Coyote Gulch was howling with the Denver Young Democrats last Thursday. The event was a debate between the Democratic candidates for state House District 1 and state Senate District 32. Below are my notes, along with the questions (Thanks Cindy!). We are not in the same league as Jerd Smith or Karen Crummy so if something we've written needs to be corrected please let us know.
The debate started with state House District 1. The candidates were asked a series of questions by the officers of the Denver Young Democrats.
State House District 1:
Each candidate got a chance to warm up the crowd prior to the start of the question period. Jeanne Labuda was first to go. She cited her roles as a neighborhood and party activist. She is not new to the process. She's been active, working on campaigns, along with working with neighborhood and citywide groups.
Next up was Alfredo Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez is an attorney with the Denver D.A.'s office. He promises to bring energy and passion to the election and to the state legislature if elected. He says that Democrats work harder than Republicans. He hopes to work for the people. One important bill to carry will be an increase in the minimum wage.
(DYD) There may be a very competitive general election for this seat this fall. How will you appeal to unaffiliated voters and even registered Republicans to help keep the House District 1 seat Democratic?
Alfredo Hernandez said that he works with the police and other groups on a daily basis, working hard for a safe community. His approach is to be inclusive. He will reach out to all voters.
Jeanne Labuda reminded the attendees that she has a 25 year history in the district. She will reach out to Republicans and actually has support lined up from many already. She cites the common issues shared by all voters, i.e. problems raising families today.
(DYD) What is your position on school choice in Colorado and, specifically, what role can charter schools play in our public education system?
(Labuda) Supporter of public education and in general opposes the cycle of under-funding leading to failure and then takeover by charter schools. She has been a teacher and knows that public education can work. She cited two charter schools in the area that have been successful. She called out the success of one charter school (Loretta?) that has morphed into a school for difficult to educate kids.
(Hernandez) While choice is important he is not personally a proponent of charter schools and vouchers.
(DYD) What is your opinion on the domestic partnership ballot initiative by Coloradoans for Fairness and Equality? If this ballot initiative does not pass in Colorado, how will you work to protect equal rights for all Coloradoans regardless of sexual orientation?
(Hernandez) He favors equal rights for all along with equal justice. Coloradoans should not have to ask for rights that they should already have.
(Labuda) We value privacy in Colorado including the privacy of others. There is no place for discrimination on sexual orientation or race. She wants equal rights for everyone.
(DYD) There is general discussion about working towards a "universal" health care system and some states have arguably moved in that direction, the most recent being Massachusetts. The Massachusetts plan would expand Medicaid coverage, offer subsidies for the purchase of private coverage to low-income individuals and families, and require those making more than three times the federal poverty level to buy their own coverage or pay a fine. Do you think a plan like this would work in Colorado and why or why not?
(Labuda) She would like to see universal healthcare in Colorado. She asks that we move cautiously, learning from Massachusetts and other states. Paying for universal healthcare will be difficult, involving tough choices. She recommends a look at Denver Health. They already provide a good deal of care for indigents.
(Hernandez) Universal healthcare should mean just that. He stated that Massachusetts has shown the country that it can be done. We can bring down healthcare costs - no one in Colorado should be uncovered.
(DYD) Rebuttal - Alfredo Hernandez - On your website, you mention a bill run by Republican Representative Rose, HB 1020, that makes it legal to use a horseless carriage license plate on any vehicle that is at least 50 years old. We checked with Rep. Rose and he explained that this bill was created to alleviate some of the registration and license fees for owners of vehicles that are at least 50 years old and only used for recreational purposes as well as save money for the state in not having to process the more expensive tags. In addition, he mentioned that this bill was created following a specific constituent request. As a State Representative, one of your key duties will be to represent your constituents. In that respect, can you specifically identify another unique way to save your constituent Colorado taxpayers money?
(Labuda) The fastest growing section of the state budget is for corrections. She wants more funding for mental illness programs, rehabilitation and training for law breakers to help them get back into the workforce.
(Hernandez) Fund the programs already in place, drug education, training and rehabilitation to make them more effective, lowering the cost of incarceration.
