AKAD's Political Guide 2024

Tuesday, November 5, is Election Day! Advocacy and Politics are important here at AKAD, so for the second year in a row we wanted to share this guide with you to learn more about the candidates running this year in Pueblo and the different ballot initiatives there are. Below, you can find interviews with some of the candidates in Pueblo and A Kindness A Day's endorsements for each race. Remember to VOTE!

Head To Each Race:

Presidential Race:

"The power of the Executive Branch is vested in the President of the United States, who also acts as head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet. The Vice President is also part of the Executive Branch, ready to assume the Presidency should the need arise." ~ The White House

Candidate Profiles:

Kamala Harris & Tim Walz:

AKAD Endorsement For President & Vice President:
Kamala Harris & Tim Walz

"A Kindness A Day proudly endorses the Harris-Walz campaign for their leadership rooted in kindness, empathy, and a deep commitment to justice. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have consistently championed reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and common-sense gun violence prevention, standing up for marginalized communities and the safety of our youth. Their dedication to ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness is a testament to their compassionate leadership. We believe in their vision for a more inclusive America, where empathy guides policy, and every person has the opportunity to thrive."
~ Devin Klock, A Kindness A Day Founder

US House District 3 Race:

Neither candidate responded to our questionnaire.

Candidate Profiles:

Adam Frisch:

Jeff Hurd is a Colorado native, husband, father of five, and attorney with a focus on serving his community and addressing issues in rural Colorado. He is running for U.S. Congress, advocating for what he sees as the need for a dedicated representative for western and southern Colorado who prioritizes action over personal recognition. Having grown up in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District and now raising his children there, Hurd aims to deliver results that will support the region's development. Through his work, he has observed several challenges facing the district, including job availability for working families, housing affordability, high energy costs, unreliable internet access, and concerns regarding water resources. Hurd positions himself as a Republican candidate prepared to tackle these complex issues through principled problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of effective governance.

AKAD Endorsement For US House District 3: Adam Frisch

State Board of Education Member - Congressional District 3 Race:

We asked each State BOE candidate the same 4 questions:

1. What are three goals you hope to accomplish in your first year on the State Board of Education?

2. How will you listen to the teacher's and student's voices and opinions on issues in the district?

3. How do you plan to support CTE programs such as DECA and arts programs like choirs and theatre?

4. Describe an ethical dilemma you've faced. How did you resolve it?

Candidate Interviews: 

Ellen Angeles:

1. "As a candidate for the State Board of Education, the three key goals that I aim to accomplish are to advocate for equitable funding and distribution of resources so under served communities receive adequate support. We need to address disparities in access so every student has the opportunity to succeed. Secondly, we must work to attract and retain highly qualified educators by pushing for competitive salaries and better support systems. This includes professional development opportunities and resources for educators, which will improve teacher retention rates and enhance the quality of instruction. Finally, I will strive to create more opportunities for parents, teachers, and community members to have a voice in educational decisions. Through open communication and regular public forums, I want to foster a collaborative environment where community input helps shape educational policies and priorities."
2. "I will host in person and virtual sessions to allow teachers and students to share their perspectives and concerns. I will establish teacher and student advisory councils to provide continuous feedback on issues, fostering a dialogue that reflects their experience and focus on their needs. I will implement anonymous surveys to ensure all voices including those less comfortable with speaking publicly are considered."
3. "When I was in high school, I participated in DECA which prepared me to enter the workforce. It taught me valuable hands on skills like collaboration, cooperation, and communication. Today students can earn certifications while reducing education costs. There individual experiences benefit the student and strengthen local economies. The Arts are a form of life long learning that boost confidence through teamwork which often enhance the understanding of history and literature while increasing critical thinking. These activities are often springboards for struggling students. Students use a creative outlet to develop emotional intelligence, self awareness, and empathy. The Arts are a lifelong passion that benefits students in and out of the classroom."
4. "Political conflict has negatively impacted many people in our country including a girls group called the Saucy Seven. We have supported each other through highs and lows, cancer, births, and deaths. Sometimes we have had to choose harmony over honesty. We have had to have a balance between loyalty and integrity. Sadly, some of the group has detached, but I cannot allow politics of those who don't care about us to hurt good people. Sometimes we have to choose whether we want to be right or do we want to be happy. The ethical dilemma has reminded me that empathy can help us agree to disagree without being disagreeable."

1. "My three goals I am going in with are to protect parental rights. This means that parents have a right to know what is being taught in the classroom and how their student is doing and acting. Another goal I have is school choice, even though we have school choice now it can be taken away with the stroke of a pen, it needs to be guaranteed. My third goal is to have children well educated. The child needs to be reading by 3rd grade. I am very concerned about student outcome."
2. "I am a retired teacher and board member so I feel it is very important to listen to teachers and students. I taught high school last semester and heard a lot from teachers and students, I plan to share what I have learned and try to honor them. I am from the largest district in CO, but I would like to be able to visit each school district at least once a year and meet with concerned people. My telephone number is out there and I will answer and listen to all concerns."
3. "CTE, music, art, sports etc. are very important to meet the needs of all students. There are some students that come to school just for these activities. Not all students are not college bound and need these classes to promote their ability to functions. It is important that these classes are funded."
4. "An ethical dilemma that I have faced was during COVID when I had to make a decision on keeping students online or in the classroom. After much research the board (I was president) decided to have the students return to the classroom. This upset some people, but we did leave to option open for online studies if the parents were concerned about their students. This was not an ideal situation, but it was the best I could come up with."

