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COPPER MOUNTAIN — The 2006 Summit Candidate Forum started to get a bit heated as the three outspoken U.S. Congressional candidates took to the front to loudly vocalize their opinions and stir up the mostly mellow Thursday morning.
Democrat Mark Udall, the incumbent, Republican Rich Mancuso and Libertarian Norm Olsen all decided microphones were not necessary to speak to the crowd in the Ponderosa Room at Copper Mountain. And instead of following the pattern of sitting behind the front desk, they took turns jumping up to the front.
Olsen began by saying that “government is too large and it’s getting bigger,” and that fiscal responsibility needs to be taken because current politicians are “digging a hole.” Mancuso followed by declaring he has BEEF with the government, adding that the acronym stands for “border, education, energy and freedoms.” Lastly, Udall used his five minutes to say his record speaks for itself, that he gets involved and listens to the community, and that he works despite partisan lines to solve problems.
Some of the other races that were represented at the forum include:
n Colorado Senate candidates Democrat Joan Fitz-Gerald, the incumbent, and Republican Marty Neilson:
Fitz-Gerald said she has served in the “worst of times” when $1 million in the budget was cut and she is currently serving during the resurgence of the state’s economy. She said she believes that public health and a strong education are important issues.
Neilson said she has worked for more than 30 years as a financial manager and chief financial officer. She said she knows budgets and has leadership experience and she wants smaller, accountable government.
n Colorado Secretary of State candidates Republican Mike Coffman and Democrat Ken Gordon:
Coffman, who returned from Iraq in March said, “I will bring the honor and integrity that is reflected in my military service.” He also said that the election and voting process needs to tightened to ensure accuracy.
Gordon, who is currently the majority leader in the Colorado Senate, said, “I agree with the previous speaker that the right to vote is sacred.” He added that that is because all values are translated into law by the ballot system.
n Colorado Attorney General candidate Democrat Fern O’Brien:
O’Brien said she is a business woman and a lawyer. She wants to see consumer protection, particularly from predatory lending. She also said she wants employers to be held accountable in regard to the illegal immigrant issue and that she would investigate price gauging in mountain communities if that is a problem.
n Colorado Lieutenant Governor candidate Democrat Barbara O’Brien and Independent Governor candidate Paul Fiorino:
O’Brien said she was there representing herself and governor candidate Bill Ritter.
They believe strong education is most important, she said. Also, they want to start an affordable insurance policy to reduce the financial burden created by the uninsured.
Fiorino said he is an unaffiliated candidate who petitioned to get on the ballot. “We in Colorado are pretty independent. We are independent thinkers,” he said. He added that residents should vote for him “instead of throwing the ball back and forth between two parties.”
Democrat Mark Udall, the incumbent, Republican Rich Mancuso and Libertarian Norm Olsen all decided microphones were not necessary to speak to the crowd in the Ponderosa Room at Copper Mountain. And instead of following the pattern of sitting behind the front desk, they took turns jumping up to the front.
Olsen began by saying that “government is too large and it’s getting bigger,” and that fiscal responsibility needs to be taken because current politicians are “digging a hole.” Mancuso followed by declaring he has BEEF with the government, adding that the acronym stands for “border, education, energy and freedoms.” Lastly, Udall used his five minutes to say his record speaks for itself, that he gets involved and listens to the community, and that he works despite partisan lines to solve problems.
Some of the other races that were represented at the forum include:
n Colorado Senate candidates Democrat Joan Fitz-Gerald, the incumbent, and Republican Marty Neilson:
Fitz-Gerald said she has served in the “worst of times” when $1 million in the budget was cut and she is currently serving during the resurgence of the state’s economy. She said she believes that public health and a strong education are important issues.
Neilson said she has worked for more than 30 years as a financial manager and chief financial officer. She said she knows budgets and has leadership experience and she wants smaller, accountable government.
n Colorado Secretary of State candidates Republican Mike Coffman and Democrat Ken Gordon:
Coffman, who returned from Iraq in March said, “I will bring the honor and integrity that is reflected in my military service.” He also said that the election and voting process needs to tightened to ensure accuracy.
Gordon, who is currently the majority leader in the Colorado Senate, said, “I agree with the previous speaker that the right to vote is sacred.” He added that that is because all values are translated into law by the ballot system.
n Colorado Attorney General candidate Democrat Fern O’Brien:
O’Brien said she is a business woman and a lawyer. She wants to see consumer protection, particularly from predatory lending. She also said she wants employers to be held accountable in regard to the illegal immigrant issue and that she would investigate price gauging in mountain communities if that is a problem.
n Colorado Lieutenant Governor candidate Democrat Barbara O’Brien and Independent Governor candidate Paul Fiorino:
O’Brien said she was there representing herself and governor candidate Bill Ritter.
They believe strong education is most important, she said. Also, they want to start an affordable insurance policy to reduce the financial burden created by the uninsured.
Fiorino said he is an unaffiliated candidate who petitioned to get on the ballot. “We in Colorado are pretty independent. We are independent thinkers,” he said. He added that residents should vote for him “instead of throwing the ball back and forth between two parties.”
