Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey: Colorado roundup


Colorado is holding elections, including for school boards, on Nov. 7, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.

Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of Sept. 26. To read each candidate’s full responses, click his or her name at the bottom of the article.

Brad Geiger (nonpartisan) is running for Douglas County School District Board of Directors District C, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Geiger responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“There is and will be a national shortage of educators based on low pay and perceived lack of respect for the profession. This issue has to be addressed at all levels of government to ensure that the next generation gets a quality education that leads to quality members of our community.”

Click here to read the rest of Geiger’s answers. 

Brian Klein (nonpartisan) is running for Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education District 2, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Klein responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“Personally I am really concerned about fundamental subjects not being fully explored and taught to our children. I feel their time in the classroom is being stolen by subjective topics, political discussions, and agendas to influence their social life. I want children to have the strongest core of basic principles so as they mature, they have the mental toolbox ready to formulate complex thoughts and decisions. …”

Click here to read the rest of Klein’s answers. 

Joel Newton (nonpartisan) is running for Jeffco Board of Education District 4, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Newton responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“- School funding and outcomes

– Family engagement

– Early childhood education

– Educator recruitment and retention

– School meal funding”

Click here to read the rest of Newton’s answers. 

Tina West (nonpartisan) is running for Widefield School District 3 school board, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how West responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“I am very passionate about restoring academic excellence as a priority in our district. … We need to turn away from the national fray and focus on doing things the way we always have; THE WIDEFIELD WAY. Doing this has served us well in the past and a return to it in all earnestness will do so again.”

Click here to read the rest of West’s answers. 

If you’re a Colorado candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.

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