AKAD Endorsement For State Board of Education Member - Congressional District 3: Ellen Angeles

CU Regent At-Large Race:

We asked each CU Regent At-Large candidate the same 4 questions:

1. What are three goals you hope to accomplish in your first year in the CU Regent?

2. How will you listen to the youth's voices and opinions on issues at CU?

3. How do you plan to include kindness and empathy in your leadership style as a CU Regent?

Elliott Hood:

1. "We must make CU more affordable and accessible so students across Colorado can earn a degree without crippling debt. A college education should not come at the cost of your future. We must also improve retention and graduation rates, especially for students of color and first-generation students, who drop out at higher rates. Finally, CU must commit to sustainability, achieving net-zero carbon emissions, reducing water use, and protecting our natural environment for future generations."
2. "Youth voices are essential in shaping the policies we enact as regents, and I believe that inclusive leadership is key to creating meaningful change. If elected to the Board of Regents, I will prioritize actively listening to and engaging with youth to ensure their perspectives are heard and incorporated into the decisions we make. Along these lines, I will make an effort to speak with students and other young people outside of formal channels (like public comment at board meetings) on a regular basis."
3. "Kindness and empathy are foundational qualities for effective leadership, guiding how I connect with and support the diverse needs of students, faculty, and the broader CU community. I will incorporate kindness and empathy by actively listening and understanding the diverse perspectives and experiences of others, ensuring that I can meaningfully connect with individuals whose backgrounds and identities differ from my own."
4. "Being an ethical leader is essential. As an attorney, I face ethical dilemmas routinely. When faced with such challenges, I always trust my gut–if something seems wrong, it is, and if one path seems more ethical, it is. I will apply this experience and these principles as regent to ensure that I am always engaging in ethical leadership."

AKAD Endorsement For CU Regent At-Large: Elliott Hood

CU Regent House District 3 Race:

Neither candidate responded to our questionnaire.

Candidate Profiles:

Ray Scott:

Robert B. Logan is a candidate for the University of Colorado Board of Regents, bringing a diverse background in education, business, and community engagement to his campaign. With over two decades of experience in various roles within the education sector, including as an educator and administrator, Logan is committed to promoting student success and institutional excellence. He emphasizes collaboration among faculty, students, and the broader community to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment, advocating for policies that enhance educational access, affordability, and innovation. As a resident of Colorado, Logan is actively involved in local initiatives that support educational and economic development, and his vision for the Board of Regents includes fostering transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the university's mission of excellence in education and research.

AKAD Endorsement For CU Regent House District 3: Robert B. Logan

Colorado House District 46 Race:

Neither candidate could respond by the deadline for the voter guide.

Candidate Profiles:

Tisha Mauro:

Kim Swearingen is a candidate for Colorado's House District 46, bringing experience in public service and leadership. She has focused on issues such as affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development throughout her career. With a background in both the private and public sectors, Swearingen seeks practical solutions to address the challenges facing the district. She advocates for policies that support local businesses, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable growth. Her campaign emphasizes creating opportunities for all residents and fostering collaboration to address community concerns, with a commitment to representing the district's needs and priorities.

AKAD Endorsement For Colorado House District 46: Tisha Mauro

Colorado House District 47 Race:

We asked each house district candidate the same 4 questions:

1. What are three goals you hope to accomplish in your first year in HD 47?

2. How will you listen to the youth's voices and opinions on issues in HD 47?

3. How do you plan to include kindness and empathy in your leadership style as a CO house representative?

4. Describe an ethical dilemma you've faced. How did you resolve it?

Candidate Interviews:

Ty S. Winter:

1. "I have been representing the good people of House District 47 for the last two years. In that time, I have put over 60,000 miles in district, talking to voters about the issues in Se Colorado. In the first two years I CO-Prime Sponsored 18 pieces of bi-partisan legislation that have been signed into law. I have done my best to address numerous issue's from making it easier for youth to receive mental health services, provide tax breaks to our agricultural producers, strengthening laws on human trafficking, and making sure our rural schools are staffed. I will continue to bring meaningful legislation that helps us all."

1. "In the last two years not only have I hosted many youth groups at the capitol, I have also been actively engaging with students about the legislative process. I have taught numerous non-partisan classes (Bill on the Hill / Process at the Capitol) in many schools throughout HD 47. I will always be willing to have open, honest, civil and respectful dialogue with students about the issues that are important to them."
2. "I do my level best to treat others with the same respect and kindness that I would like to be treated with. I am a Christian and do my best to carry those values and teachings into how I interact with my fellow man. Serving the people of house district 47 is one of the greatest honors of my life and is definitely the most important job that I have ever had, and I will continue to do lead with ethics, compassion, and honor."
3. "I once had a close family friend that was going through a crisis that they had told me about but asked that I not disclose to anyone and "keep it between us". I have known the family my whole life and it was clear that my friend needed their family unit to surround them during this crucial time. I wrestled over breaking his confidence but in the end, I knew I must tell his father. The family had an intervention, and my friend was mad at me for quite some time but in the end, we were able to discuss what events led up to our falling out and that it all worked out for the best after they received the help they needed. Doing what is right is "ALWAYS" more important that doing what is popular!"

