2024 General Election
EL PASO COUNTY
STATE REPRESENTATIVE HD17 CANDIDATES
EPC HD17 General Election Candidates
Listed in Ballot Order
THE TOPICS
& QUESTIONS
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Candidate Information
House District:
Campaign Website URL:
Email Address:
Occupation/Vocation:
Military Background (if any):
Years Resident of El Paso County/District Represented:
Your Experience, Priorities, and Vision
What experience (personal, professional, other), priorities, and vision do you have for the elected office that you seek that will benefit your constituency?
Ethics and Accountability
1st Amendment
2nd Amendment
What is your position on gun legislation regarding topics such as mandatory gun insurance, an increased minimum age to purchase a gun, so-called “assault weapons” bans, and creating various new “sensitive spaces” (additional “gun-free zones”)?
Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism
Over the past year there has been a sharp rise in the expression of anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism both across our nation and in Colorado, especially among youth. What do you view as the cause(s) of these sociopolitical issues, and what if anything should be done to address them?
The Economy and Resources
As an elected official, what initiatives would you champion to improve the local economy, and what are your priorities for addressing policies on water, energy, and other resources?
Education
If elected, what would you do to help improve the educational outcomes for students in our area? What is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice, parental notifications, etc.?
Protecting the Vulnerable
If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?
Crime
What are your thoughts about crime in Colorado and our community? If elected, how will you work to reduce the impact of crime on your constituents?
Immigration
Do you believe that illegal entries into the U.S. have led to problems for our region? If so, what would you do if elected to improve the situation? Also, what is your view of sanctuary cities/counties?
Election Security and Confidence
Do you believe that elections in Colorado should be conducted differently? (For example, should people be required to show proof of citizenship and residency for registering to vote in Colorado, and should Government-issued identification be required to vote?) If elected, what specifically will you do to help improve Coloradans’ confidence in our elections?
ELIZABETH RIGGS
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survey question and reply
Republican Candidate Information
House District: 17
Campaign Website URL: www.ERiggsForHD17.com
Email Address: RiggsLiz@Yahoo.com
Occupation/Vocation: Special Events Coordinator and Hospices Prayer Overnight Staffer
Years Resident of El Paso County/District Represented: 45 plus years in Colorado Springs, lived in HD17 for the last 25 years
Your Experience, Priorities, and Vision
What experience (personal, professional, other), priorities, and vision do you have for the elected office that you seek that will benefit your constituency?
I’ve had the honor and privilege of living in El Paso County for more than 50 years, and during that time I have served in the county Republican party as a precinct leader, division leader, HD17 Vice-Chair, and SD11 Secretary, as well as in other leadership roles. I have also actively participated in several local Republican clubs. As 17 representative, my goal is to be the voice for everyone in 17, including those who often lack a voice. With my door open, I intend to listen to all voices and input from our community, and to be present, engaged, and constantly ready to serve my neighbors in 17.
Ethics and Accountability
What are your beliefs on ethics, accountability, and transparency in government as they relate to the position that you are seeking? Also, what is your position on accountability measures voted into law by Colorado’s electorate, such as the Colorado Sunshine Law and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)?
I place high value on integrity, justice, and fairness. Being trustworthy, honorable, open, and brave are absolutely essential qualities in any leader. I believe a good leader is ready to stand for what is right, even when it is not easy, ready to stand up to the bullies of the world, and always ready to place the needs of others above oneself. I want to be completely transparent, with no secrets or hidden agendas. I want those who live in 17 to feel comfortable coming to me with their needs and concerns, knowing that I share their commitment to a safe, happy, strong community.
1st Amendment
If elected, what will you do to protect your constituents’ rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?
Protecting our 1st Amendment rights is fundamental to everything I believe. My belief in these basic, God-given rights stems in part from my belief that every person is a unique gift to the world. We all have uniquely amazing stories and backgrounds. In our diversity, we should all feel secure in our right to assemble peacefully, to practice and share one’s religion without fear, to speak one’s opinion, and to live together in mutual respect and safety. I intend to do everything in my power to protect our freedom of religion, speech, and peaceful assembly.
2nd Amendment
What is your position on gun legislation regarding topics such as mandatory gun insurance, an increased minimum age to purchase a gun, so-called “assault weapons” bans, and creating various new “sensitive spaces” (additional “gun-free zones”)?
