State Representative Debbie Benefield (D-Arvada District 29) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 29. Rep. Benefield is a member of the Education and Finance Committees. Elected in 2004. Rep. Benefield has over 15 years of service to local, county, and state Parent Teacher Associations, including Jefferson County PTA President and the Colorado State PTA membership director and former vice president. Rep. Benefield has served on a number of committees for Jefferson County schools, including the Legislative Forum and the Budget & Finance Committee. She is a co-founder of the Y-Vote, a youth voting project, and serves as board member to a number of organizations aimed to help youths in the community. Rep. Benefield works as an accountant for a large nonprofit foundation and is a former small business owner. A long time Arvada resident, Rep. Benefield has been married to her husband, Scott, for 26 years. They have two sons. www.debbiebenefield.org State Representative Alice Borodkin (D-Denver District 9) serves the residents of Colorado's House District 9. Rep. Borodkin is a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was first elected in 2004. Rep. Borodkin has worked in the area of public, community, and government relations and marketing for the past 27 years. Prior to serving in the legislature, Rep. Borodkin was the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Women's Business Chronicle, a newspaper for professional businesswomen. Rep. Borodkin is co-founder of the Women's Network, a clearinghouse for information relating to professional women, and held the positions of director of marketing for the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority and director of communications for the NYC Office of Economic Development. Representative Borodkin has received numerous awards and recognitions. She was awarded the Women-Owned Business of the Year in 2000 by the Colorado Business and Professional Women and the Women Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Foundation for Women Legislators and SBA Office of Business Ownership. In 2001, Representative Borodkin was awarded the Freshmen Legislator of the Year by the Colorado Senior Lobby, the Colorado Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the Colorado Bankers Association, and by the Independent Bankers Association. Also in 2001 the Alliance of Professional Women awarded Rep. Borodkin the Athena Award for Leadership. In 2002, she was a Fleming Fellow for the Center for Policy Alternatives in Washington, DC. That same year Rep. Borodkin was awarded the Foreign Policy Institute Scholarship by the Center for Women's Policy Studies in Washington DC. Rep. Borodkin, takes to the sky - literally - as a licensed pilot and a former member of the International Organization of Women Pilots. She lives with her husband, Arnold, and their dog, Oscar in Southeast Denver. www.aliceborodkin.com State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction District 55) is the Colorado State Representative for District 55 and is a native of Mesa County. Rep. Buescher serves on the Appropriations and Joint Budget Committees. Elected in 2004. Rep. Buescher practiced law in Grand Junction for many years, representing small businesses. In 1986 he was named CEO of West Star Aviation and grew the business from 28 employees to over 220. In 1996, Governor Romer appointed Rep. Buescher to his cabinet as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance. Since 1996, Rep. Buescher has owned and managed two small businesses that provide aircraft leasing, business consulting and management. Rep. Buescher and his wife were named Citizens of the Year by the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce in 2004 for their civic involvement. Rep. Buescher has served on the boards of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, Colorado Public Radio, Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Community Social Services and the boards of both the Colorado and Mesa County Economic Development Councils. Rep. Buescher served on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Health and Hospital Association from 2003 to January 2005, and St. Mary's Hospital Board of Directors from 1999-2004, serving as chair in 2003 and 2004. He has also served on the Mesa County Board of Adjustment for nine years, including seven as chair, the Colorado Transportation Commission, and the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Transportation. Rep. Buescher went to college at the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a degree in accounting. In 1974, Rep. Buescher received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado. www.buescher.org State Representative Dorothy Butcher (D-Pueblo District 46.) represents House District 46. She is the House Majority Whip and was first elected in 2002. She sits on the following committees: Business Affairs and Labor, Appropriations, and Legislative Council. Previously she served in the Pueblo City Council. Rep. Butcher's honors include, Community Volunteer of the Year at U.S. West, Outstanding Member award from the Front Range Chambers, and Outstanding Member award from the Latino Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Butcher has extensive experience in community service. She is the co-founder of PHEF, an organization that provides scholarships to Pueblo students; co-founder of EPIC, an organization that provides loans to business owned by women and minorities; member of the Selective Service Board; member of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce; former president and vice president of the Latino Chamber of Commerce; former member of the Pueblo Community College Foundation; Pueblo Human Services Board; and the Colorado Minority Business Advisory Council. Rep. Butcher has a nursing degree from SCSC, and a paralegal degree from USC. She was a Financial Advisor at U.S. West for 29 years. State Representative Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora District 36) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 36. She was elected in 2004. Representative Carroll serves as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She was also appointed to the Ethics Committee for the General Assembly. Rep. Carroll, a second generation Colorado native, is a partner with the law firm of Bradley and Carroll, P.C., where she practices consumer and civil rights law. Rep. Carroll was a board member on the Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. Rep. Carroll has been involved with a number of nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and American Foundation for AIDS research. Rep. Carroll received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Colorado in 2000 where she was elected class president. She received her bachelor's in psychology with a minor in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1996. While working on her bachelor's degree, she served as vice president of the Young Dems, was co-founder of the International Ethics Society, and was a founding member of the Chancellor's Scholars & Leaders program. In addition, Rep. Carroll has studied and taught dance and Hebrew. www.repmorgancarroll.com State Representative Terrance D. Carroll (D-Denver District 7) Terrance D. Carroll is the Colorado State Representative for House District 7. He is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Carroll was appointed to the Colorado House in February 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. Carroll graduated with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor's in political science. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He is also a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard University Divinity School's Center for the Study of Values in Public Life and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Currently, he is a chancellor's scholar at the University of Denver College of Law. Rep. Carroll has spoken extensively on the role of faith in public discourse, community development, education reform, criminal justice reform, and urban public policy. Rep. Carroll has spoken before such diverse groups as the Anti-Defamation League, Denver Rotary Club, the Colorado Libertarian Party Convention, Colorado State Judicial Conference, and the Colorado District Attorneys Council. In February 1999, the Urban Spectrum Magazine recognized him as an "African-American Who Makes a Difference" and in September 1999, the Rocky Mountain News cited him as an "Up and Coming African-American Leader". State Representative Mike Cerbo (D-Denver District 2) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 2. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Cerbo serves as the 2005 vice chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Rep. Cerbo was also appointed to the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws and to the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors. Rep. Cerbo currently serves as a member of the Kaiser Permanente Physicians Health Advisory Council. From 1980 to 2004, Rep. Cerbo represented his union, the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 14 as secretary-treasurer/business manager. Rep. Cerbo received his Juris Doctorate from Denver University College of Law in 1994, and a bachelor's in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1989. Rep. Cerbo is the father of two children, Michael and Carissa. State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison District 61) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 61. She was elected in 2004. Representative Curry serves as the chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Representative Curry served as manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy House District in Gunnison, Colorado from 1998-2004. From 1996- 1998, Rep. Curry served as a water rights specialist for Wright Water Engineers in Denver, and from 1994-1996, she served as a physical scientist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Rep. Curry is board member of Club20, a western slope advocacy group, and has served on the Loveland and Castle Rock water boards. Rep. Curry received a master's degree in water resources planning and management from Colorado State University in 1994, and a bachelor's in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. Rep. Curry is married to Gunnison rancher Greg Peterson and has two sons, Joe and Bill. State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home. Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs. Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado. His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools. State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Benefield has over 15 years of service to local, county, and state Parent Teacher Associations, including Jefferson County PTA President and the Colorado State PTA membership director and former vice president. Rep. Benefield has served on a number of committees for Jefferson County schools, including the Legislative Forum and the Budget & Finance Committee. She is a co-founder of the Y-Vote, a youth voting project, and serves as board member to a number of organizations aimed to help youths in the community.