Elizabeth Bulthuis:

1. "• Expand/recreate an HD 47 County Coalition. Find a way to bridge the gap between our rural and urban communities. Our strength is in numbers, and I believe we can compromise to really bring the much-needed attention and help to our district we need. We all rely on each other. • Work on our rural public schools. I do not believe that a blanket funding policy for the state works. Our rural schools need funding and I believe there can be a separate funding structure for rural areas. • Work on sustainable growth for our communities. Our economies are stagnant, there are systemic issues that need to be addressed. It's time to find a way to make our beautiful little corner of the world thrive."
2. "I love listening to young people. I am attending the Candidate Forum at Pueblo West this week and am looking forward to hearing their thoughts. My daughter is 25 now and an upstanding and involved citizen. She grew up with "Active Shooter" drills. It's our youth's "new normal". And the year after she graduated from High School, her friends from across town, in Parkland, were devastated by the deadliest mass shooting at a high school in U.S. History. We didn't lose anyone close to us on that awful day. Our community lost 17 Angels. Our children lost their childhood. I want our children to know that we have not forgotten. We will not accept this "new normal". And I want to hear what they have to say about what they see going on in the world."
3. "This is how I was raised, it's how I live my life, and it will be how I make legislative decisions. Kindness and Empathy are absolute requirements when creating laws that affect people. As are inclusion and acceptance."
4. "Interestingly, it was my decision to run for office. I was extremely hesitant to put myself out there in such a district that has had such vocal representation by what is perceived to be the majority for so long. But after speaking with a lot of folks who live in this district who told me they felt like their voices weren't being considered, it became impossible to ignore my ethical duty to do something. It is imperative, at this, particular time in history, to stand up for ALL the residents of HD 47."

AKAD Endorsement For Colorado House District 47: Elizabeth Bulthuis

Colorado House District 60 Race:

Neither candidate responded to our questionare.

Candidate Profiles:

Stephanie Luck:

Stephanie Luck is a candidate for Colorado's House District 60, bringing a commitment to community engagement and conservative values to her campaign. A lifelong resident of the district, Luck has a background in business and local government, which has given her insight into the challenges facing her community. As a small business owner, she is passionate about promoting economic growth, supporting job creation, and advocating for policies that empower families and businesses. Luck emphasizes the importance of education, believing in enhancing opportunities for students through school choice and accountability, and she is dedicated to addressing public safety, infrastructure improvement, and responsible government spending. Her approach focuses on listening to constituents' concerns and collaborating with local leaders to find effective solutions, aiming to be a strong voice for House District 60 and championing policies that reflect the values and priorities of the community she represents.

Kathy Green:

Kathy Green is a candidate for Colorado's House District 60, bringing extensive experience in public service and a strong commitment to community development. A longtime resident of the district, Green has actively participated in local initiatives, advocating for policies that support education, healthcare access, and economic growth. With a background in both business and community organizing, she understands the importance of collaboration and inclusive decision-making in addressing the needs of her constituents. Green is passionate about ensuring that every voice is heard in the legislative process and believes in fostering strong relationships between local governments, schools, and families to create sustainable solutions for issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and environmental protection. Through her campaign, she aims to empower the community by promoting policies that prioritize transparency, accountability, and effective governance, making her a dedicated advocate for the values and needs of House District 60.

AKAD Endorsement For Colorado House District 60: Kathy Green

Colorado House District 62 Race:

Neither candidate responded to our questionare.

Candidate Profiles:

Matthew Martinez:

Matthew Martinez is a candidate for Colorado's House District 62, bringing a diverse background in community service, education, and public policy to his campaign. A lifelong resident of the district, Martinez has been actively engaged in local initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. With a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, he advocates for policies that address education funding, healthcare access, and economic development, believing that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive. Having worked in both the public and non-profit sectors, he focuses on building partnerships that strengthen community resources and enhance educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Through his campaign, Martinez aims to represent House District 62 with integrity and dedication, championing initiatives that promote social justice, environmental sustainability, and responsible governance.

Carol Riggenbach:

Carol Riggenbach is a candidate for Colorado's House District 62, offering a background in education, public service, and community engagement. With over two decades of experience in various roles within the education system, she focuses on enhancing educational opportunities and promoting equity. Her understanding of the challenges faced by educators and families informs her commitment to policies that address quality education, affordable healthcare, and economic development. Riggenbach is actively involved in local initiatives that tackle issues such as housing affordability, public safety, and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration. Through her campaign, she aims to engage with constituents and build relationships with local leaders to develop solutions that reflect the values and needs of House District 62, advocating for inclusivity, accountability, and responsible governance.

AKAD Endorsement For Colorado House District 62: Matthew Martinez

Pueblo District Attorney Race:

We asked each District Attorney candidate the same 4 questions:

1. What are three goals you hope to accomplish in your first year as District Attorney?

2. How will you listen to the youth's voices and opinions on issues as District Attorney?

3. How do you plan to include kindness and empathy in your leadership style as a District Attorney?

4. Describe an ethical dilemma you've faced. How did you resolve it?

Candidate Interviews:

Kyle Aber:

1. "In my first year I want to focus on three main areas:

First, I want to build a broad community coalition of all the organizations and individuals working to make Pueblo a safer community. So many people are working in this area already, but they are not connected. The DA's office should be the hub for this work. By bringing people together we can share resources and strategies to address the root causes of crime and recidivism. I have already met more than 40 such individuals and organizations that we can recruit to join this coalition even before I officially take office.

Second, the DA's office needs to get fully staffed. The DA is currently short about 40% of its attorneys. This problem is likely going to get worse before it gets better. I have been working for 4 years as Vice-President of the Colorado Bar Association to recruit attorneys to practice in greater Colorado. I will bring that experience to the DA's office to leverage my existing relationships with law schools across the country to recruit new attorneys. We also have to focus on attorney development and incentives to retain attorneys once we have hired them. I have proposed a program that would allow the DA to make student loan payments for all staff as long as they are employed in the DA's office.