I believe that you have the right to bear arms. We all have the right to protect our families, land, and property. The government’s authority over this right is constitutionally limited. I don’t believe the government has the right to mandate insurance on one’s firearms. I do, however, believe that gun owners should be held accountable for owning those weapons. Weapons should be locked up, regardless of the age of residents or visitors to a home. As a gun owner, I feel we need to take the responsibility of owning a strong and potentially dangerous weapon seriously. Such weapons should not be in the hands of children or those who have violent or unstable mental health challenges.
Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism
Over the past year there has been a sharp rise in the expression of anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism both across our nation and in Colorado, especially among youth. What do you view as the cause(s) of these sociopolitical issues, and what if anything should be done to address them?
I believe in America. I am proud to be an American. Too often today we don’t see loyalty and pride in our nation. Our youth aren’t taught the value of patriotism and gratitude for living in our incredible country–a land where all people can live in mutual respect and freedom. We all deserve a community where we feel safe from hate and/or harm–where we respect and learn from each other, young and old.
The Economy and Resources
As an elected official, what initiatives would you champion to improve the local economy, and what are your priorities for addressing policies on water, energy, and other resources?
Inflation is dragging down our economy and the quality of life for individual families. We need lower costs across the board. In our area, the cost to live in a house or townhome or apartment has become especially exorbitant. But the costs of water, of electricity, and, of course, of food, have forced all of us to make difficult decisions. We need to lower these costs across the board by addressing policies on water and energy, and by encouraging the building of new affordable housing.
Education
If elected, what would you do to help improve the educational outcomes for students in our area? What is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice, parental notifications, etc.?
We need to remove the government from our schools and let our incredible educators do their jobs. We need to encourage more parent involvement in schools. While technology is a vital part of our children’s futures, we need to make sure our children’s education is grounded in science, math, history, language arts, economics, finance, and civics. At the same time, I believe there’s great value in schools offering a variety of tracks to give kids the best foundation for all important careers, including trade schools and other forms of higher education.
Protecting the Vulnerable
If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?
All lives matter. Even the smallest explosion of life being created deserves life. We need to protect life and not treat unrestricted abortion as nothing more than a family planning option with no consequences. We need to protect those being trafficked and abused, from the youngest to the oldest. Life matters no matter how new, how young, or how old. We need more support for those with mental health needs. Every agency involved in the protection of life, children, and the most vulnerable members of our community is shorthanded, and we need policies to attract to our community capable and caring professionals in these fields.
Crime
What are your thoughts about crime in Colorado and our community? If elected, how will you work to reduce the impact of crime on your constituents?
Crime is a significant challenge in our community, and one part of the solution is more well-trained law enforcement officers. As we support our officers, they will be better equipped to support our communities, and crime will decline. I also believe that regular criminal offenders need stronger sentences, rather than slaps on the wrist and the freedom to threaten our community again and again.
Immigration
Do you believe that illegal entries into the U.S. have led to problems for our region? If so, what would you do if elected to improve the situation? Also, what is your view of sanctuary cities/counties?
I believe that the heavy influx of unauthorized immigrants to the United States has, in fact, been the cause of a number of serious problems, including an increase in crime. I think we need to use compassion and care in addressing the needs of every human being, especially young children. But the US is not a refuge for those who don’t want to respect American citizens and American law. First, we need to close the borders. We need to deport to their country of birth all individuals who fail to respect US rule of law. And there should be no place in our country that provides sanctuary for undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Election Security and Confidence
Do you believe that elections in Colorado should be conducted differently? (For example, should people be required to show proof of citizenship and residency for registering to vote in Colorado, and should Government-issued identification be required to vote?) If elected, what specifically will you do to help improve Coloradans’ confidence in our elections?
I have always said we need to return to more secure voting methods. Yes, going to a polling station on election day can be challenging. But showing your official ID, even if it means standing in line, is not an insurmountable obstacle. In-person voting increases security and reduces costs. Voting in person requires effort, but effort isn’t always bad. In fact, I believe it gives citizens a chance to sacrifice just a little for their country. There’s value in that. We need to be proud to stand for the flag and pray at the cross.
REGINA ENGLISH
Democratic Candidate Information
Candidate Chose to Not Participate
Campaign Website: www.ReginaEnglish.org
Email Address: StateRep.ReginaEnglish@gmail.com
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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.