Rep. Benefield works as an accountant for a large nonprofit foundation and is a former small business owner. A long time Arvada resident, Rep. Benefield has been married to her husband, Scott, for 26 years. They have two sons.
www.debbiebenefield.org
State Representative Alice Borodkin (D-Denver District 9) serves the residents of Colorado's House District 9. Rep. Borodkin is a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was first elected in 2004. Rep. Borodkin has worked in the area of public, community, and government relations and marketing for the past 27 years. Prior to serving in the legislature, Rep. Borodkin was the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Women's Business Chronicle, a newspaper for professional businesswomen. Rep. Borodkin is co-founder of the Women's Network, a clearinghouse for information relating to professional women, and held the positions of director of marketing for the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority and director of communications for the NYC Office of Economic Development. Representative Borodkin has received numerous awards and recognitions. She was awarded the Women-Owned Business of the Year in 2000 by the Colorado Business and Professional Women and the Women Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Foundation for Women Legislators and SBA Office of Business Ownership. In 2001, Representative Borodkin was awarded the Freshmen Legislator of the Year by the Colorado Senior Lobby, the Colorado Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the Colorado Bankers Association, and by the Independent Bankers Association. Also in 2001 the Alliance of Professional Women awarded Rep. Borodkin the Athena Award for Leadership. In 2002, she was a Fleming Fellow for the Center for Policy Alternatives in Washington, DC. That same year Rep. Borodkin was awarded the Foreign Policy Institute Scholarship by the Center for Women's Policy Studies in Washington DC. Rep. Borodkin, takes to the sky - literally - as a licensed pilot and a former member of the International Organization of Women Pilots. She lives with her husband, Arnold, and their dog, Oscar in Southeast Denver. www.aliceborodkin.com State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction District 55) is the Colorado State Representative for District 55 and is a native of Mesa County. Rep. Buescher serves on the Appropriations and Joint Budget Committees. Elected in 2004. Rep. Buescher practiced law in Grand Junction for many years, representing small businesses. In 1986 he was named CEO of West Star Aviation and grew the business from 28 employees to over 220. In 1996, Governor Romer appointed Rep. Buescher to his cabinet as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance. Since 1996, Rep. Buescher has owned and managed two small businesses that provide aircraft leasing, business consulting and management. Rep. Buescher and his wife were named Citizens of the Year by the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce in 2004 for their civic involvement. Rep. Buescher has served on the boards of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, Colorado Public Radio, Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Community Social Services and the boards of both the Colorado and Mesa County Economic Development Councils. Rep. Buescher served on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Health and Hospital Association from 2003 to January 2005, and St. Mary's Hospital Board of Directors from 1999-2004, serving as chair in 2003 and 2004. He has also served on the Mesa County Board of Adjustment for nine years, including seven as chair, the Colorado Transportation Commission, and the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Transportation. Rep. Buescher went to college at the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a degree in accounting. In 1974, Rep. Buescher received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado. www.buescher.org State Representative Dorothy Butcher (D-Pueblo District 46.) represents House District 46. She is the House Majority Whip and was first elected in 2002. She sits on the following committees: Business Affairs and Labor, Appropriations, and Legislative Council. Previously she served in the Pueblo City Council. Rep. Butcher's honors include, Community Volunteer of the Year at U.S. West, Outstanding Member award from the Front Range Chambers, and Outstanding Member award from the Latino Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Butcher has extensive experience in community service. She is the co-founder of PHEF, an organization that provides scholarships to Pueblo students; co-founder of EPIC, an organization that provides loans to business owned by women and minorities; member of the Selective Service Board; member of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce; former president and vice president of the Latino Chamber of Commerce; former member of the Pueblo Community College Foundation; Pueblo Human Services Board; and the Colorado Minority Business Advisory Council. Rep. Butcher has a nursing degree from SCSC, and a paralegal degree from USC. She was a Financial Advisor at U.S. West for 29 years. State Representative Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora District 36) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 36. She was elected in 2004. Representative Carroll serves as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She was also appointed to the Ethics Committee for the General Assembly. Rep. Carroll, a second generation Colorado native, is a partner with the law firm of Bradley and Carroll, P.C., where she practices consumer and civil rights law. Rep. Carroll was a board member on the Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. Rep. Carroll has been involved with a number of nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and American Foundation for AIDS research. Rep. Carroll received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Colorado in 2000 where she was elected class president. She received her bachelor's in psychology with a minor in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1996. While working on her bachelor's degree, she served as vice president of the Young Dems, was co-founder of the International Ethics Society, and was a founding member of the Chancellor's Scholars & Leaders program. In addition, Rep. Carroll has studied and taught dance and Hebrew. www.repmorgancarroll.com State Representative Terrance D. Carroll (D-Denver District 7) Terrance D. Carroll is the Colorado State Representative for House District 7. He is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Carroll was appointed to the Colorado House in February 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. Carroll graduated with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor's in political science. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He is also a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard University Divinity School's Center for the Study of Values in Public Life and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Currently, he is a chancellor's scholar at the University of Denver College of Law. Rep. Carroll has spoken extensively on the role of faith in public discourse, community development, education reform, criminal justice reform, and urban public policy. Rep. Carroll has spoken before such diverse groups as the Anti-Defamation League, Denver Rotary Club, the Colorado Libertarian Party Convention, Colorado State Judicial Conference, and the Colorado District Attorneys Council. In February 1999, the Urban Spectrum Magazine recognized him as an "African-American Who Makes a Difference" and in September 1999, the Rocky Mountain News cited him as an "Up and Coming African-American Leader". State Representative Mike Cerbo (D-Denver District 2) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 2. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Cerbo serves as the 2005 vice chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Rep. Cerbo was also appointed to the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws and to the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors. Rep. Cerbo currently serves as a member of the Kaiser Permanente Physicians Health Advisory Council. From 1980 to 2004, Rep. Cerbo represented his union, the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 14 as secretary-treasurer/business manager. Rep. Cerbo received his Juris Doctorate from Denver University College of Law in 1994, and a bachelor's in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1989. Rep. Cerbo is the father of two children, Michael and Carissa. State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison District 61) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 61. She was elected in 2004. Representative Curry serves as the chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Representative Curry served as manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy House District in Gunnison, Colorado from 1998-2004. From 1996- 1998, Rep. Curry served as a water rights specialist for Wright Water Engineers in Denver, and from 1994-1996, she served as a physical scientist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Rep. Curry is board member of Club20, a western slope advocacy group, and has served on the Loveland and Castle Rock water boards. Rep. Curry received a master's degree in water resources planning and management from Colorado State University in 1994, and a bachelor's in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. Rep. Curry is married to Gunnison rancher Greg Peterson and has two sons, Joe and Bill. State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home. Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs. Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado. His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools. State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Borodkin has worked in the area of public, community, and government relations and marketing for the past 27 years. Prior to serving in the legislature, Rep. Borodkin was the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Women's Business Chronicle, a newspaper for professional businesswomen. Rep. Borodkin is co-founder of the Women's Network, a clearinghouse for information relating to professional women, and held the positions of director of marketing for the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority and director of communications for the NYC Office of Economic Development.
