2022 Colorado Primary

Democratic

STATE  REPRESENTATIVE  HD17  CANDIDATES

MISCHA  SMITH

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL:   www.MischaForColorado.com

Email Address:     info@MischaForColorado.com

Occupation/Vocation:     Political Consultant

Resident of El Paso County:       31 years, with breaks in 2016 and 2020 when I left temporarily to work on Presidential Campaigns

Experience

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Representative that will benefit our state?

I have witnessed first-hand some of the greatest issues my district faces from my time running a small business, working as a substitute teacher, and working in long-term Medicaid. I have spent my career working to improve people’s lives in this community, and I plan to use those experiences and the concerns of people in my community to inform my decisions in the legislature, and be an advocate for my district.

 

 

Vision

What is your vision for being a Colorado State Representative?

For the past decade, I have worked on campaigns to elect strong representation for Colorado and for communities across the country. I’ve seen the power that strong representation has, and I want to be a representative that is accessible and accountable to the people in my district and across the state. I know that representing this district is not a one-person job, and I will always make sure that my constituents have a seat at the table. I value servant-leadership and compassion, and I will always put in the work to serve the needs of my district and be a voice for our schools, our working families, and our Veterans.

 

Election Reform

Do you believe that elections in Colorado should be conducted differently? Should voters in Colorado be required to verify their identity and residential status in the respective counties in which they vote? Are you in favor of a single-day, in-person voting system consisting of all-paper ballots? Why or why not?

I do not believe in spending millions of taxpayer dollars in favor of a single-day in-person voting system that would only make it harder for working people and people with disabilities or health concerns to vote. Colorado’s vote-by-mail system is demonstrably secure and accessible to the people of our state, especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Our goal as leaders in a democracy should be to guarantee that every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote, regardless of their socioeconomic status, age, race, religion, gender, disability status, or political party. Colorado’s vote- by-mail system allows all eligible voters to participate in their democracy by voting safely and securely from their homes or voting in person if they choose to.

 

 

TABOR

What is your position on the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR)?

Tabor is the most restrictive government spending law in the country, and limits the ability of our elected leaders to make critical decisions about the budget. As our state continues to grow, we need to be able to fund infrastructure projects to create jobs and economic opportunity. We need to pay our teachers, who have been on the frontline of this pandemic, a livable wage. We need to invest in affordable housing as the cost of living continues to rise. Instead of limiting the growth of our state budget, TABOR has shrunk it and cut funding for important programs such as college tuition support.

 

 

Education

As a State Representative, what will you do to improve the education of our K – 12 students? What is your position on parental authority in education, including school choice?

My biggest priority is Education. We need to ensure that our students and teachers have the support they need, during and after this pandemic. I support investing in before-and-after school programs aimed at getting students caught back up, and providing extra support outside the classroom.
I believe that every parent should have an equal opportunity to get the best education for their child. Your zip code should not dictate the quality of your education. We need to fully fund and invest in our schools so that no matter where you live in Colorado, you have access to a high quality education.

 

Government Authority

Do you believe that the government has the legal power and authority to dictate what a person does with his or her body? If so, how?

I believe that the government does not have the power to dictate what a person does with their own body. I will always be a strong advocate for bodily autonomy especially as it relates to women’s reproductive healthcare and rights in Colorado.

 

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Representative, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our county, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

Candidate Did Not Respond

(When we originally surveyed State Representative candidates for the Assembly, this question was inadvertently omitted. We resubmitted our questionnaire to candidates for the Primary Elections with this question included, giving them a chance to both revise their previous answers and to respond to this new question. This candidate confirmed receipt of the new questionnaire, but never responded with any revisions, nor did she submit an answer to this question.)

1st Amendment

What will you do as Colorado State Representative to protect our 1st Amendment rights to: the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, peaceably assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, all of which are becoming more difficult to exercise in America (and around the world)?

I will always fight to protect our rights to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly. Regardless of opinion or political background, we are all entitled to these basic tenets outlined in the First Amendment. We should be able to critique our government and know that we are protected from things like unlawful arrest or targeted harassment. As a representative, I will always vote for policies that best represent the will of the people, and their constitutional rights and protections.

 

2nd Amendment

Do you believe that gun ownership is a civil right, and what are your positions in regards to red flag laws, magazine capacity bans, legislation that regulates gun storage, and permitless “Constitutional carry”?

I support Coloradans’ constitutional right to bear arms. However, we need to protect our communities from gun violence and mass shootings. I will support common sense gun violence prevention laws to keep guns out of schools and out of the hands of perpetrators of domestic violence. I support stronger background checks, safe storage laws and magazine capacity limits to ensure the safety of our community members.

Infrastructure Spending

How do you believe that tax revenue in Colorado should be best utilized to improve our infrastructure?

Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the country. As our economy continues to expand we need to ensure that our infrastructure can support that growth. I believe tax revenue should be used to improve our highway systems, update our broken infrastructure, make our cities more pedestrian friendly, and expand public transportation options like high speed rail. Investing in new infrastructure, and making updates and repairs to existing infrastructure will ensure that Colorado continues to be a hub of economic growth and opportunity for all.

REGINA  ENGLISH

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL:  www.ReginaEnglish.org

Email Address:    CSprings4ReginaEnglish@gmail.com

Occupation/Vocation:     Nonprofit Founder

Resident of El Paso County:       24 years

Experience

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Representative that will benefit our state?

