Former County Commissioner, El Paso County, Colorado, District 1

Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Colorado, District 5, 2018

Candidate, United States Senate, Colorado, 2016

Member, Colorado Springs City Council, District 2, 2003-2010

No caucus information on file.

Former Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force

Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, 1988-2009

Member, Colorado Bar Association, present

Chair, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, present

Member, El Paso County Bar Association, present

Chair, Joint Land User Study Committee, present

Awards:

Meritorious Service, United States Air Force
Commendation, United States Air Force
Achievement, United States Air Force
Organizational Excellence, United States Air Force
National Defense, United States Air Force
Service, United States Air Force
Global War on Terrorism, United States Air Force
Longevity and Training, United States Air Force

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

As a father, lawyer, retired Air Force officer, public servant and hard-working American, I worry about the polarizing national debate over the core principles that govern our country. Parents and grandparents are rightly concerned about mounting economic burdens facing their children and grandchildren. Hard-working individuals and families struggle with budgets that barely get them from one paycheck to the next. Many people are dismayed as they watch their hard-earned money get wasted on government excess. Ever increasing regulations threaten the viability of small businesses and gaps in education make finding the right employees increasingly difficult. Americans nearing retirement fear their savings and investments in Social Security and other pensions may not adequately provide for them. Meanwhile, Government continues shortchanging men and women in the military, law enforcement and emergency services--the people we count on to keep this country safe, prosperous and free. And, many believe significant barriers continue to hold back women and minorities who are working hard to pursue their American dream.

I wake up every day deeply committed to resolving these issues. I believe Colorado needs representation from a conservative who has worked his way through the types of obstacles with which nearly all middle-class and lower-income people struggle. If my entry into this race seems early, it's because I'm willing to invest the time and make the community connections necessary to build a comprehensive strategic plan that will help everyone pursue their American dream.

Today we're $18 trillion in debt with each child owing the federal government more than $1.5 million the moment he or she is born. If we don't change course now, generations will live like indentured servants to the government.

The 2014 midterm election should serve as a wake-up call. Coloradans and voters throughout the country sent a clear message to Washington. They demand bold and decisive action to preserve freedom and prosperity now and for future generations.

Having been elected twice to the Colorado Springs City Council and twice to the El Paso County Board of Commissioners--representing the most populous county in Colorado--the time has come for me to pursue higher office. This is not for personal gain, but for the future of this country, our children and grandchildren.

I am a Christian constitutional conservative who has run small business and a private law practice--a person who has earned his way into positions of elected leadership. As a County Commissioner, I serve a population of more than 655,000. My district alone consists of more than 130,000--almost twice that served by any member of the Colorado House of Representatives. My extensive civic service and success in four elections shows I am well qualified to run.

It is time to stand together and fight for our freedom and the preservation of all that has made American great. As my mentor Ronald Reagan said: "If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on earth."