Fri. Oct 11th, 2024

Boxes of stickers stating “I voted” are seen at the Adams County Government Center in Brighton, Nov. 7, 2023. (Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

All 65 seats in the Colorado House of Representatives are up for election this year. Democrats currently hold a 56-19 supermajority and will likely retain the majority next year.

Congressional candidates and ballot measures.

Democratic Rep. Tammy Story won House District 25 by about 700 votes in 2022. She now faces Republican George Mumma in November.

The district is southwest of the Denver metro area and includes west Jefferson County. It encompasses Evergreen, Indian Hills, Kittredge, Conifer and Pine.

Registered voters in Colorado should soon receive their ballots in the mail for the Nov. 5 general election, which includes races for president, Congress, the state Legislature, the University of Colorado Board of Regents and other local positions, as well as a handful of statewide ballot measures.

Voters can contact their county clerk if they have not received their ballot or check the online BallotTrax system. They can also visit the secretary of state’s website to make a plan to vote in person ahead of or on Election Day. Ballots need to be received by the county clerk by 7 p.m. on that day, so voters should make a plan to mail their ballot at least eight days ahead of time or drop it off in person.

Voters can find their state legislative districts at the General Assembly’s website.

Story did not return survey responses.

House District 25

George Mumma (Republican)

Age: 68
City of residence: Littleton
Occupation: Retired police chief

 

Tammy Story (Democrat, incumbent)

Age: 65
City of residence: Evergreen
Occupation: Current state representative

If elected, what would be your top three priorities during the 2025 legislative session?

MUMMA: I will work for safe and secure communities, school choice and parental rights, improved fire mitigation and better insurance agreements, the reduction of property taxes and maintaining the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) focus on reducing the cost of living for Coloradans.

What unique perspective and life experiences would you bring to the General Assembly?

MUMMA: As a law enforcement officer and chief of police I have vast experience in working with a variety of people with diverse thoughts and opinions. I am skilled at collaboration and complex problem solving. As an investigator for the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office I led four government agencies to work together to create the Jefferson County Juvenile Assessment Center to provide streamlined services for at risk youth. I also led the eight small police agencies in Jefferson County to become allies to provide quality law enforcement services to their communities during the COVID pandemic.

Coloradans told us through the Voter Voices survey that rising cost of living is a top issue for them this election year. How do you feel the Legislature can most effectively address the cost-of-living for Coloradans across all backgrounds?

MUMMA: For the Colorado Legislature, several strategies could be effective. First, examine affordable housing initiatives, expanding affordable housing programs and increasing support for low-income housing could help ease the financial burden on residents. This might involve providing incentives for developers to build affordable units or investing in housing assistance programs. Next, health care cost management, implementing policies to reduce health care costs, such as expanding access to affordable health insurance or supporting preventive care programs, can make a significant difference in household budgets. Also, education and workforce development, I am a firm believer that if we invest in education and vocational training we can help residents acquire higher-paying jobs and reduce the impact of living costs. We should invest in programs that align with the current job market demands. By offering targeted tax relief or credits for lower- and middle-income families can provide immediate financial relief. This might include enhancing the Earned Income Tax Credit or introducing property tax relief measures.

Democrats are expected to hold onto a wide majority next year. What does good governance look like in that political environment?

MUMMA: In this type of situation good governance requires legislators to be willing to represent the views of their constituents and not their personal views by including the constituents voice in important issues. Legislators must be willing to reach across the isle to build rapport with all members of the body, practice open and transparent communication methods, provide evidence based arguments when debating solutions and work toward fiscally responsible solutions for Coloradans.

Residents across the state are concerned with air quality, from wildfire effects in the northwest to pollution along the Front Range. How can the Legislature work to ensure clean air for all Coloradans?

MUMMA: Initially, I will take the lead to ensure that there are robust emergency response plans and collaboration with local agencies to provide superior response when disaster strikes. Colorado lawmakers and citizens have worked for years to improve the air, water and land quality of our beautiful state. I would support initiatives that are fiscally responsible and help to maintain clean air in Colorado.

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