Third, we need more options to address criminal offenses. The traditional criminal justice system does not work in every circumstance, and we have seen high recidivism rates as a result. I want to expand existing diversionary programs and introduce a restorative justice program that will allow us to address the needs of victims, the community, and the offender without the need for formal court hearings. By using these programs to address low level and first time offenders we can reduce the number of cases going through the traditional criminal justice system and allow our prosecutors to spend more time and energy focused on serious and violent crime."

2. "Youth have just as much, if not more, interest in making Pueblo a safer community. My community coalition will be open to anyone interested in building a safer Pueblo. Youth voices will be highly encouraged in this work. I want young Puebloans to be part of the leadership of this coalition. We need new ideas and strategies, and our youth voices are important in developing those. Our youth know all too well that repeat offenders often start their criminal record before they turn 18. We need to listen to our younger voices as they are the ones that see the problem developing, often long before the system does. I also want to leverage our youth to address our attorney shortage. It is very important to me to help people get started in college or law school so we can start home growing our attorneys and not rely so heavily on recruiting people from outside of Pueblo."

3. "As a young DA I worked in the Behavioral Health and Treatment Court, and The Veterans Court. These are programs where the DA's office stays involved in cases after the defendant has admitted their guilt. These programs showed me the struggles that many offenders are facing which led them to commit a crime in the first place. It was there that I truly developed empathy for those individuals that are going through the criminal justice system. It is also where I realized that traditional prosecution does very little to address root causes of crime. As DA I will work with offenders both through the traditional system and through alternatives to prosecution to help them make amends with their victims and their community while simultaneously addressing the issues in their own life that led them to offend in the first place. As DA I will also make sure that our staff sees the positive results of empathy and kindness, even when dealing with offenders. My approach is to find the humanity in everyone and to help them see it in themselves even when they don't think that they can."

4. "As a municipal court prosecutor, I dealt with hundreds of cases in which the offender did not have an attorney, or the experience necessary to defend themselves properly. This raises a dilemma because it is the prosecutor's job to prove the charges against these individuals. However, the prosecutor cannot violate the constitutional rights of the defendant. In these cases, I always came down on the side of protecting the constitution. I would even elicit testimony in my cases that was detrimental to my case, because I wanted the judge or jury to have a full picture of what occurred. I never worried about conviction rates, or good press. My goal, then as now, was always to do what was right, even if it meant we lost a case."

Kala Beauvais:

1. "My top three goals are to recruit more prosecutors for the office, create better communication and education with the community from the DA's office, and to take a tough stance on crime in our community."

2. "I have made presentations at two schools within the last six months and presented at career fairs. I will continue to engage with youth whenever I'm given the opportunity. I intend on having interactive townhalls as well as engaging through social media, where I know a good portion of our youth get their news and information."

3. "I include kindness and empathy in my everyday life, which translates into my work life as well. As a leader, it is important to connect with people to better understand where they are coming from. I'm not only a prosecutor, but I'm a wife, mother, daughter, and sister. I'm a people person and practice kindness daily."

4. "My son once brought home a library book from school that had content I did not agree with. I knew that for his grade he needed to read the book and then complete a test on it. However, given that I did not believe the information was appropriate for a 7 year old, I simply reached out to the teacher to resolve the issue by expressing my concerns and reasons why I did not want my son to read and test on the book. It turns out she agreed with me, and the book was ultimately removed from the school library. I've learned that most problems can be solved with communication. This is true in work and home life."

AKAD Endorsement For Pueblo District Attourney: Kyle Aber

Pueblo County Commissioner District 1 Race:

We asked each county commissioner candidate the same 4 questions:

1. What are three goals you hope to accomplish in your first year as County Commissioner?

2. How will you listen to the youth's voices and opinions on issues as County Commissioner?

3. How do you plan to include kindness and empathy in your leadership style as County Commissioner?

4. Describe an ethical dilemma you've faced. How did you resolve it?

Candidate Interviews:

Eppie Griego:

1. "Rising Crime Rates: My number one priority is to advocate for our public safety. Residents are deeply concerned about increasing crime, driven by issues like drug abuse, homelessness, illegal immigration, and mental health crises. Decisions made in Denver significantly impact Pueblo. We need better legislation and action to support law enforcement and ensure community safety.

Economic and Infrastructure Development: A strong economy requires robust infrastructure. Over the past three years, I've directed over $13 million from the American Rescue Plan Act into rural water infrastructure in Avondale, Boone, and Colorado City. I'm also focused on creating job opportunities through responsible contracting and apprenticeship programs in Pueblo County. 

Property Taxes and Government Spending: Property taxes have surged, affecting homeowners and businesses. As county commissioner, I use tools like mill levy adjustments and advocate for legislative changes to reduce this burden. I also support responsible government spending to enhance community services, infrastructure, and public safety."

2. "I invite the opportunity to hear more from our youth in the community. This includes more participation on local boards and committees as well as inviting youth voices into our ongoing projects within the County."

3. "As a leader, listening is one of the kindest things you can do. There are many perspectives and ways to solve problems, and we must be open to listening before we act. I became an independent during my term because of this and continue to look for ways to better support the entire 1300+ team at Pueblo County while listening to the needs directly from our community."

