The cost of living in Colorado has skyrocketed. Food, medicine, housing, and vehicles have all become incredibly expensive at a time when wages are stagnant and benefits are being cut by the Trump administration. As an educator living paycheck to paycheck, I know what it's like to wonder how you're going to pay for a new boiler or a necessary car repair. Working people deserve an advocate in local government who will always put them before wealthy, special interests and big corporations, and speaks up loud and clear for the following agenda:

• Unequivocal support for labor unions and unionization efforts. I'm the only candidate in this race who has unionized their workforce. I've been the proud member of two labor unions and worked with many others. I will support any unionization effort in Adams County however I can. And I will always advocate for unionized labor - even mandating it when possible.

• Promoting wage growth via whatever means are available, including an increase in the minimum wage.

• A competitive wage and great benefits for all who protect and serve our community.

• Supporting small business development, whether it be through planning and development, workforce programs, or even county-sponsored events and festivals.

• Funding mental health and youth diversion programs that empower disadvantaged communities and individuals, protect our law enforcement, and save us millions of dollars in the long term.

• Equal access for our immigrant-owned small businesses, including expanded services for additional languages.

• Synergize infrastructure investment and economic development with the public school system, our workforce and apprenticeship programs, community colleges, and research institutions.

• Revise planning and development guidelines to expand access to childcare, especially for our rural and immigrant communities.