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 Oct. 9. To read each candidate’s full responses, click his or her name at the bottom of the article.

Incumbent Jason Jorgenson (nonpartisan) is running for Colorado Springs School District 11 school board, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Jorgenson responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“Policy that focuses on academic excellence as well as safe and engaged learning environments. Public education has been asked to be a lot of things for many diverse needs and I believe that if we could focus on the basics through sound policy, we can help all students achieve their best and situate them for success upon graduation.”

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

Incumbent Parth Melpakam (nonpartisan) is running for Colorado Springs School District 11 school board, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Melpakam responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“I support policies that prioritizes student success, staff investment, and parent engagement, with the ultimate objective that all schools are set up for excellence in teaching and learning. Through policy, I am committed to fostering a safe and welcoming school environment where all students, staff, parents, and community members are valued and respected.”

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

Adam Slutzker (nonpartisan) is running for Denver Board of Education District 5, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Slutzker responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“As a former teacher and parent of DPS students I am very passionate about our public school system and want to work to help our community overcome the issues we face now and in the future.”

Click here to read the rest of Slutzker’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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