Representative Borodkin has received numerous awards and recognitions. She was awarded the Women-Owned Business of the Year in 2000 by the Colorado Business and Professional Women and the Women Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Foundation for Women Legislators and SBA Office of Business Ownership. In 2001, Representative Borodkin was awarded the Freshmen Legislator of the Year by the Colorado Senior Lobby, the Colorado Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the Colorado Bankers Association, and by the Independent Bankers Association. Also in 2001 the Alliance of Professional Women awarded Rep. Borodkin the Athena Award for Leadership. In 2002, she was a Fleming Fellow for the Center for Policy Alternatives in Washington, DC. That same year Rep. Borodkin was awarded the Foreign Policy Institute Scholarship by the Center for Women's Policy Studies in Washington DC.
Rep. Borodkin, takes to the sky - literally - as a licensed pilot and a former member of the International Organization of Women Pilots. She lives with her husband, Arnold, and their dog, Oscar in Southeast Denver.
www.aliceborodkin.com
State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction District 55) is the Colorado State Representative for District 55 and is a native of Mesa County. Rep. Buescher serves on the Appropriations and Joint Budget Committees. Elected in 2004. Rep. Buescher practiced law in Grand Junction for many years, representing small businesses. In 1986 he was named CEO of West Star Aviation and grew the business from 28 employees to over 220. In 1996, Governor Romer appointed Rep. Buescher to his cabinet as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance. Since 1996, Rep. Buescher has owned and managed two small businesses that provide aircraft leasing, business consulting and management. Rep. Buescher and his wife were named Citizens of the Year by the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce in 2004 for their civic involvement. Rep. Buescher has served on the boards of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, Colorado Public Radio, Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Community Social Services and the boards of both the Colorado and Mesa County Economic Development Councils. Rep. Buescher served on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Health and Hospital Association from 2003 to January 2005, and St. Mary's Hospital Board of Directors from 1999-2004, serving as chair in 2003 and 2004. He has also served on the Mesa County Board of Adjustment for nine years, including seven as chair, the Colorado Transportation Commission, and the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Transportation. Rep. Buescher went to college at the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a degree in accounting. In 1974, Rep. Buescher received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado. www.buescher.org State Representative Dorothy Butcher (D-Pueblo District 46.) represents House District 46. She is the House Majority Whip and was first elected in 2002. She sits on the following committees: Business Affairs and Labor, Appropriations, and Legislative Council. Previously she served in the Pueblo City Council. Rep. Butcher's honors include, Community Volunteer of the Year at U.S. West, Outstanding Member award from the Front Range Chambers, and Outstanding Member award from the Latino Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Butcher has extensive experience in community service. She is the co-founder of PHEF, an organization that provides scholarships to Pueblo students; co-founder of EPIC, an organization that provides loans to business owned by women and minorities; member of the Selective Service Board; member of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce; former president and vice president of the Latino Chamber of Commerce; former member of the Pueblo Community College Foundation; Pueblo Human Services Board; and the Colorado Minority Business Advisory Council. Rep. Butcher has a nursing degree from SCSC, and a paralegal degree from USC. She was a Financial Advisor at U.S. West for 29 years. State Representative Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora District 36) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 36. She was elected in 2004. Representative Carroll serves as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She was also appointed to the Ethics Committee for the General Assembly. Rep. Carroll, a second generation Colorado native, is a partner with the law firm of Bradley and Carroll, P.C., where she practices consumer and civil rights law. Rep. Carroll was a board member on the Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. Rep. Carroll has been involved with a number of nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and American Foundation for AIDS research. Rep. Carroll received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Colorado in 2000 where she was elected class president. She received her bachelor's in psychology with a minor in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1996. While working on her bachelor's degree, she served as vice president of the Young Dems, was co-founder of the International Ethics Society, and was a founding member of the Chancellor's Scholars & Leaders program. In addition, Rep. Carroll has studied and taught dance and Hebrew. www.repmorgancarroll.com State Representative Terrance D. Carroll (D-Denver District 7) Terrance D. Carroll is the Colorado State Representative for House District 7. He is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Carroll was appointed to the Colorado House in February 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. Carroll graduated with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor's in political science. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He is also a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard University Divinity School's Center for the Study of Values in Public Life and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Currently, he is a chancellor's scholar at the University of Denver College of Law. Rep. Carroll has spoken extensively on the role of faith in public discourse, community development, education reform, criminal justice reform, and urban public policy. Rep. Carroll has spoken before such diverse groups as the Anti-Defamation League, Denver Rotary Club, the Colorado Libertarian Party Convention, Colorado State Judicial Conference, and the Colorado District Attorneys Council. In February 1999, the Urban Spectrum Magazine recognized him as an "African-American Who Makes a Difference" and in September 1999, the Rocky Mountain News cited him as an "Up and Coming African-American Leader". State Representative Mike Cerbo (D-Denver District 2) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 2. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Cerbo serves as the 2005 vice chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Rep. Cerbo was also appointed to the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws and to the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors. Rep. Cerbo currently serves as a member of the Kaiser Permanente Physicians Health Advisory Council. From 1980 to 2004, Rep. Cerbo represented his union, the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 14 as secretary-treasurer/business manager. Rep. Cerbo received his Juris Doctorate from Denver University College of Law in 1994, and a bachelor's in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1989. Rep. Cerbo is the father of two children, Michael and Carissa. State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison District 61) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 61. She was elected in 2004. Representative Curry serves as the chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Representative Curry served as manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy House District in Gunnison, Colorado from 1998-2004. From 1996- 1998, Rep. Curry served as a water rights specialist for Wright Water Engineers in Denver, and from 1994-1996, she served as a physical scientist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Rep. Curry is board member of Club20, a western slope advocacy group, and has served on the Loveland and Castle Rock water boards. Rep. Curry received a master's degree in water resources planning and management from Colorado State University in 1994, and a bachelor's in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. Rep. Curry is married to Gunnison rancher Greg Peterson and has two sons, Joe and Bill. State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home. Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs. Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado. His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools. State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Buescher practiced law in Grand Junction for many years, representing small businesses. In 1986 he was named CEO of West Star Aviation and grew the business from 28 employees to over 220. In 1996, Governor Romer appointed Rep. Buescher to his cabinet as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance. Since 1996, Rep. Buescher has owned and managed two small businesses that provide aircraft leasing, business consulting and management.
