Jared Polis (2017)

I'm for it. Ask some member of Congress who isn't for it!

Here's the bill I support:
https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397722

also I'm not accepting any PAC special interest money in my campaign!

Overall a POSITIVE. I supported Amendment 64 and I think that it not only generates tax revenues, creates jobs but also helps drive the criminal cartels out of business!

I don't see a lot of downsides to it being legal, I think it's important that we do more work to reduce driving under the influence of any drug or alcohol, and that we try to prevent kids from using marijuana

We're driving neighborhood drug dealers out of business!

I used to play a lot more. I was an early player and played several nights/week until a year or two ago. Yes it has changed SO much I would need to practice to be good again. I played a few weeks ago and so much had changed that I wasn't very good. It's still a great game, just different.

Been playing Heroes of Might and Magic VII lately, but honestly very little time for gaming because I have THREE jobs the next 11 months (member of Congress, candidate for Governor, dad) so I look forward to either being Governor or unemployed then I can game more.

btw good job remembering who I main :)
Tree forever!

yeah i think that if we had a carbon fee we could reduce income taxes and taxes on small businesses to help them grow and make it cost more to pollute

Yes this is part of my rural broadband plan for Colorado (which would work in other states):
https://www.summitdaily.com/opinion/polis-and-stiegelmeier-overcoming-rural-colorados-broadband-hurdles-column/

haha, someone who is gay and a gamer

and wait for it there is a subreddit for it! ;)

https://www.reddit.com/r/gaymers/

1) I would say my out of the box approach and creativity, you won't find others (that I know of) talking about blockchain and what states can do for net neutrality in addition to usual progressive stuff. I'm also proud of my work in education not only in policy but founding and running public schools.

2) Wow I'm thinking about 2018! I don't know Trish feel free to make an intro. I doubt I will think about who to support in 2020 much until after 2018 election!

These exist. They are called "Income Share Agreements" usually.

I introduced a bi-partisan bill to provide some more legal certainty around them and reduce costs as an alternative way to finance college:
https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397901

keep trying, as a Representative I prefer getting emails, but postcards and calls also work. I get a summary each week of every call to my offices. If you don't like the way someone is representing you then you can replace them in the next election. I work for you! and so does Senator Gardner!

t/y guy on twitter! ;)

yeah there is a subreddit for that too!

https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/

Colorado has one of the best economies in the country, but when I travel across the state I hear from folks talking about how it’s getting harder and harder to buy a home, pay for college, or save for retirement. I’m running for governor because I want to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. I know if we work together we can think big and fix this! See my white paper on how we can get this done: http://v.fastcdn.co/u/70bc6dd0/21710611-0-JP-EconomyV3.pdf

YES! Municipal Internet will probably become more popular in progressive minded cities and towns because of the repeal of net neutrality. If there is any silver lining that is it. Ironic!

And yes all of Colorado can really be a hub for startups (it is already becoming one!)

1) I think having kids and dealing with parenting issues connects me to many families in Colorado. I've been there changing diapers. Our 3 year old is out of diapers but still wets the bed at night sometimes and has a sleep diaper. That kind of thing.

2) Well Marlon is shy and I don't want the kids to grow up more in public than absolutely necessary, so those are the main reasons that we don't appear in public more together. If Marlon was more outgoing and enjoyed it I would certainly encourage him to attend more events but I respect his desire not to.

Yes! You can sign up to volunteer at:

or make a small contribution of $5 or $10! Thank you!
And spread the word!

well of course they would, simple economics (more supply of housing)
but local residents often oppose them because of protecting their neighborhoods quality of life or property values. In Colorado, this plays out at the local level in fights for city council and county commissioner races.

yeah especially if you are just starting out in politics you definitely need time to build a winning campaign.

The funny thing is that so many people tell me they wish campaign seasons were shorter, but to win you need to start SO early to build support and name id

We should consider a permanent funding source for affordable housing programs across the state. We also need more protections for folks who are vulnerable to displacement and housing supply and demand. And we need better zoning laws to expand mixed-income/mixed-use housing, as well as more multi-family homes that are affordable to middle-class families.

There are lots of causes, I think the biggest is a very simple one: It is a lot more expensive to live in Denver than it was 10 years ago or 5 years ago. Rent is much higher, and there are more people who simply can't afford a place to live even if they have jobs and are therefore homeless.

Thank you for disputing the false equivalency with the second part of your comment. Yes Democrats can be wrong but are not generally speaking completely bonkers.

In general I support more individual freedom and a smaller, more efficient government that gets the job done. Some people say that Republicans used to support these things. That was before they went bonkers.

Many of my bills in Congress are bi-partisan.