4. "As public officials, we frequently encounter ethical dilemmas where personal values and public interests clash. Every day, I witness the harm that recent legislation on crime and drug use has inflicted on our community—seeing theft, vandalism, needles, and the suffering of our businesses. In my statutory role, I am obligated to uphold the law and follow state directives, even when they negatively impact our community. This is a challenging position to be in, and while I will continue to advocate against harmful legislation, I must also find a way to navigate these circumstances in the meantime."

Miles Lucero:

1. "In my first year as County Commissioner, my goals will be to deeply understand the budget, foster transparency, and build strong relationships with county leaders and local officials.

Budget Mastery: I'll thoroughly analyze the county's budget to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently, prioritizing public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.

Transparent Government: I'll implement policies to increase transparency, including regular public meetings and easy access to financial information, so residents know how decisions are being made.

Building Partnerships: I'll focus on building relationships with County department heads, the mayor, city council, and state officials to foster collaboration and streamline efforts to bring resources to Pueblo County.

These efforts will lay the groundwork for a more accountable, effective, and united local government."

2. "I believe that our youth are the future leaders and workers who will shape Pueblo's success, so it's vital that we prioritize their voices and ensure they have opportunities to thrive. I will create platforms, such as youth advisory councils and regular town hall meetings with young people, to hear their ideas and concerns directly. I'm committed to making sure our children have access to quality education in whatever path they choose—whether it's college, building trades, agriculture, or any other field. By listening to them and ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to succeed, we're investing in the future of our entire community."

3. "Kindness and empathy will be at the core of my leadership. I believe inclusiveness is essential, and that every citizen of Pueblo County, regardless of political and religious beliefs, deserves to be heard and respected. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and it's important to recognize that we're all neighbors, part of the same community. I will lead with compassion, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. By listening to all voices and working to understand each other's perspectives, we can foster a stronger, more united Pueblo. We must take care of one another, treating every resident with the empathy and respect they deserve, because that's what community is all about."

4.  "An ethical dilemma I've faced involved balancing strong personal beliefs with the responsibility to serve a diverse community. As someone who is completely pro-choice, I have encountered individuals who passionately disagree with my stance on reproductive rights. The challenge was ensuring that, while holding firm to my values, I continued to represent all voices, even those who disagreed with me. I resolved it by listening to their concerns with empathy and respect, reaffirming my commitment to representing everyone in Pueblo County, regardless of political or religious beliefs. By focusing on our shared values—like caring for our neighbors, public safety, and economic opportunity—I was able to find common ground and build mutual respect. Ultimately, I believe that ethical leadership means staying true to your principles while creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. This approach allows for honest, compassionate conversations and thoughtful decision-making."

Steven Rodriguez:

1. "1) Number one goal is to decrease crime specifically among our youth. 2) Addressing the addiction and homeless issue in a compassionate results-oriented way. 3) I would like to work in a collaborative way to see a youth recreational/all-purpose facility built preferably in the Eastside complete with indoor swimming and other recreational activities to provide a safe place for our youth to congregate."

2. "I am an addiction counselor and youth mentor as well as a former youth pastor. I have 50 nieces and nephews and 6 grandchildren. Youth have and always will have an open door policy with me."

3. "Being a counselor I've been involved with many families in many different situations kindness. empathy and compassion are a part of who I am as a person."

4. "I just turned 62 and many unethical situations I've dealt with and what's important to me is being a man of integrity and character. I see value in every person whether they live under a bridge or the nicest neighborhood we all have value. I can not be bought or bribed and I will not sell out when elected Commissioner. I will serve with integrity, accountability, and transparency."

AKAD Endorsement For Pueblo County Commissioner District 1:
Miles Lucero

Pueblo County Commissioner District 2 Race:

We asked each county commissioner candidate the same 4 questions:

1. What are three goals you hope to accomplish in your first year as County Commissioner?

2. How will you listen to the youth's voices and opinions on issues as County Commissioner?

3. How do you plan to include kindness and empathy in your leadership style as County Commissioner?

4. Describe an ethical dilemma you've faced. How did you resolve it?

Candidate Interviews:

Paula McPheeters:

1. "1. Learning about all of the County departments and how they work. Meeting staff and understanding the jobs they do for the county of Pueblo. 2. Digging into the budget to ensure an informed understanding of where dollars are being spent and why. 3. Evaluate how my priorities can be implemented with the budget available."

2. "I will be glad to have meetings as requested to discuss issues of concern for Pueblo youth. I'm open to hearing what is of concern and how I can help address those concerns."

3. "I am a firm believer in the Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have done unto you. It's as simple as that for me. As I work with others in their respective roles, it is my desire to reflect understanding and respect to those who work at the county and citizens who interact with our government. I also believe this approach works best in understanding differences: "The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally – not a 20 percent enemy" - Ronald W. Reagan."

4. "In my career I have been faced with a few decisions that required me to speak out regarding policy differences with leadership. My interpretation of a requirement came in conflict with an action they were ready to implement. My responsibility to do my job to the best of my ability came first. I had the conversations that were needed to explain my point of view. It wasn't the easiest thing to do, but in the end, those in leadership understood. I was doing the job I was hired to do. Having courage to speak out is necessary to doing what is right for everyone and the job you've been hired to do."

