April 20, 2012

Frequently people remind me, “You have to have a thick skin in be in politics”.

That’s not enough…you have to have a strong core.

If you are contemplating running for office, think long and hard.  If you want to run because you have a message to get out or for personal gain, think again.  In fact, spare us all and forget about it.

I ran for State Representative in 2010 because I wanted to make a difference in our District.  To offer a different way of helping create jobs, setting our children on a path with quality education and improving the economic landscape of our District and Colorado.  My reason for running for State Representative for HD61 in the 2012 Election remains constant.

Recently there have been public attacks on my character.  Some people have said, “That’s what you should expect when you run for office”.

No.  You should not.  Civility should not be a thing of the past.  Doing the “right thing” shouldn’t be either.

I am a Rotarian.  Today, April 20, 2012, I participated in a “Four Way Test” with Summit County Middle Schoolers.   I led a group of students in a question and answer session.  Rotary’s Four Way Test is this:

“Of the things we think, say or do:

• Is it the TRUTH?
• Is it FAIR to all concerned?
• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

The students pondered and discussed how they would react in a possible situation, to a potential dilemma.  These young people had to stop and truly think of the issues and ramifications of their actions (or lack of actions) to any given situation.  I was affected by their honesty and forthrightness.

Quality education should certainly include ethics.

In politics I have encountered adults who should be applying the Four Way Test.  I cannot change them nor do I even attempt to.  There is also no need for me to.

Friends, family, strangers who come up to wish me well and tell me they are praying for me, and a strong personal core are what I draw on.  That and an 8 pound dog who thinks I’m the most exciting thing that has walked through the door any given day.

You cannot counter every lie.  There are more lies waiting and you cannot waste valuable energy addressing each one.  The attacker wants to distract you.

It is not always easy keeping your chin up and keeping your eye on the prize.  But what should give you strength and determination is the conviction that it’s not about you.

In my case, it is the future success of the people and communities of House District 61 and the State of Colorado.

And that’s worth the battle.

Republican Debra Irvine from Breckenridge,a House candidate, and Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Cowdrey, who is running for the Senate, and others chat today during an open house at the Capitol.

Lynn Bartels, The Denver Post

Neal and Joan Lofon visited the state Capitol today for the first time since their son toured the building on a 4th-grade field trip. He’s 23 now.

What brought the Franktown couple to the Capitol was the House’s open house.

“I wanted to meet my representatives so I can put a face to the names when I start yelling at them,” Neal said.

Guests met with lawmakers, toured the House chambers and visited the old Supreme Court where the ag committee was holding a hearing on a transfat bill.

For 10-year-old Craig Bucher, who attends Charles Hay World School in Englewood, the best part was climbing out the huge window on the House floor to the balcony with the amazing view of the west. Lawmakers love to do that, too.

Republican caucus chairwoman Carole Murray of Castle Rock organized the event with plenty of help, including her intern, Mason Kasunic, aCastle View High School senior. A year ago, he attended the open house as a visitor.

Denver Post Blog - http://blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/topic/charles-hay-world-school/

Irvine wants to focus on issues important to this new district: agriculture, economic growth, education, energy, natural resources and tourism.

“While we all want to see improvement and growth in these areas, candidates have different approaches. This campaign represents those of us who believe in sensible government and respect.” Irvine says.

“I am the candidate who believes that cutting back regulations, restrictions and taxes is a key component toward economic growth. It not only helps existing Colorado businesses expand, but will encourage new business to our State”.

“As families continue to struggle through these tough economic, I believe in leaving more money in their pockets. Taxpayers entrust Government with their hard-earned money and they should expect it to be spent sensibly.”

On energy Irvine says that Colorado needs to look at all energy resources. “I believe a combination of oil, gas, coal, wind, solar and nuclear is the best focus. We must continue down the path toward energy independence.”

On education Irvine believes that “quality education for our children and the concerns that parents have must be respected and addressed. When school districts allocate funds they should ask the question: Will this directly improve a child’s education to prepare him or her for success in the future?”

Additionally, Irvine says, “We will focus on the concerns of agriculture and we will promote tourism that is vital to our District”.

“Because we believe in sensible government and respect, I believe that it is the State of Colorado, not the Federal Government, that knows what is best for Colorado”, Irvine states.

Irvine has been traveling the new District and says she looks forward to becoming very familiar with the individual needs of the five counties.

• Agriculture
• Economic Growth
• Education
• Energy
• Natural Resources
• Tourism

Protect our Free Enterprise system

Sensible Government

Fiscal Responsibility

Support our US Constitution