One issue lately I've been working with many Republicans on is Kurdish Independence. It's not inherently a partisan issue but lately I've been getting a better reception on the R side. Here's a piece I wrote a couple years ago on the topic:
http://www.denverpost.com/2014/10/03/polis-the-promise-of-an-independent-kurdish-republic/

I will push back on any federal effort to interfere with our laws and not share information if it's not related to a criminal investigation under our own law or ordered by a court. The federal government has very limited law enforcement resources in the states, most of law enforcement is in the hands of cities, counties, and the state and so as long as we dont' cooperate it would be hard, almost impossible, for there to be a major federal-only enforcement action.

I sponsor a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. And while corporations are considered people for economic purposes, they should not be considered people as political constructs. WE THE PEOPLE. And people means you breath and you live and you die. Corporations are a very important economic innovation but they should not be a political innovation that renders actual humans obsolete.

That's really important. Effective public officials should be driven by data and science. I am familiar with avoiding the sunk-cost fallacy from my success in the private sector, and we should apply the same lesson to government. Summary (not wedded to this, just best summary I could find on google in 2 mins):
https://business.tutsplus.com/tutorials/sunk-cost-fallacy-how-to-avoid-bias-based-on-past-decisions--cms-26642

One should look to the data and the best science with objectivity and without a pre-determined outcome in mind. While I know a lot about a few areas (education, business) I realize I have to be a generalist and make decisions on areas like fire prevention, transportation, etc on which I need to rely on expert opinion and I would try to find the best experts to talk to and if appropriate employ.

yes I've personally been stuck there many times. 25-N my the top transportation priority in the area I represent. I don't think public private partnership toll lane will be enough.

I also would like to get traffic off 25 if we establish the feasibility for front range commuter rail (FTC to Denver and then further south), I think as long as commute times were the same or better, and the cost was the same or better (compared to gas and car depreciation), then that could be a good longer term solution as our population increases in Northern CO.

Well I certainly didn't poll my constituents on that topic so I don't know if they support or oppose the move, although they voted overwhelmingly against Trump in the election.

At the end of the day as a Representative, you have to be comfortable with your conscience and while I have not reached a conclusion on whether to impeach, I absolutely believe that there is credible evidence of an impeachable offense and that we need to move the process forward to get to the truth.

FYI here was my statement on the vote to proceed and not table:
My full statement on that vote: With great reflection and sadness, today I voted to open debate on an Impeachment Resolution against President Trump.

From day one, our president has shown contempt for the truth and for basic transparency at every turn. New evidence comes to light almost every week casting serious doubt upon his truthfulness, his integrity, and his ability to lead — from undermining a federal investigation into his campaign, to allegedly sharing classified intelligence with Russian government officials, to potential collusion and obstruction of justice.

Congress cannot continue to pretend that the president's behavior isn't putting our republic at risk. This is a debate that must happen NOW for the good of our country.

Colorado families deserve to have confidence in our elected leaders and this is one step toward ensuring our government remains accountable to the people. I’ve never hesitated to fight for our values as a representative, and I won’t hesitate to fight for them as your governor.

The FCC is set to decide (the wrong way) this week not sure if any of us can stop them now.

Now I hope that:

1) Congress can pass a statutory form of net neutrality

2) The States can lead the way in protecting consumers (If I am elected governor, CO as one of them in the forefront!)

I don't think anyone frames me as an "oligarch" because that would probably mean I still have active businesses I run, and I don't run any businesses now and most of my assets are in a blind trust.

I think the positive you hit on is right, I can take on the special interests because I don't rely on them. I think the main negative is the assumption that all rich people are a**holds or that all rich people are totally out of touch.

Thanks. I think that both fans and opponents of Trump should avoid a rush to judgement, but yes there is credible evidence of a crime and we should move forward with the process of getting to the bottom of the issues around collaboration, emoluments clause, or other violations to see if in fact an impeachable offense was committed

yes, I have for almost ten years

maybe write a letter to the editor in your local paper, or choose to support other candidates (with money or time as a volunteer) in nearby areas who are in favor or net neutrality running against candidates who oppose net neutrality.

well people should be suspicious of wealth, especially wealthy interests co-opting the political system for their advantage. I'm in FoCo quite a bit so if you see me around say hi! good luck on the ballot!

Occupational licensing requirements can be a problem. Would love to increase freedom for people to support themselves (while not compromising public safety). Unnecessary licensing can also be a barrier to upwards mobility. But I see the rest of the question is about mobility. I will look at the ALLOW Act (harder to understand the federal role because this is mostly a state issue) but certainly something I would work with the legislature on as Governor.

This has become a divisive issue in our country and our party. I support our 2nd Amendment rights and would work closely with sportsmen and those who own guns for hobby or defense in crafting any gun safety regulations.

The reason I mentioned the 1986 law is specifically a reference to my support for banning bump stocks and devices whose sole purpose is to covert a legal gun into an illegal (under the 1986 Act) automatic weapon. I think that's a reasonably thing to do at the federal level and I would support it as Governor too. Are you ok with banning (specifically defined) bump stocks?