Rep. Buescher and his wife were named Citizens of the Year by the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce in 2004 for their civic involvement. Rep. Buescher has served on the boards of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, Colorado Public Radio, Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Community Social Services and the boards of both the Colorado and Mesa County Economic Development Councils. Rep. Buescher served on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Health and Hospital Association from 2003 to January 2005, and St. Mary's Hospital Board of Directors from 1999-2004, serving as chair in 2003 and 2004. He has also served on the Mesa County Board of Adjustment for nine years, including seven as chair, the Colorado Transportation Commission, and the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Transportation.
Rep. Buescher went to college at the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a degree in accounting. In 1974, Rep. Buescher received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado.
www.buescher.org
State Representative Dorothy Butcher (D-Pueblo District 46.) represents House District 46. She is the House Majority Whip and was first elected in 2002. She sits on the following committees: Business Affairs and Labor, Appropriations, and Legislative Council. Previously she served in the Pueblo City Council. Rep. Butcher's honors include, Community Volunteer of the Year at U.S. West, Outstanding Member award from the Front Range Chambers, and Outstanding Member award from the Latino Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Butcher has extensive experience in community service. She is the co-founder of PHEF, an organization that provides scholarships to Pueblo students; co-founder of EPIC, an organization that provides loans to business owned by women and minorities; member of the Selective Service Board; member of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce; former president and vice president of the Latino Chamber of Commerce; former member of the Pueblo Community College Foundation; Pueblo Human Services Board; and the Colorado Minority Business Advisory Council. Rep. Butcher has a nursing degree from SCSC, and a paralegal degree from USC. She was a Financial Advisor at U.S. West for 29 years. State Representative Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora District 36) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 36. She was elected in 2004. Representative Carroll serves as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She was also appointed to the Ethics Committee for the General Assembly. Rep. Carroll, a second generation Colorado native, is a partner with the law firm of Bradley and Carroll, P.C., where she practices consumer and civil rights law. Rep. Carroll was a board member on the Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. Rep. Carroll has been involved with a number of nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and American Foundation for AIDS research. Rep. Carroll received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Colorado in 2000 where she was elected class president. She received her bachelor's in psychology with a minor in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1996. While working on her bachelor's degree, she served as vice president of the Young Dems, was co-founder of the International Ethics Society, and was a founding member of the Chancellor's Scholars & Leaders program. In addition, Rep. Carroll has studied and taught dance and Hebrew. www.repmorgancarroll.com State Representative Terrance D. Carroll (D-Denver District 7) Terrance D. Carroll is the Colorado State Representative for House District 7. He is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Carroll was appointed to the Colorado House in February 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. Carroll graduated with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor's in political science. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He is also a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard University Divinity School's Center for the Study of Values in Public Life and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Currently, he is a chancellor's scholar at the University of Denver College of Law. Rep. Carroll has spoken extensively on the role of faith in public discourse, community development, education reform, criminal justice reform, and urban public policy. Rep. Carroll has spoken before such diverse groups as the Anti-Defamation League, Denver Rotary Club, the Colorado Libertarian Party Convention, Colorado State Judicial Conference, and the Colorado District Attorneys Council. In February 1999, the Urban Spectrum Magazine recognized him as an "African-American Who Makes a Difference" and in September 1999, the Rocky Mountain News cited him as an "Up and Coming African-American Leader". State Representative Mike Cerbo (D-Denver District 2) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 2. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Cerbo serves as the 2005 vice chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Rep. Cerbo was also appointed to the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws and to the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors. Rep. Cerbo currently serves as a member of the Kaiser Permanente Physicians Health Advisory Council. From 1980 to 2004, Rep. Cerbo represented his union, the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 14 as secretary-treasurer/business manager. Rep. Cerbo received his Juris Doctorate from Denver University College of Law in 1994, and a bachelor's in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1989. Rep. Cerbo is the father of two children, Michael and Carissa. State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison District 61) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 61. She was elected in 2004. Representative Curry serves as the chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Representative Curry served as manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy House District in Gunnison, Colorado from 1998-2004. From 1996- 1998, Rep. Curry served as a water rights specialist for Wright Water Engineers in Denver, and from 1994-1996, she served as a physical scientist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Rep. Curry is board member of Club20, a western slope advocacy group, and has served on the Loveland and Castle Rock water boards. Rep. Curry received a master's degree in water resources planning and management from Colorado State University in 1994, and a bachelor's in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. Rep. Curry is married to Gunnison rancher Greg Peterson and has two sons, Joe and Bill. State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home. Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs. Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado. His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools. State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Butcher's honors include, Community Volunteer of the Year at U.S. West, Outstanding Member award from the Front Range Chambers, and Outstanding Member award from the Latino Chamber of Commerce.
Rep. Butcher has extensive experience in community service. She is the co-founder of PHEF, an organization that provides scholarships to Pueblo students; co-founder of EPIC, an organization that provides loans to business owned by women and minorities; member of the Selective Service Board; member of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce; former president and vice president of the Latino Chamber of Commerce; former member of the Pueblo Community College Foundation; Pueblo Human Services Board; and the Colorado Minority Business Advisory Council.
Rep. Butcher has a nursing degree from SCSC, and a paralegal degree from USC. She was a Financial Advisor at U.S. West for 29 years.
