SAN LUIS VALLEY — On the November ballot, voters will be asked to weigh in on eight topics that range from school choice to a ban on hunting mountain lions.
In an effort to provide information to voters about how their votes will align or not align with the candidates, the Valley Courier presented these same questions to the two candidates running for the state legislature. Today will be the responses of the two candidates for the House of Representatives District 62 and on Saturday the responses of the two candidates for the Colorado Senate District 6.
The questions that appear under each candidate’s name are abbreviated versions of the actual question that will appear on the ballot. These are the questions in their entirety. Question no. 9 does not appear on the ballot and was posed by the Valley Courier.
Rep. Matt Martinez, incumbent and Democratic candidate for Colorado House of Representatives, District 62
In cases where prosecutors have a strong case, should defendants charged with first degree murder be denied bail?
"Yes. This ballot initiative was addressed in HCR24-1002 that addressed a loophole that was created when the death penalty was repealed in the state. I voted in favor of this resolution in March to ensure that those who pose the most risk to our community are held until their trial."
"Should the same-sex marriage ban be removed from the state constitution?
Yes. This is outdated language in the Colorado Constitution that must be updated to reflect what is both Federal and State law. Love is love, and ensuring this right in Colorado’s Constitution is long overdue. While this should have been done ten years ago when same sex marriage was legalized, we now have the opportunity to enshrine this right in the Colorado constitution."
Should access to legal abortion be enshrined in the state constitution?
"Yes. Coloradans have voted time and time again on this issue and have resoundingly said that Colorado should remain pro-choice. This ballot initiative will ensure that reproductive health care in this state is protected, and women will continue to have control over their own bodies."
Should the right to school choice be included in the state constitution?
Should there be a ban on sport hunting of big cats, including mountain lions, bobcats and lynx?
"No. This is another ballot box biology initiative that will have long lasting impact on the state. The hunting industry is already well regulated and if passed will be detrimental to rural Colorado. Hunting licenses pay for habitat conservation and wildlife management efforts. Additionally, these animals play a vital role in our ecosystem. Left unchecked, and without other predators could be disastrous. As we have seen with the recent wolf reintroductions, ballot box biology is not a good approach to our ecosystem nor our state."
Should eligibility for parole when convicted of a violent crime be increased from 75% to 85% of sentence?
"No. Before my time in the legislature, I worked with incarcerated students in Colorado and across the nation. I have seen firsthand the value of rehabilitation programs in the facilities and how it reduces recidivism. Allowing those who are incarcerated the opportunity to earn time off their sentences either by good behavior or through education cannot be overstated. Studies show that if an incarcerated student earns their Bachelor’s degree, their recidivism rate drops to 5.6% and if they earn their Master’s, that rate drops to 0%. This shows that education is the key to reducing recidivism and ensuring a safer Colorado."
Should there be a new excise tax of 6.5% on the sale of guns and ammunition sales, impacting gun manufacturers, gun vendors and businesses that sell ammunition?
"Yes. While I disagree with increasing taxes on guns and ammunition sales, I understand the importance of funding behavioral health support for youth and veterans, school safety and gun prevention programs and services for victims of violence and domestic violence. In particular, the San Luis Valley relies on grant money for victims of violence and domestic violence, and these services would be in jeopardy without this additional revenue."
Do you believe elections in Colorado are safe and secure?
"Yes. I have the utmost confidence in our county clerks and Colorado’s election system.
If elected, what are your top two or three priorities?"
"If re-elected, my number one priority has been, and will always be, protecting our water. In the last two years, we have seen an increase in water purchases in rural Colorado by the front range. Water is life, and I will continue to ensure that the water in the San Luis Valley is protected. Second, I will continue to improve and enhance services for our Veterans. We can, and must do better for those that served this great country. Last but certainly not least, continue to support our agricultural community. We must continue to highlight our success and educate the front range on the importance of agriculture in the state."