Daneya Esgar:

1. "I hope to create a more transparent county government, making access to commissioners and our meetings easier. I have started and hope to expand a video series on what your county government can and does for you. I want to focus on economic development for our entire county, and to really pay attention to what we can do to keep our youth here in Pueblo after high school. Whether that's working with higher education institutions, or working directly with our labor trades to develop more apprenticeship opportunities. Our future depends on planning now, with the perspective of our youth. We must expand our work with the agricultural areas in Pueblo to help conserve and preserve our water here in Pueblo County. Working directly with the Pueblo Board of Water, the Palmer Land Conservancy, and our local farmers, the county can help to be a part of creative solutions to keep our water here in our area for agriculture, recreation, and consumption. But we have to act now to preserve our precious resource."
2. "I have an open door/phone/messenger policy for all constituents, but especially our youth. I try to be easy to find if there is an issue that needs addressing, but I also try to work, proactively, to attend and join youth programs to learn directly from them. I'd like to institute a more robust internship program for college and high school students to help the commissioners understand what issues our students are facing."
3. "I strive every day to lead from my heart. As a county commissioner, I use kindness and empathy in all decisions that need to be made as a board, but also as an individual, from budget decisions to policy ideas."
4. "As a policy maker, and an elected official who has to make decisions for a community regularly, I am looking at facts and data to help solve issues across the board. Sometimes, those statistics don't line up with my values. I take the time to really understand the long-term outcomes of those issues and have to decide if my ethics are shared with the community and the if they will lead us all to the best conclusion in problem solving. It's a day to day internal conversation."

AKAD Endorsement For Pueblo County Commissioner District 2:
Daneya Esgar

Statement from Colorado WINS/SOCO Labor Council on Voting & Unions:

"You'll hear a lot during the elections about your RIGHT to vote. I don't subscribe to that. You have an OBLIGATION to vote. You have an obligation to exercise the rights you are afforded as an American citizen to cast a ballot because of the millions of other humans who don't have that option. Furthermore, you have an obligation to participate in building the society you want to live in. The life you lead is facilitated or hampered by policies passed by other people, so your duty is to not only vote but to find out about the people running so you can cast an educated vote. Democracy is a team sport and no one wins if their team sits on the sidelines. Help build the society you want to live in. Cast your ballot for the people who reflect your ideals.

For instance, as union members, we know that candidates who will work to unrig the rules against workers to make it easier to join and form unions is massively important to ensuring America has a thriving middle class—a middle class that is equitable and can drive our economy. We know we can't wait for money to trickle down from the wealthy or to rely on the benevolence of those in power to do what's right. We vote, we fight, we hold candidates accountable to our community values. Look for your union's voting guide or follow Southern Colorado's Labor Council (Union Town) here."

~ Hilary Glasgow | Colorado WINS Executive Director & President of Southern Colorado Labor Council

Ballot Initiatives:

Amendment G, Modify Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the expansion of eligibility for the property tax exemption for veterans with a disability to include a veteran who does not have a service-connected disability rated as a one hundred percent permanent disability but does have individual unemployability status?"

A "yes" vote would have supported expanding the property tax exemption for veterans with a disability to include veterans with individual unemployability status as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs.

A "no" vote would have opposed expanding the property tax exemption for veterans with a disability to include veterans with individual unemployability status, thereby maintaining current law providing the property tax exemption to veterans rated as 100% permanently disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs.

AKAD endorses a YES vote for ballot measure Amendment G,
Modify Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities

Amendment H, Judicial Discipline Procedures and Confidentiality

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning judicial discipline, and, in connection therewith, establishing an independent judicial discipline adjudicative board, setting standards for judicial review of a discipline case, and clarifying when discipline proceedings become public?"

A "yes" vote supports creating a new board, called the Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board, and creating rules for the judicial discipline process.

A "no" vote opposes creating the Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board and creating rules for the judicial discipline process.

AKAD endorses a YES vote for ballot measure Amendment H,
Judicial Discipline Procedures and Confidentiality

Amendment I, Constitutional Bail Exception for First Degree Murder

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning creating an exception to the right to bail for cases of murder in the first degree when proof is evident or presumption is great?"

A "yes" vote supports removing the right to bail in cases of first-degree murder when the proof is evident or the presumption is great.

A "no" vote opposes removing the right to bail in cases of first-degree murder when the proof is evident or the presumption is great.

AKAD endorses a NO vote for ballot measure Amendment I, Constitutional Bail Exception for First Degree Murder

Amendment J, Remove Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution removing the ban on same-sex marriage?"

A "yes" vote supports removing the provision of the state constitution that says that "only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."

A "no" vote opposes removing the provision of the state constitution that says that "only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."

AKAD endorses a YES vote for ballot measure Amendment J,
Remove Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Ban

"At 'A Kindness A Day', we believe in fostering a community where love and kindness are celebrated in all their forms. The Freedom to Marry Colorado ballot measure aligns with our mission of promoting equality and respect for everyone, including the LGBTQIA+ community. Supporting this measure is a step towards ensuring that all couples in Colorado have the right to marry the person they love, free from discrimination. By endorsing this measure, we are standing up for fairness, dignity, and the power of love to unite us all. Let's create a more inclusive and compassionate Colorado together.
~ Devin Klock, A Kindness A Day Founder

Amendment K, Modify Constitutional Election Deadlines

Information From Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the modification of certain deadlines in connection with specified elections?"

A "yes" vote supports changing the signature deadline for initiative and referendum signature gathering, thereby shorting the collection period by one week, as well as moving the deadline for justices and judges to file declarations of intent to run for another term by one week, in order to allow one extra week for the secretary of state to certify ballot order and content and election officials' deadline to transmit ballots.