State Representative Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora District 36) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 36. She was elected in 2004. Representative Carroll serves as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She was also appointed to the Ethics Committee for the General Assembly. Rep. Carroll, a second generation Colorado native, is a partner with the law firm of Bradley and Carroll, P.C., where she practices consumer and civil rights law. Rep. Carroll was a board member on the Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. Rep. Carroll has been involved with a number of nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and American Foundation for AIDS research. Rep. Carroll received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Colorado in 2000 where she was elected class president. She received her bachelor's in psychology with a minor in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1996. While working on her bachelor's degree, she served as vice president of the Young Dems, was co-founder of the International Ethics Society, and was a founding member of the Chancellor's Scholars & Leaders program. In addition, Rep. Carroll has studied and taught dance and Hebrew. www.repmorgancarroll.com State Representative Terrance D. Carroll (D-Denver District 7) Terrance D. Carroll is the Colorado State Representative for House District 7. He is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Carroll was appointed to the Colorado House in February 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. Carroll graduated with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor's in political science. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He is also a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard University Divinity School's Center for the Study of Values in Public Life and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Currently, he is a chancellor's scholar at the University of Denver College of Law. Rep. Carroll has spoken extensively on the role of faith in public discourse, community development, education reform, criminal justice reform, and urban public policy. Rep. Carroll has spoken before such diverse groups as the Anti-Defamation League, Denver Rotary Club, the Colorado Libertarian Party Convention, Colorado State Judicial Conference, and the Colorado District Attorneys Council. In February 1999, the Urban Spectrum Magazine recognized him as an "African-American Who Makes a Difference" and in September 1999, the Rocky Mountain News cited him as an "Up and Coming African-American Leader". State Representative Mike Cerbo (D-Denver District 2) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 2. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Cerbo serves as the 2005 vice chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Rep. Cerbo was also appointed to the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws and to the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors. Rep. Cerbo currently serves as a member of the Kaiser Permanente Physicians Health Advisory Council. From 1980 to 2004, Rep. Cerbo represented his union, the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 14 as secretary-treasurer/business manager. Rep. Cerbo received his Juris Doctorate from Denver University College of Law in 1994, and a bachelor's in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1989. Rep. Cerbo is the father of two children, Michael and Carissa. State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison District 61) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 61. She was elected in 2004. Representative Curry serves as the chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Representative Curry served as manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy House District in Gunnison, Colorado from 1998-2004. From 1996- 1998, Rep. Curry served as a water rights specialist for Wright Water Engineers in Denver, and from 1994-1996, she served as a physical scientist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Rep. Curry is board member of Club20, a western slope advocacy group, and has served on the Loveland and Castle Rock water boards. Rep. Curry received a master's degree in water resources planning and management from Colorado State University in 1994, and a bachelor's in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. Rep. Curry is married to Gunnison rancher Greg Peterson and has two sons, Joe and Bill. State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home. Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs. Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado. His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools. State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Carroll, a second generation Colorado native, is a partner with the law firm of Bradley and Carroll, P.C., where she practices consumer and civil rights law. Rep. Carroll was a board member on the Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. Rep. Carroll has been involved with a number of nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and American Foundation for AIDS research.
Rep. Carroll received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Colorado in 2000 where she was elected class president. She received her bachelor's in psychology with a minor in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1996. While working on her bachelor's degree, she served as vice president of the Young Dems, was co-founder of the International Ethics Society, and was a founding member of the Chancellor's Scholars & Leaders program.
In addition, Rep. Carroll has studied and taught dance and Hebrew.
www.repmorgancarroll.com
State Representative Terrance D. Carroll (D-Denver District 7) Terrance D. Carroll is the Colorado State Representative for House District 7. He is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Carroll was appointed to the Colorado House in February 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. Carroll graduated with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor's in political science. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He is also a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard University Divinity School's Center for the Study of Values in Public Life and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Currently, he is a chancellor's scholar at the University of Denver College of Law. Rep. Carroll has spoken extensively on the role of faith in public discourse, community development, education reform, criminal justice reform, and urban public policy. Rep. Carroll has spoken before such diverse groups as the Anti-Defamation League, Denver Rotary Club, the Colorado Libertarian Party Convention, Colorado State Judicial Conference, and the Colorado District Attorneys Council. In February 1999, the Urban Spectrum Magazine recognized him as an "African-American Who Makes a Difference" and in September 1999, the Rocky Mountain News cited him as an "Up and Coming African-American Leader". State Representative Mike Cerbo (D-Denver District 2) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 2. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Cerbo serves as the 2005 vice chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Rep. Cerbo was also appointed to the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws and to the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors. Rep. Cerbo currently serves as a member of the Kaiser Permanente Physicians Health Advisory Council. From 1980 to 2004, Rep. Cerbo represented his union, the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 14 as secretary-treasurer/business manager. Rep. Cerbo received his Juris Doctorate from Denver University College of Law in 1994, and a bachelor's in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1989. Rep. Cerbo is the father of two children, Michael and Carissa. State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison District 61) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 61. She was elected in 2004. Representative Curry serves as the chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Representative Curry served as manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy House District in Gunnison, Colorado from 1998-2004. From 1996- 1998, Rep. Curry served as a water rights specialist for Wright Water Engineers in Denver, and from 1994-1996, she served as a physical scientist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Rep. Curry is board member of Club20, a western slope advocacy group, and has served on the Loveland and Castle Rock water boards. Rep. Curry received a master's degree in water resources planning and management from Colorado State University in 1994, and a bachelor's in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. Rep. Curry is married to Gunnison rancher Greg Peterson and has two sons, Joe and Bill. State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home. Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs. Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado. His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools. State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Carroll graduated with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor's in political science. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He is also a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard University Divinity School's Center for the Study of Values in Public Life and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Currently, he is a chancellor's scholar at the University of Denver College of Law.
Rep. Carroll has spoken extensively on the role of faith in public discourse, community development, education reform, criminal justice reform, and urban public policy. Rep. Carroll has spoken before such diverse groups as the Anti-Defamation League, Denver Rotary Club, the Colorado Libertarian Party Convention, Colorado State Judicial Conference, and the Colorado District Attorneys Council.
In February 1999, the Urban Spectrum Magazine recognized him as an "African-American Who Makes a Difference" and in September 1999, the Rocky Mountain News cited him as an "Up and Coming African-American Leader".
State Representative Mike Cerbo (D-Denver District 2) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 2. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Cerbo serves as the 2005 vice chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Rep. Cerbo was also appointed to the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws and to the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors. Rep. Cerbo currently serves as a member of the Kaiser Permanente Physicians Health Advisory Council. From 1980 to 2004, Rep. Cerbo represented his union, the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 14 as secretary-treasurer/business manager. Rep. Cerbo received his Juris Doctorate from Denver University College of Law in 1994, and a bachelor's in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1989. Rep. Cerbo is the father of two children, Michael and Carissa. State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison District 61) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 61. She was elected in 2004. Representative Curry serves as the chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Representative Curry served as manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy House District in Gunnison, Colorado from 1998-2004. From 1996- 1998, Rep. Curry served as a water rights specialist for Wright Water Engineers in Denver, and from 1994-1996, she served as a physical scientist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Rep. Curry is board member of Club20, a western slope advocacy group, and has served on the Loveland and Castle Rock water boards. Rep. Curry received a master's degree in water resources planning and management from Colorado State University in 1994, and a bachelor's in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. Rep. Curry is married to Gunnison rancher Greg Peterson and has two sons, Joe and Bill. State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home. Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs. Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado. His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools. State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Cerbo currently serves as a member of the Kaiser Permanente Physicians Health Advisory Council. From 1980 to 2004, Rep. Cerbo represented his union, the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 14 as secretary-treasurer/business manager.
