, steadfast love, and a great sense of humor. I can think of no one better to try and live up to.

Working for my father as a pre-teen learning carpentry. I did that for 10 years.