Candidate for State Senate
I would like to be the next State Senator for Colorado Senate District 19. I am running because I know I can make a difference for our families and our community. I would like to use what I have learned from my experience on the State Board of Education in a broader way.


I am running because I want to:

• Improve our education system so it prepares kids to compete in a global economy and be productive citizens.
• Strengthen our economy so it allows businesses to thrive and gives working families the opportunities they deserve.
• Build a health care system that serves the needs of all our citizens, especially the most vulnerable ones.

I have been honored to serve on the State Board of Education for the last 8 years, and I look forward to bringing the same energy, dedication, and leadership to the State Senate.

My Family
My husband, Edward, and I have lived in the Arvada/Westminster area -- in Senate District 19 -- for the past 30 years. Ed has worked for the law firm of Sherman and Howard for 30 years and is its Director of Information Technology. Our daughter, Genevieve, attended Thomson Elementary, North Arvada Middle School, and Arvada High School. She was one of the valedictorians of the Class of 2000 and went on to the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating from there in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. She now lives and works in Lakewood.

My Involvement in Education
Because of my background as an educator for over 20 years, much of my time has been spent in education-related activities. I served on the PTAs and accountability committees at each of my daughter's schools. I have been on the state PTA Board of Directors for the last 13 years, serving as Public Policy Director (volunteer lobbyist), Regional Director for 10 counties, and currently as Director of Leadership. I also served on the Jeffco PTA Council Board. In addition, I participate with many statewide educational organizations, including the Colorado School Finance Project & Colorado State Accountability Network. I am a member of the National Association of State Boards of Education and have served on its Governmental Affairs Committee.

My Involvement in the Community
I am involved in many community organizations, including the Business and Professional Women, Colorado Civic Canopy, League of Women Voters, RTD Gold Line Issue-Focused Team, and Early Childhood State Systems Team. I am a regular attendee of the Arvada Roundtable and Arvada Chamber Issues Breakfast. I attend the MetroNorth Chamber's Development Breakfasts and was a presenter at the MetroNorth Chamber's Leadership Program. I participated in a community forum given by the Metro Denver Commission on Wellness and have served on the Coordinated School Health Advisory Team for Jeffco Public Schools.

My Involvement in Politics
My political involvement has been extensive in the Colorado Democratic Party. I am a member of the State Executive Committee and State Central Committee and have served as a Precinct Committeeperson and/or Captain in House District 29 for 20 years; I am also a former House District Chair and was the candidate for State Representative in 1994. I have worked on numerous ballot issue campaigns, and I was on the Steering Committee for the Colorado Education Network when it designed and promoted Amendment 23.