Rep. Cerbo received his Juris Doctorate from Denver University College of Law in 1994, and a bachelor's in political science from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1989. Rep. Cerbo is the father of two children, Michael and Carissa.
State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison District 61) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 61. She was elected in 2004. Representative Curry serves as the chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Representative Curry served as manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy House District in Gunnison, Colorado from 1998-2004. From 1996- 1998, Rep. Curry served as a water rights specialist for Wright Water Engineers in Denver, and from 1994-1996, she served as a physical scientist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Rep. Curry is board member of Club20, a western slope advocacy group, and has served on the Loveland and Castle Rock water boards. Rep. Curry received a master's degree in water resources planning and management from Colorado State University in 1994, and a bachelor's in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. Rep. Curry is married to Gunnison rancher Greg Peterson and has two sons, Joe and Bill. State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home. Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs. Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado. His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools. State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Representative Curry served as manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy House District in Gunnison, Colorado from 1998-2004. From 1996- 1998, Rep. Curry served as a water rights specialist for Wright Water Engineers in Denver, and from 1994-1996, she served as a physical scientist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Rep. Curry is board member of Club20, a western slope advocacy group, and has served on the Loveland and Castle Rock water boards.
Rep. Curry received a master's degree in water resources planning and management from Colorado State University in 1994, and a bachelor's in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. Rep. Curry is married to Gunnison rancher Greg Peterson and has two sons, Joe and Bill.
State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home. Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs. Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado. His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools. State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Representative Frangas is a former Denver Human Services Caseworker in the Sexual Abuse Unit. He has recently taken a position in Community Services. Representative Frangas has also worked in the field of mental health and as a Clinical Coordinator at a homeless shelter near the Capitol for several years. He is very active in his community, having organized food and clothing drives and holiday parties for children in North and West Denver. He is a member of several community boards including the Ellen Torres Food Bank, El Centro De Las Familias, Girls Inc., and the Marycrest Nursing Home.
Representative Frangas was recently appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board of Directors. For his service to veterans, he received the "Distinguished Legislator Award," from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado.
Representative Frangas has passed several important pieces of legislation including Colorado's first criminal penalty for identity theft and legislation in the areas of mental health, auto theft, access to higher education, highway safety and the evaluation of the effectiveness of welfare programs.
Representative Frangas has a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver, a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University, a bachelor's in social work from Metro State, and a bachelor's in political science from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Golden High School in Golden Colorado.
His family includes his spouse, Gregoria, and three children: Blaine, Gabriella and Warren - all of whom attend Denver Public Schools.
State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004. In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district. Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California. Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren. State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
In 2001, Rep. Gallegos was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2002 to a four-year term. In 2003, Rep. Gallegos was appointed mayor of Antonito, and was reelected in April 2004. After being elected the State Representative of House District 62 in November 2004, Rep. Gallegos resigned as mayor, effective December 30, 2004, to serve the constituents of his district.
Rep. Gallegos served in the United States Air Force for eight years and attended the weather school at Chanute Air Force Base. While on reserve duty in 1960, Rep. Gallegos joined the National Weather Service and served in a number of positions on numerous committees until his retirement in 1994. From 1995-2000, Rep. Gallegos managed the Shop Rite Center containing a liquor store, grocery store, and café. Rep. Gallegos received a bachelor's from the University of Southern Colorado and a degree in accounting from the North American School of Accounting in San Diego, California.
Rep. Gallegos and his wife, Mary Gene, live in Antonito, Colorado with their two children. They also have two adult children living away from home and four grandchildren.
State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42) Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42. Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion." Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998. www.michaelgarcia.info State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Garcia says that ensuring quality education and creating a "rainy day" fund for the state budget are some of the most important issues facing Colorado today. He says state government programs should reflect the values of Coloradans: "Work, family, personal responsibility, individual liberty, faith, tolerance, and inclusion."
Rep. Garcia, 31, is one of the youngest members of Colorado's General Assembly. Besides being a legislator, Rep. Garcia works at the University of Colorado as the Coordinator of the Youth Council for Public Policy. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996 and earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1998.
www.michaelgarcia.info
State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005. Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children. State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Green served on the Golden City Council from 2001 to the beginning of 2005.
Rep. Green received a master's degree in social work form the University of Denver and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Rep. Green has worked as a medical social worker at Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Denver and has been an alternate board member for the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
Rep. Green has been married to her husband Dan for 43 years and has four children.
State Representative Mary Hodge (D-Brighton District 30) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 30. Rep. Hodge serves as chair of the Local Government Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. She was first elected in 2000. Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner. Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time. www.maryhodge.com State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Hodge received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and has worked as an educator and business owner.
Rep. Hodge has been married to her husband Richard for 38 years, has three sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering in her free time.
www.maryhodge.com
State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000. Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety. Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves. www.cherijahn.com State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Jahn is a small business owner with special insight as to how laws, regulations, and the economy affect small businesses. Rep. Jahn is a dedicated volunteer, devoting her time to the victim advocates services of several police departments, helping crime victims, often responding to calls in the middle of the night. She advocates for more trades & skills training within the local high schools, believing that higher education is very important but there also must be options given to support all students. Rep. Jahn is an effective legislator who sponsors common sense laws concerning public health and safety.
Rep. Jahn is a single mother of three and believes in lifelong learning and educational opportunity. She recently received her paralegal degree from the Community College of Denver and plans to use her skills to help make our justice system more responsive and accessible to the citizens it serves.
www.cherijahn.com
State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club. Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker. www.joeljudd.com State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Judd is a lawyer. He has worked as a sole practitioner since 1982, representing individuals and small businesses with a variety of legal needs. From 1977-1982 he worked for the firm Reckseen & Lau, and from 1976-1977 with the firm Feder & Morris. In addition, Rep. Judd has a long history of community service. He has served as president of the Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club, secretary for the Allied Apartments for the Elderly, board member of the Jewish Community Center, and president of the Downtown Denver Optimist Club.
Rep. Judd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver in 1976 and a bachelor's from New College in 1973. In his free time, Rep. Judd is an avid hiker.
www.joeljudd.com
State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May. In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors. Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education. During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools. Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens. State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
In the legislature, Andy has been serving the people of Lakewood on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. He has already taken the lead on issues such as School Based Health Clinics, Public Health and Safety, and Alternative Programs for Second Semester Public School Seniors.
Representative Kerr has always been involved in civic affairs. He has been a board member on the Green Mountain Civic Association, he is a past president of the Dunstan Foundation, and a six year board member of the Colorado Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education.
