After 15 days at the Capitol, I can report that I am energized and enthusiastic – and a little overwhelmed as well. My mission is to build the Colorado we want for our children and grandchildren. We want to maintain the magnificent Colorado environment. We desire a 21st century educational system, health care for all and a society that is just, fair and sustainable. To do all this, we need an economy that supports our families and provides economic opportunity. Those are my priorities: a recovery that creates jobs and gets people back to work. Yet amidst that we face diminished revenue and rising costs for services.

You know me as an optimist who believes no obstacles are insurmountable. To meet our challenges, we need to pull together to find practical solutions. During my campaign I had a consistent bipartisan message, focused on what we can do to promote job creation and move the economy forward. I have focused on that task in the legislature and now I want to report to you, which is why my second Town Hall meeting to be held this Saturday (February 5) will be bipartisan. But for the first time in El Paso County, and consistent with my bipartisan approach, I have invited my fellow Representative Mark Waller, (R) Colorado Springs to join us. We both cordially invite you to a community conversation.