(DYD) Rebuttal - Jeanne Labuda - Immigration is shaping up to be the most contentious issue of this election cycle. In fact, you specifically mention comprehensive immigration reform first and foremost on your website under issues. What specific things would you do to address immigration if you were elected? Further, hypothetically, if you were currently HD 1's representative and Governor Owens called a special session, what would your vote be on whether or not to allow Initiative 55, the proposed constitutional amendment supported by Defend Colorado Now that would deny most state services to illegal immigrants, on the ballot in November?
(Labuda) wants any reform legislation to avoid criminalizing good samaritans. Her first push would be to account for the illegals already in the country. She wants to proceed cautiously on legislation, making sure that we understand the problem first. She wants President Bush to appoint a bi-partisan commission to study and document illegal immigration.
(Hernandez) would push back against the employers of undocumented workers. They are benefitting and deserve to be punished.
(DYD) Rebuttal - Alfredo Hernandez - You're very adamant about providing proper funding for our education system and mention the organizations that are suing the state because Colorado is not meeting obligations to its public schools. Discuss what type of legislation with funding you might promote to ensure that Colorado meets its obligations and how we can avoid such lawsuits and/or the failure to pay on such lawsuits in the future.
(Hernandez) It is, "Time to end unfunded mandates." The state must get creative in funding.
(Labuda) thinks that it is time to elect "Govenor" Ritter. She wants a governor that believes in public education. She would like to see more support for teachers including a para-professional in each classroom.
(DYD) Rebuttal - Jeanne Labuda - You specifically also mention transportation as one of your key issues. Urban planning experts believe that by the time the T-Rex widening of I-25 is completed, the Metro Area will have outgrown it and the need for further transportation solutions will be vast. Describe your specific plan to deal with the Front Range's growing population through road improvement and expansion as well as alternative methods of transportation and how this could be best funded. Additionally, what are your thoughts about including a toll lane from the Front Range communities to the I-70 corridor ski towns?
(Labuda) Toll roads are not part of the solution. She would increase the gasoline tax a fraction of a penny, leading to the users of the roads paying for the expansion and maintenance of the system. She wants to expand light rail, including a spur on Wadsworth to Englewood.
(Hernandez) Put the environment ahead of everything else. In his opinion toll roads don't work. He would also like to see light rail expanded to surround the entire metro area. He vows to be very involved in light rail.
During the closing statements Mr. Hernandez got in the cheap shot of the night. He criticized Jeanne Labuda for losing her election to Jeanne Faatz. Losing an election to Councilwoman Faatz is no sign of weakness. Many have lost elections to her. Here's the link to the May 2003 General Election results.
After a short break the state Senate District 32 debate was underway.
Chris Romer spoke first. He says that Colorado is not as competitive as we can be. He plans to spend time on the state economy. He vowed to never go negative during the campaign and pledged to run a grass roots effort.
Jennifer Mello followed, emphasizing the need for more active citizens in politics and government. She would like Colorado to lead on renewable energy and affordable healthcare. She says if you get sick you should be able to go to the doctor.
Fran Coleman reminded attendees that she was the incumbent in House District 1. Therefore she doesn't need any training. She claimed she helped author the bill that became Referendum C. She hopes to push through more legislation for muti-modal transportation.
(DYD) Which of this year's bills that did not pass the legislature or were vetoed by Governor Owens do you feel most should have become law? Conversely, which of the bills that did become law do you most feel should not have?
(Coleman) Plan B, Emergency contraception, was at the top of her list. She'd get rid of CSAP.
(Romer) Prescription drug pooling, Plan B, Walmart bill.
(Mello) Agree with Coleman and Romer. Wanted to see the bill on eminent domain pass.
(DYD) Discuss your position on reproductive freedoms including continued legalization of abortion as well as whether you would support a bill requiring all medical providers (religious and non-religious based) to provide information about emergency contraception?
(Mello) Supportive of, "my right to make decisions about my body." She also supports emergency contraception.
(Coleman) She is a practicing pro-choice catholic. She believes in a woman's right to choose. We should never overturn Roe vs. Wade. She wants more funding for Planned Parenthood and sex education.