A "no" vote opposes changing the signature deadline for initiative and referendum signature gathering, thereby shorting the collection period by one week, as well as moving the deadline for justices and judges to file declarations of intent to run for another term by one week, in order to allow one extra week for the secretary of state to certify ballot order and content and election officials' deadline to transmit ballots.

AKAD endorses a YES vote for ballot measure Amendment K,
Modify Constitutional Election Deadlines

Amendment 79, Right to Abortion and Health Insurance Coverage Initiative

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be a change to the Colorado constitution recognizing the right to abortion, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the state and local governments from denying, impeding, or discriminating against the exercise of that right, allowing abortion to be a covered service under health insurance plans for Colorado state and local government employees and for enrollees in state and local governmental insurance programs?"

A "yes" vote supports creating a right to abortion in the state constitution and allowing the use of public funds for abortion.

A "no" vote opposes creating a right to abortion in the state constitution and opposes repealing a constitutional provision that bans the use of public funds for abortion.

Statement from Monica Hughes:

"Abortion is health care, and Amendment 79 protects the right to abortion care in Colorado's constitution. Amendment 79 ensures that state and local governments cannot block or limit access to abortion care. It removes existing insurance discrimination policies that prevent public employees and Coloradans enrolled in state and local government insurance programs, from having abortion care covered by their health insurance. Currently, our state's constitution does not keep the government out of personal health decisions. This means that the government can take away our right to abortion without a vote of the people! A YES vote would change the Colorado constitution, recognizing the right to abortion and protecting it from future government interference of this right. We must end attempts by anti-abortion extremists to ban abortion in the state and even charge women who've had abortions with homicide. We can't let that happen. Vote YES on Amendment 79 to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible for future generations in Colorado."

~ Monica Hughes | Deputy Director of Organizing for Cobalt

AKAD endorses a YES vote for ballot measure Amendment 79 - Right to Abortion and Health Insurance Coverage Initiative

"At 'A Kindness A Day', we believe that true kindness begins with respecting the rights and freedoms of every individual. Our community organization, rooted in the values of compassion and understanding, is proud to endorse a yes vote for Amendment 79. In Pueblo and beyond, we have seen the positive impact of empowering individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and futures. This measure is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the reproductive healthcare they need. It is about protecting the fundamental rights that allow each of us to live with dignity and autonomy. By supporting this measure, we stand up for the well-being of our community members, ensuring they have the freedom to choose what is best for their lives. We believe that reproductive freedom is a cornerstone of a just and equitable society, and we are committed to advocating for policies that reflect these values. We urge our fellow Coloradans to join us in voting "Yes" on Amendment 79. Together, we can build a kinder, more inclusive future for all."
~ Devin Klock, A Kindness A Day Founder

Amendment 80, School Choice in K-12 Education

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution establishing the right to school choice for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, and, in connection therewith, declaring that school choice includes neighborhood, charter, and private schools; home schooling; open enrollment options; and future innovations in education?"

A "yes" vote supports the following: providing in the state constitution that "each K-12 child has the right to school choice;" providing that "all children have the right to equal opportunity to access a quality education," and that "parents have the right to direct the education of their children;" and defining school choice to include neighborhood schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschools, open enrollment options, and future innovations in education.

A "no" vote opposes creating a constitutional right to school choice, which would include neighborhood schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschools, open enrollment options, and future innovations in education.

AKAD endorses a NO vote for ballot measure Amendment 80,
School Choice in K-12 Education

I feel like we must explain why we would vote no on an issue that seems like it would support school choice but in reality, the meausre is a tactic that would draw more funds away from public schools and send it to private schools.

"We can all agree education shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. It should be tailored to each individual child and, thankfully, in Colorado parents already have the option to send their kids to the public or charter school of their choosing. Amendment 80 is not about choice, it's about hurting our public schools. Don't be fooled by this backdoor attempt to push money to private schools at the expense of our kids in public schools. Our mission, just like Colorado parents, is to ensure all kids have equal access to a high-quality education — not just the few."
~ Lisa Escárcega and Kathy Plomer of the Colorado Board of Education

Proposition JJ: Retain Additional Sports Betting Tax Revenue

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Without rasing taxes, may the state keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue above voter-approved limits to fund water conservation and protection projects instead of refunding revenue to casinos?"

A "yes" vote supports allowing the state to retain tax revenue collected above $29 million annually from the tax on sports betting proceeds authorized by voters in 2019.

A "no" vote opposes allowing the state to retain tax revenue collected above $29 million annually from the tax on sports betting proceeds authorized by voters in 2019, thereby requiring the state to refund tax revenue above $29 million to casinos and sports betting operators.

AKAD endorses a YES vote for ballot measure Proposition JJ:
Retain Additional Sports Betting Tax Revenue

Proposition KK: Excise Tax on Firearms Dealers, Manufacturers, and Ammunition Vendors

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall state taxes be increased by $39,000,000 annually to fund mental health services, including for military veterans and at-risk youth, school safety and gun violence prevention, and support services for victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes by authorizing a tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors at the rate of 6.5% of the net taxable sales from the retail sale of any gun, gun precursor part, or ammunition, with the state keeping and spending all of the new tax revenue as a voter-approved revenue change?"

A "yes" vote supports levying a 6.5% excise tax on the manufacture and sale of firearms and ammunition to be imposed on firearms dealers, manufacturers, and ammunition vendors and appropriating the revenue to the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Cash Fund to be used to fund crime victim services programs, mental and behavioral health programs for children and veterans, and school security and safety programs.