During the past nine years he has served the public as a social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for the Jefferson County Schools.
Representative Kerr is committed to continuing to serve the people of Lakewood with the kind of integrity and common sense that reflects the moderate and inclusive nature of our citizens.
State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) A mother of two sons, ages 13 and 11, House Majority Leader Alice Madden knows what it takes to run a house. A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats. One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know." Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School. She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years. State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
A Boulder resident since 1977, Rep. Madden was elected to the Legislature in 2000 to represent House District 10. For the last two years she served in leadership as caucus chair. She has also worked on various committees, including Agriculture, Judiciary, and Appropriations. This January, her hard work paid off when she was called to lead the House Democrats.
One of Rep. Madden's goals this session is to restore economic stability in Colorado and to prevent further cuts to basic services programs, such as transportation and education. She lists Martin Luther King as one of her role models and says her father is her hero, calling him "the most well-read person I know."
Rep. Madden's education includes a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctorate from the CU Law School. She has worked as an attorney in employment law and was director of Alumni Relations for CU Law School.
She and her husband Pete have been married for 20 years.
State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver District 8) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 8, and was first elected in 2000. She is the chair for the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and serves on the committees of Finance and Legal Services. Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities. Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee. Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations. Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters. State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Representative Marshall is a Denver native and former director of the Public Relations and Policy office for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. In that capacity she was chief spokeswoman for the department and served as liaison to the Colorado General Assembly. She was responsible for the administration of a variety of public service programs, working with both the business and workforce communities.
Representative Marshall was named Legislator of the Year in 2002 by the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a member of the NAACP, the Denver Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and a founding member of a political women's action committee.
Legislative accomplishments include initiatives on consumer protection; criminal justice; education and health care. She continues to advocate for issues concerning families and persons with disabilities. Representative Marshall is the recipient of the Dan B Davidson Award for Excellence for Community Inclusion and is certified by Harvard University in Public Policy Negotiations.
Representative Marshall enjoys reading, walking, travel and music. She is married to Cleophus Marshall and has three adult daughters.
State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy. McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years. McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field. www.buffie.org State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
McFadyen chairs the Joint Capital Development Committee, which plays a pivotal role in prioritizing Colorado's construction and controlled maintenance needs. She additionally serves as vice chairman for the Transportation and Energy Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee.
She is a leader in addressing areas of prison safety, toxic waste removal, higher education, and Southern Colorado revitalization-where her roots run deep. She is on an everlasting quest to support children of the incarcerated. McFadyen is also involved with senior issues, as she has volunteered weekly as a Pueblo "Meals on Wheels" delivery driver for almost five years.
McFadyen has built a successful consulting business, and in addition, she owns and operates a crime scene clean-up company. McFadyen earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Adams State College, where she was an All-American in track and field.
www.buffie.org
State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform. Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries. Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. www.annemcgihon.com State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. McGihon has introduced bills concerning health care, prescription drugs and unemployment insurance for victims of domestic violence, as well as sentencing reform.
Rep. McGihon has practiced law since 1984. During the past 20 years, Rep. McGihon's practice has ranged from drafting legislation to complex commercial transactions. She has litigated cases on white collar crime, and prosecuted professional liability actions. Her practice now emphasizes small business, commercial litigation, employment, election law and campaign ethics. Prior to becoming an attorney, Rep. McGihon was a psychiatric social worker and consultant on spinal cord injuries.
Rep. McGihon was selected to be a member of the Flemming Leadership group from legislators throughout the country. As a Flemming fellow, Rep. McGihon is considered an emerging leader and a value-driven public policy legislator. Rep. McGihon was named Colorado's Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers.
www.annemcgihon.com
State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004. Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation. Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children. State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. McKinley is a cowboy, a small business owner, an educator, as well as an author. He is the co-owner of Kirkwell Cattle Company, a cattle and horse touring company that provides guided tours through Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley served as the foreman of the grand jury that investigated the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant from 1989 to 1991, and co-authored a book, "Ambushed Grand Jury", that discussed his experiences with the Rocky Flats investigation.
Rep. McKinley received a bachelor's in mathematics from Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. Rep. McKinley and his wife, Janice, have been married for over 38 years and are foster parents to over 25 children from around the world. Rep. McKinley and Janice also have eight children.
State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002. Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council. Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter. www.electmerrifield.org State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Merrifield is a strong advocate for education, economic growth, health care, and low-income housing. Rep. Merrifield has been a music educator in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over thirty years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. His choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. In 2000, he received the Crystal Apple award as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Rep. Merrifield served on the Manitou Springs City Council.
Rep. Merrifield received a bachelor's and a master's in music education from the University of Arizona. He has been active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. In his free time, Rep. Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and back country skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well known mountain bike guidebook. Rep. Merrifield has a grown son and daughter.
www.electmerrifield.org
State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002. Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old. State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Outside of the legislature, Pommer runs Metrovision Video Productions, a company he co-founded in 1989. Rep. Pommer serves on the state Read to Achieve Board and volunteers in the Boulder Valley Public Schools. He and his wife Jane have a daughter Addie who is 10 years old and a son Brock who is 8 years old.
State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues. Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991. He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren. State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Riesberg worked for 24 years in retail, adult training, and sales and marketing positions for local, regional, and national companies. Rep. Riesberg was a public school teacher for five years and spent the last twelve years in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations specializing in aging, hunger and housing issues.
Rep. Riesberg received a master's in gerontology and a bachelor's in history and economics from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Riesberg received a GRI certification in real estate and has owned a number of successful small businesses. His current business, JLR Company, was established in 1991.
He and his wife, Sharron, have been married 41 years and have two children and five grandchildren.
State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975. Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader. The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish. Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro. www.andrewromanoff.com
Rep. Romanoff was elected to the House in 2000 and reelected in 2002 and 2004. He represents House District 6, covering east Denver and Glendale. Before his election to the speakership in 2005, he served as the House Minority Leader.
The Denver Post described Rep. Romanoff as one of Colorado's most effective legislators. He steered 25 bills through the Republican-controlled House in his first two terms, including laws that expand the supply of affordable housing, provide treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, and protect the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
In the legislature's "off-season," Rep. Romanoff teaches political science at the Community College of Aurora. He has also taught at Red Rocks Community College and at the University of Colorado's Graduate School of Public Affairs. He began teaching in Central America and speaks fluent Spanish.
Rep. Romanoff earned a bachelor's degree at Yale and a master's degree in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He has a twin sister, a Democratic mother, a Republican father, and a border collie named Zorro.
www.andrewromanoff.com
State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department. Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. www.judysolano.com State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Solano is a retired public school teacher, and a member of both the Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association. Rep. Solano is a former small business owner, and a "Meals on Wheels" volunteer. She also is a member of the Sierra Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Rep. Solano also spearheaded the establishment of the Erie Peace Garden and is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Erie Police Department.
