ALAMOSA — Colorado House District 62 Democratic candidate Matthew Martinez is a seventh-generation Colorado Native who was born in Monte Vista. He attended Monte Vista High School where he graduated in 2005.

Martinez joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating. He was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009.

After receiving his honorable discharge, he enrolled at Adams State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.

He’s worked as the Veterans and Military Affairs Coordinator at ASU, served one term on Monte Vista’s city council and served on the Colorado Municipal League Policy Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and Recreation Department Committee.

Martinez is the director for the Adams State University Prison College Program. He also is currently the vice president on the Valley Wide Health Systems Board of Directors and is on the La Puente Home Board.

Martinez faces Republican Carol Riggenbach to represent HD62.

The election is Nov. 8.

The following is Martinez’s response to a questionnaire sent to both candidates. Here are his answers.

Q: What led you to run for the HD62 seat?
A: I started my advocacy work around veterans and access to education and healthcare when I returned home from Iraq in 2009. 

As I became more involved, I saw more issues that I wanted to help find solutions to, including economic development, infrastructure and healthcare.

I realized that most of rural Colorado was in the same situation and there were other leaders across the state fighting the same fights. I realized that rural Colorado needs more everyday people to represent us in Denver to tell our stories and help others understand our way of life.

Q: What in your background do you feel makes you the most qualified candidate for HD62?
A: I am the most qualified candidate for HD62 because of my experience. My family has been in Colorado for seven generations. 

Additionally, I enlisted in the Marine Corps, served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, returned home and helped other veterans adjust to civilian life. I have also worked in higher education for almost a decade and I understand first-hand how important Adams State University is to the San Luis Valley. I am also a board member for two critical organizations in the SLV, Valley Wide Health Systems and La Puente Home Board.

I was previously elected to the Monte Vista City Council. Lastly, I hold a bachelor’s degree from Adams State University and a master’s degree in political science with an emphasis in public policy from Southern New Hampshire University.

Q: What do you feel is the most pressing issue for constituents in HD62 and how will you work to address this issue?
A: I feel that there are two issues facing the people of HD62 and it is a mix between improving the economy, which includes better paying jobs, and improving access to affordable healthcare. 

In regards to improving the economy and wages, I think the first step is to improve wages and benefits for our workers. I am a supporter of step increases for state employees and I think will benefit those state workers in the valley. 

Next, adding businesses that support our agricultural base are critical to improving the economy. 

Providing resources to rural economic development groups so they can attract new businesses is a good first step to addressing this issue.

Q: What will your top-3 priorities in office be?

A: My top-3 priorities in office will be fighting the RWR proposal and ensuring our water is protected. Next, I want to pass a Rural Colorado Economic Incentive Package that will benefit the San Luis Valley and our people. Lastly, I want to expand our Community Health Center networks, allowing them to serve more people in rural areas. This will include assisting our veterans with mental health services.

Q: Economic development in the valley is a key issue, how will you help to fight for more economic development in the state house?
A: As a part of my Rural Economic Incentive Package, I plan on using funding that is already set aside in the Greening Government program by the Polis initiative.

This will include prioritizing funding for rural county and municipal governments and economic development groups so they can improve economics in their own way. 

Precedence will be given to projects that are utilizing green energy or carbon neutral resources, providing union jobs and positively benefiting the community. 

This shows that the state prioritizes rural Colorado, our people, and helps all of Colorado meet this initiative.

Q: There are many political divisions, not just in America, but in Colorado. What are ways you would work to help eliminate distances between Democrats and Republicans in Colorado?
A: I firmly believe that the key to bridging the gap between Democrats and Republicans in Colorado is to start by identifying non-partisan issues to work collaboratively together to resolve. 

Some of the projects include stopping the RWR proposal, helping our veterans and improving the economy, especially in rural areas. 

Additionally, finding ways to address the gap between rural and urban Colorado will also be beneficial for the state. At the end of the day, we are all Coloradans and we may disagree on some things, but if we can communicate and work together, we can continue to make progress.

Q: You have said you are against the RWR. So, what are ways you would work to protect water and water rights in the SLV?

A: I believe that Senator Cleave Simpson’s bill, SB22-028 Groundwater Compact Compliance Fund was absolutely critical for water rights owners to successfully fight the RWR proposal.  In this next legislative session, I want to help Senator Simpson protect the $60 million that has been allocated and hopefully expand that funding for the foreseeable future.

This shifts the power from RWR to water rights owners and ensures we can protect the Valley’s water.

Q: Why should voters choose you to represent HD62?

A: If elected, I promise to focus on four critical issues for the district. I understand the importance of protecting the district's water, bringing in appropriate economic development resources, improving health care access and improving opportunities for veterans. I have dedicated my entire life to public service, to being the voice for the undeserved, advocating and influencing change, and above all, listening to the needs of the people. 

As your next state representative, I will be your champion, your fighter and above all else, your voice in Denver.

Responses are full responses. Edits were only made for grammar, spelling and punctuation.