YES I plan to offer it as an amendment if it's not included and will do everything I can to get it included.

This restriction on funding being used to contravene state medical marijuana laws has passed Congress before and would probably pass by even more now if we can GET IT TO A VOTE!

I know there is a group working on net neutrality on a statewide basis in Colorado (and perhaps other states). They are looking at various legal options and have some great political minds at the table. I've seen some initial polling numbers on a state initiative that look very good.

A Governor can also work to expand the number of municipal ISPs and remove hurdles for cities or counties acting on their own to provide access. We could also look at implementing consumer protections at the state level to protect a free and open internet within Colorado.

This neo-isolationism saddens me greatly. Protectionism is bad for all parties. I believe in bringing the world closer together. I've supported expanding trade opportunities in Congress and I believe that bringing the world together is the best way to prevent deadly conflicts.

This is (yet another area) where President Trump's worldview is fundamentally flawed. We are not fighting over a static pie with China, Mexico, Canada, etc. Trump thinks if we get more, they get less and vice verse. Trade between willing, informed parties benefits both sides. We can GROW the pie together.

Yes as Governor I can have an impact. A Governor can lead trade missions to other countries to build economic and cultural ties between our state and other nations, and I look forward to that part of the job!

Yes Colorado is a trade dependent state and for our agriculture industry, mining, manufacturing, and much more we can benefit from global supply chains and more access to new markets.

I will always fight to protect our public lands. I’m working with Democrats and Republicans to preserve our natural areas for future generations. As governor, I will continue to fight to protect and expand our state parks and open areas. https://www.outsideonline.com/2266181/public-land-isnt-just-fighting

We are not about to become like California here in CO. Very different culture and state. And congrats on what you achieved! Yes I sign all of those!

I would work closely with sportsmen, hunters, and those who own guns for self-defense in crafting any safety laws. I sponsored a bill nationally to restore gun ownership rights to people convicted of violating marijuana laws that are now legal:
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr3483

Tragically we already do have bombings (NYC yesterday) and car attacks here in US also :\

wow that's a great question 8)

yes I think that I can make more progress on what drives me to serve at the public level. First and foremost education. I want to bring quality preschool and kindergarten to every child in Colorado, every child deserves a strong start! And with President Trump pulling out of the Paris Climate Accords, we need to continue to make progress at the state and local level and I have a plan to transition our state to 100% renewable energy by 2040.

yeah Rules is the last resort we need our Republican friends like Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) to push hard to get it into the base bill

That was a fun moment in Congress :)
It's not in the Congressional Record during the Sopa/Pipa fight!

Marijuana legalization has gone very well in CO, and even though it is more and more popular in Congress (leaving it up to states to decide, not legalizing it everywhere) and I think we have a majority in the House, we cannot get it to a vote because House Leadership is against it. We will keep fighting, and we are also very worried about AG Jeff Sessions.

I really don't think so.

I have consistently supported making sure our local communities have a seat at the table around issues that directly impact their quality of life. The health and safety of Coloradans should come first.

Welcome to our wonderful state! I know you will love Colorado and I'm excited that you will be part of running the best state park system in the country!

Our state parks and other public land are not only an important part of our identity as Coloradans, but they are a critical part of our quality of life and our economy. I will look into the idea of separating the two, I hadn't heard it before. We need to properly fund our state parks so that we can enjoy them and preserve them.

For those who aren't familiar with our state park system, check some out near you:
http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Pages/ParkMap.aspx

1. Here is my education plan for the state, every child in our state deserves a great education:
   https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/019/145/original/Polis_2018_Education_Plan.pdf

2: We have a lot in there about that like affordable housing for teachers in high cost areas and loan forgiveness for teachers working in undeserved rural areas

1. The Governor as a seat at the table to sign any redistricting plan coming from the state legislature, and I believe in competitive and cohesive districts

I LOVE Broomfield. Now you can keep chickens in your yard there too!

Under our statewide Amendment 64, it's up to cities and counties (Broomfield is a city/county) to decide whether to allow dispensaries within their borders. I believe though that you have a right to grow up to six plants yourself anywhere in Colorado

yeah I didn't see that part. So Being in Congress is different. We only get to vote on something once (usually). So if you later change your mind you don't get to go back and change your vote. Doesn't mean you can't change your mind, but your input phase is already done unless a similar vote comes up again.

As Governor and in business, you can change your mind if you determine you were wrong on a more dynamic basis. Adjustments in course are very important.

Also many "closely held beliefs" are based on morality as well, and while ones morality can change over time usually a person stays fairly true to what they believe as right and wrong. Tactics, however, change. In addressing climate change, I regret that the the Democrats pushed cap and trade over a simpler, carbon fee that would have allowed tax reductions in other areas. It's not so much that the policy was horribly flawed, but the latter could have been marketed more effectively and would have been better for the overall economy.