(Romer) He is, "strongly pro-choice." For him it is non-negotiable.
(DYD) Discuss your knowledge of competing water issues and rights from the Western Slope and, conversely, the Front Range. Also comment on whether or not you would support the Arkansas River Conduit (the 300 million dollar plan to divert water that once flowed into now dry farmlands near Pueblo to over 40 communities just east of Pueblo instead of opening up the proposal process to other communities including Colorado Springs and other cities).
(Coleman) We need smarter growth. She mentioned a "seven basin plan" that Coyote Gulch had not heard of.
(Mello) Focus on a sustainable water supply. She mentioned the Surface Water Supply Index from the state Divsion of Water Resources. The Front Range should focus on conservation prior to moving any more transmountain water. Priority should also be given to water quality.
(DYD) Since 1985, the adult prison population in Colorado has grown in an unprecedented rate. What types of sentencing reform or drug rehabilitation programs would you promote through legislation to reduce overcrowding in our prison system?
(Coleman) We need to reform our budget. She'd like to see legislation to enact a, "Perpetual Referendum C." The the legislature determine expenditures.
(Romer) Statistics on building children are embarrassing to Colorado. Building children is cheaper that rehabilitating adults.
(Mello) We do not do a good job of rehabilitating our prison population. We should keep more non-violent offenders in treatment and out of jail.
(DYD) Rebuttal - Jennifer Mello - On your website, you discuss the need to work with Colorado's Office of Economic Development and International Trade to make renewable energy a target industry for recruitment and growth. Discuss specific types of legislation that may arise from this effort and how it would specifically affect your constituents in the next term.
(Mello) We should target the development of renewable energy as an economic stimulus for Colorado. We have all the pieces now we need leadership. Someone needs to start the conversation.
(Coleman) All candidates believe in renewable energy. She wants looser ordinances in order to build greener homes.
(Romer) He feels that renewable energy is a call to action for Coloradoans. We need a 21st Century fund to attract renewable energy companies. He wants to promote a tri-state authority to develop renewable energy, composed of Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. He's hoping that the region becomes the Silicon Valley of renewable energy. He would invest severance taxes in renewable energy. He'd also like to increase tax incentives to invest in green schools and the alternative energy economy.
(Mello) It's old-fashioned to think of the environment and economy in opposition. What is good for the environment is good for the economy.
(DYD) Rebuttal - Chris Romer - You recently pledged that the first bill you will carry will be to provide health insurance for every child in Colorado. Please explain the nuances of such a bill and, specifically, the mechanism by which it will be funded.
(Romer) It's immoral not to provide health insurance for every child. We need a pool program for small business. He pledges, "Not one more nickel for roads until children are covered."
(Mello) If you have a job and live within the law you should be guaranteed a home, food, healthcare and a great education. Colorado needs to fix the budget situation first, be vigilant on spending and communicate how government is spending.
(Coleman) Colorado needs to expand affordable health care. Healthcare should be two-pronged for those who can afford and those who can't. She would revamp the state Insurance Commission office. She has often had to fight the insurance lobby.
(DYD) Rebuttal - Fran Coleman - You discuss that education should be a top priority and more time and energy should be spent in finding funds to meet the needs of children's education. Discuss what you will specifically do to locate and procure types of funds are available for Colorado's legislature to tap into for education with a focus on both K-12 education as well as higher education.
(Coleman) Colorado has done a poor job funding education. She wants to extend the timeframe for Referendum C. She believes that taxes are "just right" but she wants to reform TABOR.
(Romer) Colorado must move up the the national average in funding education. We need to pay teachers a better wage - up to the national level. We need to close the tax loopholes in oil and gas.
(DYD) Closings - Please finish the following statement: At the end of my first term as Senator representing District 32, I will have succeeded if...
Coyote Gulch had run out of gas. 
Jennifer Mello had the best line of the night. She was talking about Referendum C and said, "Referendum C barely passed with Bill Owens, God save us, on our side."
Category: Denver November 2006 Election
6:44:20 PM 
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