Although I have lived in Colorado Springs for 32 years, I have never run for political office. Nonetheless, in 2007, I announced my candidacy for the Colorado state Senate in District 12. My decision might seem surprising, even idealistic, given the make-up of the district and my opponent. However, I see the serious challenges we face as a community, challenges which require us to set aside partisan divisions and work together. I offer a clear alternative to the politics of the past.

For those of you who don’t know me, allow me a brief introduction. I have been a business owner, practicing lawyer and lifetime community volunteer. Attending the Wharton School, working for Holly Sugar and operating small businesses, I learned the power of the free-market economy. I know how to live within a budget, make forecasts and read a balance sheet. As a practicing lawyer for more than 25 years, I understand the legal environment, both civil and criminal. Community service with Pikes Peak Mental Health, School District 11’s budget committee, Silver Key, the Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs restorative justice councils, among others, has shown me the economic and social needs facing our people.

I am running for the Colorado Senate as a nonpolitician. I embrace Thomas Jefferson’s concept of part-time citizen legislators bringing their experience from the community, not career politicians. The divisive partisan politics of the past have not served our community’s interests. I represent a moderate, non-ideological and reasonable alternative.

My commitment is to building consensus for practical long-term solutions for the best interests of our entire community. I am open minded, listen to others and am receptive to new ideas. I will bring a different perspective, a new way of thinking, to the Colorado Legislature.

The success of my approach was proven by the passage of HB08-1117, Restorative Justice in the Children’s Code. I drafted the bill as a private citizen with help from the district attorney, juvenile magistrates, and children’s and victim’s advocates. It received bipartisan support and passed by a vote of 99-1. The bill requires young offenders to take full responsibility for their offenses and repair the harm they caused while enabling victims to participate in setting consequences. Ninety-three percent of kids who completed the program have not re-offended. It breaks the cycle of juvenile crime.

Restorative justice represents a new way of thinking. It is a bipartisan approach that works for kids, victims and the community.

Our most significant challenge is the economy. We are in uncharted territory. Thousands of high-tech jobs have been replaced by lower-paying retail and service jobs. Local governments, facing growing population and infrastructure needs, confront increased demands for service with diminishing resources. Unfunded mandates from the state further impact local government and schools.

These challenges will not be resolved if we are tied to inflexible ideological philosophies from the past. To address them, we need innovative thinking and collaborative problem solving, the very approaches I employed to pass the restorative justice bill. I am committed to working cooperatively with small businesses, local government and economic development officials to move our community toward sustainable funding and economic prosperity.

It is a distinct and humbling honor that this community has so enthusiastically embraced my campaign. In an unprecedented demonstration of bipartisan support, three dozen local Republican leaders have endorsed my candidacy. They are joined by scores of elected officials, educators and other community leaders. They recognize my bipartisan approach, my rejection of ideological partisanship and my history of effective and sensible problem solving. The vast majority of my supporters are El Paso County voters.

They are teachers, firefighters, veterans, clerks, seniors, business people, retirees, parents and grandparents. They share my vision of families living, working and recreating in a safe and diverse community which cherishes, protects and expands civil rights, personal choice, economic opportunity and personal responsibility. They share my goals of achieving world class fully funded public schools, affordable, accessible and comprehensive health care, restorative justice, a clean environment, reliance on renewable energy and a capitalist system which provides economic opportunities by encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit.

Please read more about my background and positions at www.PeteLeeForSenate.com. I ask for your vote for the Colorado Senate.

–

Lee is running for Colorado Senate in District 12.

Robert Marko Photo by