Rep. Solano graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in 1971 with a bachelor's in education and a master's in education from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1992. Rep. Solano has been married to her husband Manuel for 31 years, and has two children, two stepsons, and four grandchildren.
www.judysolano.com
State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee. In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve. Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren. State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee.
In 1992, Rep. Soper was the Adams County Democrat of the Year for his extensive service to the community. He has served on numerous boards and committees including; the Thornton Planning Commision for eleven years, County Parliamentarian for over twenty years, and House District 34 chair for over twenty years. He was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to serve on the (CCIA) Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors where he served for 6 years. Rep. Soper has also served as chairman of the board for the Electrical Federal Credit Union for six years and been a member for twelve.
Rep. Soper is a retired electrician and twenty-two year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman. Rep. Soper also taught for five years at Red Rocks Community College. Rep. Soper is a third generation Colorado native and a product of the Denver Public Schools. He was born and raised in North Denver, moving to Adams County in 1967. Rep. Soper has been married for over 45 years, has three children, and eight grandchildren.
State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004. Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc. Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons. www.nancytodd.us State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Todd worked as a professional educator for 25 years in Cherry Creek School District 5 and has lived in the Eastridge community of Aurora for over 28 years. In 2003, Rep. Todd was awarded the Colorado Mother of the Year Award. Rep. Todd developed CARE (Children Achieving Reading Excellence), a family literacy program that donates books to schools and families of large non-English speaking populations and served as the literacy chairman of the National Board of American Mothers, Inc.
Rep. Todd received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a master's degree in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Rep. Todd has been married for 33 years to Terry. They have two grown sons.
www.nancytodd.us
State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees. Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children. www.electpaul.com
Rep. Weissmann first became a member of the Colorado legislature in 1992 when he was elected to the 17th Senate District for one term. Rep. Weissmann became the Colorado State House Representative for the 12th District in 2002. From 1983-1988, Rep. Weissmann worked on the National Campaign Staff for Gary Hart, working in a dozen different states, as well as the 1984 Democratic National Convention.
Rep. Weissmann graduated in 1986 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in political science. He is currently working on a master's in public administration at the University of Colorado at Denver. Rep. Weissmann continues to work as a bartender and manager at the Blue Parrot Restaurant in downtown Louisville where he has been since 1989 , and also works as a substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools. Rep. Weissmann and his wife, Brenda, have two children.
www.electpaul.com
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State Representative Debbie Benefield (D-Arvada District 29) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 29. Rep. Benefield is a member of the Education and Finance Committees. Elected in 2004.
State Representative Alice Borodkin (D-Denver District 9) serves the residents of Colorado's House District 9. Rep. Borodkin is a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was first elected in 2004.
State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction District 55) is the Colorado State Representative for District 55 and is a native of Mesa County. Rep. Buescher serves on the Appropriations and Joint Budget Committees. Elected in 2004.
State Representative Dorothy Butcher (D-Pueblo District 46.) represents House District 46. She is the House Majority Whip and was first elected in 2002. She sits on the following committees: Business Affairs and Labor, Appropriations, and Legislative Council. Previously she served in the Pueblo City Council.
State Representative Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora District 36) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 36. She was elected in 2004. Representative Carroll serves as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She was also appointed to the Ethics Committee for the General Assembly.
State Representative Terrance D. Carroll (D-Denver District 7) 
State Representative Mike Cerbo (D-Denver District 2) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 2. He was first elected in 2002. Representative Cerbo serves as the 2005 vice chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. Rep. Cerbo was also appointed to the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws and to the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors.
State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison District 61) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 61. She was elected in 2004. Representative Curry serves as the chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee.
State Representative Jerry Frangas (D-Denver District 4 ) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 4 in Northwest Denver. Representative Frangas serves as the vice chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee. He was first elected in 2002.
State Representative Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito District 62) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 62. Rep. Gallegos serves as the 2005 vice chair of the House Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, as well as the State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2004.
State Representative Michael Garcia (D-Aurora District 42)
Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia is serving his third term representing Aurora - the community where he grew up. Rep. Garcia was first elected into the Colorado Legislature in 2000 to serve House District 42.
State Representative Gwyn Green (D-Golden District 23) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 23. Rep. Green serves on the Health & Human Services Committee and the Transportation & Energy Committee. She was elected in 2004.
State Representative Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge District 24) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 24, and is the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Jahn serves as chair of the House Services Committee, and is also a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees. She was first elected to the House in 2000.
State Representative Joel Judd (D-Denver District 5) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 5. Rep. Judd serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. He was first elected in 2002.
State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood District 26) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 26. He is a longtime resident of Lakewood, having attended Foothills Elementary School, Dunstan Middle School, and Green Mountain High School. Andy is married to Tammy and they have two small children – his son Braden is two and his daughter Kennedy will celebrate her first birthday in May.
State Representative Alice Madden (D-Boulder District 10) 
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State Representative Liane "Buffie" McFadyen (D-Pueblo West District 47) was first elected to the Colorado State House in 2002 as the first Democratic woman to represent House District 47 in more than thirty-eight years. She was recognized as one of the most outstanding freshman legislators-a true testament of her determined ambition as a public official. In 2003, she also received recognition from the Women Legislators' Lobby for her outstanding legislative service and contributions to sound and progressive public policy.
State Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver District 3) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 3. She was appointed to fill a vacancy in July 2003 and elected in 2004. Rep. McGihon is vice chair of the Legal Services Committee and a member of the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.
State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh District 64) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 64. Rep. McKinley is the vice chair of the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee, and is a member of the Education Committee. He was elected in 2004.
State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Manitou Springs District 18) is the Colorado State Representative for District 18. Rep. Merrifield serves as chair of the Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. He was first elected in 2002.
State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder County District 11) represents Boulder and Longmont. He's chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and serves on the Education and Joint Computer Management Committees. Pommer was first elected to House District 11 in 2002.
State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley District 50) is the Colorado State Representative for District 50. Rep. Riesberg is a Colorado native who has lived in Greeley for 25 years. Rep. Riesberg is a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Capitol Development Committees. He was elected in 2004.
State Representative Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver District 6) Andrew Romanoff is the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, the first Democrat to hold that post since 1975.
State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton District 31) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 31, elected in 2004. Rep. Solano serves on the Education Committee, as well as the Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee.
State Representative John Soper (D-Thornton District 34) is the Colorado State Representative for House District 34. He was elected in 2004. Rep. Soper serves on the Local Government Committee, as well as the Health & Human Services Committee.
State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora District 41) is the Colorado State Representative for District 41. Rep. Todd is a member of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. She was elected in 2004.
State Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville District 12) is the Colorado State Representative for District 12. Rep. Weissmann serves as chair of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Appropriations and Health & Human Services Committees.