A "no" vote opposes levying a 6.5% excise tax on the manufacture and sale of firearms and ammunition to be imposed on firearms dealers, manufacturers, and ammunition vendors.

AKAD endorses a YES vote for ballot measure Proposition KK:
Excise Tax on Firearms Dealers, Manufacturers, and Ammunition Vendors

Proposition 127, Prohibit Trophy Hunting of Mountain Lions, Lynx, and Bobcats

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning a prohibition on the trophy hunting of mountain lions, lynx, and bobcats, and, in connection therewith, defining "trophy hunting" as the intentional killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging or releasing of a deadly weapon at a mountain lion, lynx, or bobcat; creating exemptions from this prohibition including for the protection of human life, property, and livestock; establishing "trophy hunting" as a class 1 misdemeanor; and increasing fines and limiting wildlife license privileges for persons convicted of this crime?"

A "yes" vote supports defining and prohibiting trophy hunting as "intentionally killing, wounding, pursuing, or entrapping a mountain lion, bobcat, or lynx; or discharging or releasing any deadly weapon at a mountain lion, bobcat, or lynx."

A "no" vote opposes defining and prohibiting trophy hunting as "intentionally killing, wounding, pursuing, or entrapping a mountain lion, bobcat, or lynx; or discharging or releasing any deadly weapon at a mountain lion, bobcat, or lynx."

AKAD endorses a YES vote for ballot measure Proposition 127,
Prohibit Trophy Hunting of Mountain Lions, Lynx, and Bobcats

Proposition 128, Concerning Eligibility for Parole

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning parole eligibility for an offender convicted of certain crimes, and, in connection therewith, requiring an offender who is convicted of second degree murder; first degree assault; class 2 felony kidnapping; sexual assault; first degree arson; first degree burglary; or aggravated robbery committed on or after January 1, 2025, to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before being eligible for parole, and requiring an offender convicted of any such crime committed on or after January 1, 2025, who was previously convicted of any two crimes of violence, not just those crimes enumerated in this measure, to serve the full sentence imposed before beginning to serve parole?"

A "yes" vote supports requiring offenders convicted of certain violent crimes on or after January 1, 2025, to serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility, and offenders with two prior violent crime convictions to serve their full sentence before beginning parole.

A "no" vote opposes making changes to parole eligibility, thereby maintaining current law providing parole eligibility to individuals convicted of certain violent crimes after completing 75% of their imposed sentence minus any time earned off of the sentence for good behavior.

AKAD endorses a NO vote for ballot measure Proposition 128, Concerning Eligibility for Parole

Proposition 129, Establishing Veterinary Professional Associates

Information from Ballotpedia:

"Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes creating a new veterinary professional associate profession, and, in connection therewith, establishing qualifications including a master's degree to be a veterinary professional associate; requiring registration with the state board of veterinary medicine; allowing a registered veterinary professional associate to practice veterinary medicine under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian; and making it a misdemeanor to practice as a veterinary professional associate without an active registration?"

A "yes" vote supports creating a new profession, the veterinary professional associate (VPA), requiring a master's degree and registration with the state board of veterinary medicine, to practice under supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

A "no" vote opposes creating a new profession, the veterinary professional associate (VPA).

AKAD endorses a NO vote for ballot measure Proposition 129, Establishing Veterinary Professional Associates

Proposition 130, Funding for Law Enforcement

"Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning state funding for peace officer training and support, and, in connection therewith, directing the legislature to appropriate 350 million dollars to the peace officer training and support fund for municipal and county law enforcement agencies to hire and retain peace officers; allowing the fund to be used for pay, bonuses, initial and continuing education and training, and a death benefit for a peace officer, police, fire and first responder killed in the line of duty; and requiring the funding to supplement existing appropriations?"

A "yes" vote supports creating the Peace Officer Training and Support Fund to provide funding for law enforcement training, retention, and hiring; training surrounding the use of force; and death benefits for surviving spouses and children of officers or first responders killed in the line of duty.

A "no" vote opposes creating the Peace Officer Training and Support Fund to provide funding for law enforcement training, retention, and hiring; training surrounding the use of force; and death benefits for surviving spouses and children of officers or first responders killed in the line of duty.

AKAD endorses a NO vote for ballot measure Proposition 130,
Funding for Law Enforcement

Proposition 131, Establishing All-Candidate Primary and Ranked Choice Voting General Elections

"Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes creating new election processes for certain federal and state offices, and, in connection therewith, creating a new all-candidate primary election for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, CU board of regents, state board of education, and the Colorado state legislature; allowing voters to vote for any one candidate per office, regardless of the voter's or candidate's political party affiliation; providing that the four candidates for each office who receive the most votes advance to the general election; and in the general election, allowing voters to rank candidates for each office on their ballot, adopting a process for how the ranked votes are tallied, and determining the winner to be the candidate with the highest number of votes in the final tally?"

A "yes" vote supports establishing top-four primary elections and ranked-choice voting for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, Colorado University board of regents, state board of education, and state legislature.

A "no" vote opposes this initiative, thereby maintaining semi-closed primaries and plurality vote single-winner general elections for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, Colorado University board of regents, state board of education, and state legislature.

AKAD endorses a NO vote for ballot measure Proposition 131, Establishing All-Candidate Primary and Ranked Choice Voting General Elections

Voter Information:

To be eligible to vote in Colorado, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be 18 years old or older by Election Day
• Live in Colorado at least 22 days before Election Day
• Not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction can vote in the state of Colorado

"Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you."

~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Song Of The Day: