The election season is ending soon and as they say, “things are about to get interesting,”.  Before it gets too hectic, I want to thank everyone who continues to help us by walking, phoning, inputting data, placing signs and doing the myriad of tasks needed for a successful campaign. I could not do this without you and I am truly humbled and grateful for your support.

Endorsements - I am honored to announce the list of individuals and organizations who have endorsed my candidacy for House District 18. The full list can be found here It is a true bipartisan effort from all over the community – the list includes not only Democrats, but Republicans and Independents as well.  We have the support of business owners and workers, fire fighters, police, teachers, principals, nurses, doctors, lawyers, judges, artists, community volunteers,  present and former elected officials and scores of others.  We thank them all for their support and assistance.

Fundraising and Television - I hope you have seen and heard our TV and radio spots.  You can view the TV ads here. Thanks to all who contributed to fund this endeavor. It has worked so well for us, that we hear our opponent and her supporters will be following our game plan.  But rather than describing real solutions and thoughtful policy, the opposition is going negative -distorting, misrepresenting, and even lying about my record. Of course, we will respond with the truth – and as I stated at the beginning of this campaign, I will not resort to name calling. Instead, I will continue to talk about my plan to grow the economy and create jobs.  I will focus on real bipartisan solutions, not canned rhetoric.

Citizens Project Candidate Forum – Please attend the forum sponsored by the Pikes Peak Equality Coalition, the NAACP and others on Tuesday October 16 at 5:00 PM at Stargazers Theater.  Ask hard questions and learn what the candidates stand for- and against.

Finally, as we head into these last few weeks, I still need to raise a few dollars to keep our message on the airwaves and our canvassers knocking on doors. As you’ve heard me mention, House District 18 is the top target in the state – if you’ve been thinking about contributing, or making another contribution, now is the time. Your donation here will make a huge difference.

As always, I continue to work hard and to listen to your ideas.  Contact me at reppete@gmail.com or call me at  719-460-2834.

Sincerely,
Pete Lee
State Representative, House District 18



Last Saturday, September 15th, 2012, I joined 5,000 people from all over the country for the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Observance at Memorial Park.  With Pikes Peak Avenue packed with scores of fire trucks from all over, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) President Harold A. Schaitberger described the unique bond among fire fighters, characterized by their pledge to each other of “I’ve got your back”.  He said that same pledge extends from the fire fighters to the community when disasters and emergencies, like the Waldo Canon fire, occur.  We should take a lesson from the fire fighters and make that same pledge of “I’ve got your back” to each other.  That pledge is the essence of what true community is all about.

Thank you to IAFF Local 5 for hosting this solemn and magnificent event for the past 26 years.  It showcases the best of Colorado Springs.  To learn more about the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, click here.



Thomas Jefferson said that the preservation of a democratic society depends on an educated electorate.  By these measures, we are facing a crisis.  With one third of our kids dropping out of high school, equally dismal graduation rates and fewer going to college than in the baby boomer generation, we need to make changes.

To address the challenges facing schools, we need to focus on learning and achievement and who delivers them; set high expectations, clear goals, a plan to accomplish them and personal accountability for results.

Comprehensive education reform requires that we: (Click Here for more details)

  • Retain and support experienced and competent teachers.
  • Reverse the trend of new teachers quitting within the first three years.
  • Support early childhood education and kindergarten.
  • Teacher pay should be commensurate with professional credentials and other appropriate criteria.
  • Make college and other post-secondary educational options affordable and attainable for those students who want to attend.
  • Provide career and technical education and community mentoring opportunities; many of the fastest growing jobs do not require a four year degree.
  • Replace the No Child Left Behind Act with legislation that recognizes the unique issues of individual schools and provides realistic solutions and incentives rather than punitive consequences.  A positive, systemic approach with funding for all mandates is needed for real change.

I am committed to addressing education issues as a top priority.



The local Democrat and Republican parties, normally at odds on most issues, will combine their efforts to host a fundraising reception for Pike’s Peak United Way’s Waldo Canyon Fire Victim Assistance Fund on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, 5:30 – 7:00 PM at El Pomar’s Penrose House Garden Pavilion. Cost is a $25 suggested donation and is open to the public.

