Steamboat Springs, CO – October 5, 2020

Joyce Rankin, member of the State Board of Education representing the 3rd Congressional District.
Courtesy Photo

Q. What is the role of the partnership between state and federal education departments?

A. The U.S. Constitution leaves the responsibility for public K-12 education with the states. In Colorado the Federal Programs Unit, within the Colorado Department of Education, administers funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as well as a variety of other federal and state competitive grants and awards. ESEA is the primary federal law affecting K-12 education. All federal programs are to be used to supplement, not supplant, state support.

Steamboat Springs, CO – October 5, 2020

Steamboat Springs resident Mayling Simpson spent her 40-year career traveling the world pursuing humanitarian work before settling in Steamboat Springs.
File photo

Q. What do you think the state board of education’s role should be in providing direction to local school districts on issues of statewide significance, such as COVID-19 protocols, and how will you support schools to create plans for the spring semester of this year?

A. Members of the State Board of Education need to be well-informed about the hardships and successes of schools in their district. They should be open to receiving requests for help in problem-solving. The State Board members should have a good understanding of how to prevent transmission of COVID-19 at schools and an understanding of how COVID-19 is impacting teaching and budgets.

Steamboat Springs, CO – October 4, 2020

Lauren Boebert, Republican candidate for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District
Courtesy photo

Q. Looking beyond the campaign to a time next year when you are actually a member of Congress, let’s assume Joe Biden wins the presidency and Democrats continue to control the House, what are the two to three policy priorities you will take the lead on to best represent the interests of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District?

A. I reject the assumption that Joe Biden will be the president or that the Democrats will continue to control the House. My first vote in Congress will be to fire Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. Among other things, Nancy Pelosi spent years wasting time on impeachment instead of taking up President Trump on his offer to address immigration and infrastructure.

Steamboat Springs, CO – October 4, 2020

DIane Mitsch Bush
Courtesy DIane Mitsch Bush

Q. Looking beyond the campaign to a time next year when you are actually a member of Congress, let’s assume Donald Trump is re-elected and Democrats fail to capture the Senate, what are the two to three policy priorities you will take the lead on to best represent the interests of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District?

A. First, I will work across the aisle to protect the Affordable Care Act and lower health care costs. There have been multiple attempts to repeal the ACA, which would destroy protections for the 300,000 people in CD-3 with pre-existing conditions. I’ll work with my colleagues to improve the ACA by ending surprise billing, authorizing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, fully funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program — CHIP — and ensuring that resources get to our rural hospitals.

Steamboat Springs – October 6, 2020

Doug Monger (Home country U.S.)
John F. Russell

Q. Why do you want to serve on the Routt County Board of Commissioners?

A. I love our county and have always felt a calling to be a public servant, utilizing my background, expertise and experience for the betterment of our great county. I’m driven to leave this county better than it was when I started as a commissioner. I feel my history, breadth of experience and understanding of Routt County have benefited our community, and I feel that my work is not yet done. I champion responsible, open and inclusive government. I welcome partnerships as no one entity can solve the issues of our changing landscapes and demographics. Partnerships with municipalities, landowners, special districts, nonprofits and civic organizations are critical as we welcome new residents, visitors, lifestyles and ideals. 

Steamboat Springs – October 6,2020

Tim Redmond (Home country U.S.)
John F. Russell

Q. Why do you want to serve on the Routt County Board of Commissioners?

A. I found a home in Routt County; a place where I became a better man. The truth is I have received many opportunities for a better life. Strongly believing that when you receive you must give back. I’ve had a wonderful family and a good business to see me through. I have and will continue to support this community. Now is my time to put everything I have learned in government and business to work for you. This is an amazing place to live and work. The plan is to protect and grow. The question is how. That is why I want to be a part of the master plan. I will listen and respect all views. The idea is to serve all people of Routt County.