YES I support a constitutional amendment to abolish the electoral college and move to direct election of the President.

since passing constitutional amendments are so hard, a more realistic path would be in my new job as Governor to support the interstate compact:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact

1) Bringing high speed internet to rural areas
my op-ed on the topic:
https://www.summitdaily.com/opinion/polis-and-stiegelmeier-overcoming-rural-colorados-broadband-hurdles-column/

2) Universal preschool and kindergarten making our less urban areas better places to raise kids'

3) Loan forgiveness for teachers who work in under served rural areas.

4) Bringing mid-size and advanced manufacturing to rural CO, especially near existing rail lines and highways to provide a competitive advantage

and more!

I would need to learn more about it. I believe based on what I know that it would be the prerogative of local government and I'm not sure how the state would be involved. Is there a state role you see?

Here's a good article on how Form-Based-Codes might work in practice:
https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2016/12/07/how-get-right-zoning-right

yes all the data shows that the early years are the most important and can make the biggest difference in closing the achievement gap. And in CO we will get it done!

So I think that if it goes through, which it probably will, we should proceed with:

1) Legislation- unlikely to pass and be signed with Trump in office (since he appointed the FCC that is repealing net neutrality) but still the best long term solution
2) Elect a different President in 3 years who appoints a different FCC that supports net neutrality
3) expanding municipal broadband (which is my plan as governor)
4) Adding consumer internet protections to state law (for CO)

1) Push the envelope legally on state consumer protections to keep the internet free and open

2) Make it easier for municipal broadband to be extended across CO

3) Remove state-specific laws that slows resources from the Broadband Deployment Fund to be used for rural broadband open internet buildout

I visited this restaurant recently and was impressed:
http://www.timescall.com/business/local-business/ci_28305968/real-world-work-longmont-restaurant-owners-create-environment

Counties can partner with businesses to get those with disabilities successfully into the workforce doing meaningful work to ultimately support themselves. There are some great programs out there we just need to scale them up!

yes and yes. Deserves more attention and DOA ;)

So we introduced a bill in the House and Senate on this topic:
https://www.help.senate.gov/ranking/newsroom/press/murray-casey-scott-polis-introduce-comprehensive-child-care-and-early-learning-bill-to-ensure-families-have-access-to-affordable-high-quality-child-care

But it won't pass with this composition of Congress. So I hope and plan to actually get it done as Governor.

I think it's a cool and high profile application of blockchain technology. I have no idea what it's price will be in a day or a year.

I support making sure that local governments have a seat at the table around planning, and that the health and safety of residents should come first.

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/boulder/ci_31514157/net-neutrality-repeal-looms-boulder-takes-closer-look

1) Well we don't want it to go down for the wrong reasons- jobs leaving and unemployment. I remember well the days of the 2009 housing crisis. Lots of people underwater on their mortgages and big decreases. We want it going down by having more affordable housing opportunities available nearer to where people work, and in transit planned communities near commuting rail. While land use is local not state, I would partner with cities and counties to deliver more reasonably priced housing. So yes I think I can make progress on this. I do not think that marijuana is big part of why home prices have increased, but if you are right and it is then that will change soon because many more states are now legalizing it including the huge state of California.

2) I don't think there is much we can do to stop them this week, so we need to look at what we can do AFTER to save the internet for you and everyone else who relies on it. Here are some ideas:

a) Legislation- unlikely to pass and be signed with Trump in office (since he appointed the FCC that is repealing net neutrality) but still the best long term solution

b) Elect a different President in 3 years who appoints a different FCC that supports net neutrality

c) expanding municipal broadband (which is my plan as governor)

d) Adding consumer internet protections to state law (for CO)

First (and this relates to my current job) preserving the MediCaid expansion and reauthorizing and funding the Children's Health Insurance Program are CRITICAL to keep even our existing network of rural providers in business. I would do everything I could as Governor to expand coverage even more, which would help rural providers.

Second as governor, I would work to expand telehealth opportunities to those who don't have access to a hospital.

oh cool what restaurant? Congrats on your graduation. We will probably be looking for organizers in the spring. PM me your contact info.

I don't think any state is easy to become Governor of. I suppose states that are highly partisan are probably easier to become governor of (if you are in the majority party) because you mostly have to win one election (the party primary) and the general election in easier. In Colorado I have to win TWO elections, I have to get the nomination of the Democrats and then I have to win in a closely balanced state in the general election.

You may live in a Democratic area, but Colorado is a very "purple" mixed state. We have one Republican Senator and one Democratic Senator. We have 4 Republican US Representatives and 3 Democratic US Representatives. So yes it will be a close general election (we expect)