I have served as the past Vice President of Harrison School District Two Board of Education and now serving as Treasurer creating effective policy and responsible allocation of funding has prepared me to serve you, my constituents at the State Legislature and be effective in my role because I have a proven track record of getting results. I serve on many boards and committees across the state of Colorado which has shaped me into the well-rounded leader that I am today. Being a wife, mother of five adult children, and grandmother of 10, founding a non-profit, and being an entrepreneur has propelled my impact and influence to be meaningful and purposeful as a leader in my community.

 

 

Vision

What is your vision for being a Colorado State Representative?

My vision for being a Colorado State Representative is to level the playing field and ensure a better quality of life for our community through creating effective legislation and responsible allocation of funding that will create access and opportunity. I plan to look closely at the state budget and allocate funding for communities to provide more resources that will create generational wealth through entrepreneurship, homeownership, and financial literacy. I will bring economic development in a responsible way creating jobs and keeping tax dollars in our community and work with developers to provide a fair share of affordable housing that everyday hard-working people deserve and establish bi-partisan partnerships by working across the aisle for the betterment of the community.

 

Election Reform

Do you believe that elections in Colorado should be conducted differently? Should voters in Colorado be required to verify their identity and residential status in the respective counties in which they vote? Are you in favor of a single-day, in-person voting system consisting of all-paper ballots? Why or why not?

I believe elections should be held with integrity at the forefront with transparency and equal access for everyone to participate in the legislative process. Our democracy is for we, the people. The elections in Colorado have been honest and fair, and we must continue to keep it this way. The system and processes and how we vote should be transparent, and voters should make decisions collectively using a ballot measure and not the government changing the voter system. Inclusivity is vital for a fair democracy and voting system.

TABOR

What is your position on the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR)?

Tabor allows taxpayers/voters to vote on certain things, for example, mill levy increases and new taxes, to name a few. Still, TABOR in its entirety can be very confusing for voters because of its complexity. Constituents having a clear and concise understanding will help make informed decisions concerning tax dollars for the people when conversations arise on TABOR. TABOR is a large piece of how we govern on a state level, and my position is that taxpayers must have a general understanding to vote in an informed way. The language of TABOR has pros and cons that can be re-imagined as we grow and evolve to govern responsibly and effectively.

 

 

Education

As a State Representative, what will you do to improve the education of our K – 12 students? What is your position on parental authority in education, including school choice?

As your state representative, I will take a close look at the education budget and make sure education is adequately funded, ensuring all students have the supplies they need to be successful in school, and increasing funding to pay teachers a higher salary will be a priority. Bringing back home economics, teaching essential life skills, offering trade and vocational back into schools will provide a skilled workforce for students who choose not to attend college right away. I plan to serve on the education committee to make this possible for students.

Government Authority

Do you believe that the government has the legal power and authority to dictate what a person does with his or her body? If so, how?

I do not believe that government should control nor dictate what a person chooses to do with his or her body.

 

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As a Representative, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our county, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

Every life has meaning. As your legislator I will not force my personal views on anyone and I will make thoughtful and meaningful decisions that are ethical and morally right to protect those who do not have the capacity to protect themselves.

1st Amendment

What will you do as Colorado State Representative to protect our 1st Amendment rights to: the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, peaceably assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, all of which are becoming more difficult to exercise in America (and around the world)?

Our democracy, as framed by the founding fathers, requires that we must hold those in power accountable for what they do, and this requires transparency in the exercise of power. I will hold officials in power responsible for protecting our 1st amendment rights. We, the people, can demand transparency and have the ability to choose whom we would like to represent us. As your state representative, I will hold leadership accountable to protect our rights. My personal belief is that we must elect transparent, authentic leaders to represent the people that have shared values and honor and respect life at every level of government.

 

2nd Amendment

Do you believe that gun ownership is a civil right, and what are your positions in regards to red flag laws, magazine capacity bans, legislation that regulates gun storage, and permitless “Constitutional carry”?

We should not have to walk around in fear while people carry military assault rifles and large magazines. Gun ownership is a right, but guns should only be in the hands of responsible people. Smart storage of firearms would save the lives of millions of people yearly. We must re-imagine gun laws by keeping communities, schools, and businesses safe at the forefront by regulating permits to carry and in what arenas guns can be carried.

Infrastructure Spending

How do you believe that tax revenue in Colorado should be best utilized to improve our infrastructure?

Tax dollars should always be used responsibly. It will require a commitment to standards, time, and money. I believe that safe communities and safe streets are wise investments that we must make to protect our families and ensure healthy and safe living environments. As a mother, grandmother, and business owner, I know that public safety is unequivocal; and essential infrastructure components are imperative for safe living and working conditions. I will prioritize infrastructure during state budget discussions because this is the primary means of connecting disparate parts of the state, strengthening the economy, and alleviating challenges associated with a quickly growing population.

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Christian voting

Voting is a simple, yet significant way to do something about public policy in our country. As people of faith, we will be held accountable for our actions, as well as our lack of action. (Luke 12:48)

Biblical worldview

By diligently learning, applying, and trusting God’s truths in every area of our lives, we can begin to develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of our culture’s non-biblical ideas.

Vote your values

The issues of the day change. Political parties and platforms change. God’s Word never changes. The vote of every Christian should be based on the principles of Scripture and not persuasive personalities.

Electing righteous leaders

Bad governance and our loss of freedom is the direct result of the church’s failure to disciple. When the citizenry do not seek to be obedient to God’s Law, they vote in wicked and corrupt candidates, who then trample underfoot the God-given liberties of the people.