The party leaders joined together to plan this non-partisan event in hopes of motivating all citizens to unite in their support of the fire victims. “In times like these, we are reminded that we are all part of the larger community.

We are not just Democrat or Republican, we are all citizens of Colorado Springs and El Paso County and we care deeply about our town and its people,” said Kathleen Ricker, Chair for the El Paso County Democratic Party. “Now is the time for us to reach out to those in need and make that our priority.”

Eli Bremer, Chair of the El Paso County Republicans agreed. “People in our county want to help no matter what their political affiliation,” said Bremer. “We’re showing that we can put aside our differences to work together for the good of this community. If the Democratic and Republican parties can team up like this, then everyone can.” Bremer noted that this teaming between the two political parties is the first of its kind in El Paso County.

The evening will feature appearances by several elected officials from both parties, including Lt. Governor Joe Garcia and Senate Majority Leader John Morse, as well as members of the fire team and firefighters. Live music by Dixie-Q, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and conversations with elected officials of both parties will round out the evening.

Event organizers hope to raise $50,000 at this event, and stated that 100% of the proceeds will go to Pikes Peak United Way’s Waldo Canyon Fire Victim Assistance Fund. El Pomar Foundation donated the initial $125,000 to the fund, and it has since grown to more than a half-million dollars. The fund supports organizations that directly assist families and individuals affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire.

Please sign up for the event by clicking here.  The suggested donation for this event is $25.  Please click here to complete your donation directly with the Waldo Canyon Victim Assistance Fund.



COLORADO STATE LODGE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLIICE
2701 West 84th Avenue Suite #211 Westminster, CO 80031-3800
Phone (303) 426-1733 • Fax (303) 426-1567
Frank Gale Dan Schaefer
PRESIDENT SECRETARY
July 1, 2012

To the Citizens of Colorado’s House District 18, As the largest law enforcement organization in both Colorado and the United States, representing several thousand sworn law enforcement officers in this state, the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police is proud to support and endorse Pete Lee for re-election to Colorado House District 18. Pete has served for two years on the House Judiciary Committee. He understands the issues surrounding public safety and the problems faced daily by line officers. He is a proven leader with integrity, character, and courage. He understands the importance of promoting effective public safety solutions in Colorado.

Pete Lee has shown himself to be a truly dedicated public official who has demonstrated to us that he is a friend of law enforcement and an asset to the community he serves. He values the men and women who work every day to keep Colorado’s communities safe.  We have worked closely with Pete on several bills important to public safety.  His successful legislation concerning restorative justice was strongly supported by the Fraternal Order of Police. It gives victims the right to meet face-to-face with the offender under highly-regulated circumstances, and allows for sentences that focus on compensating and repairing harm to victims.

Pete Lee not only understands the issues surrounding public safety, but he is willing to roll up his sleeves and work hard to solve the serious problems facing our state now and in the future.  Pete is a strong advocate for Colorado’s small businesses with a passion for his community and a desire for dedicated public service.  Pete is steadfast in his commitment to reducing unemployment and getting people back to work.

Pete is not governed by partisan politics. Far from being a professional politician, Pete is a citizen politician who will take the time to listen to the community and to those most affected by the problems we all face.  He does not put a political agenda ahead of the interests of the citizens of his district. Pete Lee brings real-world experience to public office.  He is a man of strong principles and courage whose interest in being elected to this position of public trust is to serve his constituency.  He understands the real issues facing the citizens of House District 18 and Colorado.  We have no doubt he will continue to work hard to resolve the serious issues facing our great state.

Pete Lee’s history of commitment to public service and fairness has earned him this valuable endorsement.  He has proven to being creative and open minded by drawing upon the best ideas from various sources and philosophical arenas working toward practical and effective resolutions of the challenges Colorado’s communities face.  As such, we have no doubt that Pete Lee is the best candidate for this office.  We strongly endorse and support the re-election of Pete Lee for Colorado House District 18.
Sincerely,

Michael J Violette
Executive Director
Colorado State Lodge
Fraternal Order of Police