Thank you for your friendship and support

Dear friends:

Thank you for your friendship and support. It was your daily encouragement and commitment to our cause that fueled my passion and got me out the house every day to walk the neighborhoods and meet with the 184 precinct committee people. You were there next to me, in spirit or in person, until the very end and I am forever grateful.

Last night the vacancy committee elected Pat Steadman as the next senator of our district. I congratulate Pat on his victory and wish him only the best. I look forward to working with him on the issues I care deeply about.

I also want to recognize the other courageous candidates, especially my good friend Jill Conrad. We had some remarkable Democrats in the running and I am honored to have shared a stage with them. I am also encouraged by the talent and new energy within our Party and hope to see many of these individuals in public service in the near future.

The last five weeks have certainly been filled with every kind of emotion and in the end I came out a stronger person because of it. Although I got many votes on election night, what I care most about is the many new friends I made in the process. Thanks again for your support.

Till the next time,

--Alex Sanchez

My nomination remarks during the vacancy committee election

Many of you have asked about my remarks during the vacancy committee election on Wednesday, May 20, 2010.

Below are my prepared notes:

"I humbly accept the nomination. Thank you, Tom and Veronica.

"And thank you, Democratic leaders, for your commitment to our district. It’s people like you that make the democratic process work for everyone, even for someone with my background, a son of a restaurant worker and a hotel housekeeper.

"I have really enjoyed meeting all of you. You have opened up your minds and hearts to me as we shared many stories of survival and struggle. But tonight is no longer just about you and me. Your vote is about the hopes and beliefs of the 120,000 faces that make-up the district. You are representing them tonight and I thank you for your public service.

"The differences that separate us, whether they are between counties or the unique characteristics of the people that make-up this very district, are far less than what actually unites us as Party and a community. We share the same hopes and beliefs that together there is nothing we cannot accomplish or overcome.

"When I got in this race, some said I did not fit the mold of the typical politician. And it’s true. I learned policy and politics by working hands-on with the very people that are impacted by policy.

"I am not a career politician but I do have the knowledge and professional experience that is needed to hit the ground running if I earn your trust and vote tonight. Procedures and protocols can be learned but experience working with the community on the issues that matter most is something that can’t be taught.

"You and I know that policy made in a bubble no longer works for us. The secret to good policy is understanding the real issues and the people it affects. I know the struggles of the single parent, the hardworking teacher, the shift worker, the family that despite two incomes can’t make ends meet. Their story is my story.

"My professional career in the healthcare industry and public school system prepared me to tackle very complex problems with pragmatic solutions. I know how to build coalitions, work across the aisle and play the art of compromise, but never at the expense of our shared principles and values.

"Like you, I know what it feels to be knocked down or be counted out of the process. We all have our unique story. There is a Tom Parson or a Veronica Cordova or an Alex Sanchez in every neighborhood in the district. I am a product of this community. Your story is my story. I know your hopes and beliefs because they are my hopes and beliefs, too.

"If you believe that experience is not all about process but it’s the process of the experience that shapes our knowledge; if you believe that now more than ever we need democrats willing to fight for what matters most; then believe in me. I am the right choice for Senate District 31.

"We can and will rise above the challenges we face today.

"Hire me to be your next Senator. I ask for your vote. I will work hard every day to earn and keep your trust."

Energy

We must continue to work together to promote sensible legislation that will further establish Colorado as the leader in renewable energy and sustainability efforts.

While we work to develop our “New Energy Economy,” our State must lead by example in government and state agencies’ own programs to reduce energy consumption.

At the same time, we must also implement aggressive measures to protect our land while developing new and better energy technologies.

I will:

• Promote renewable energy technology developed in Colorado;
• Support Colorado’s requirement that utilities obtain 20% of their electricity from solar, wind or biomass energy by 2020;
• Work with other elected officials to ensure Colorado is at the forefront of new energy technology;
• Implement a plan to require all state agencies to reduce their non-renewable energy consumption; and
• Expand programs that educate families on ways to reduce energy consumption and that encourage local businesses to provide assistance and incentives to consumers for reducing consumption.

"Pocketbook" issues

I understand the real-world impact that today’s economy and the decisions by our legislators have on the everyday lives of Coloradans.

While we work to improve the economy and expand job opportunities for all Coloradans, we must take action to lessen the burden on working families and to protect our citizens.

I will be a strong voice for:

• Regulation and accountability to fight home and consumer predatory lending;
• Government programs and initiatives that address everyday expenses for Colorado’s working families including housing, fuel and healthcare costs; and
• Legislation, tax policy and usage fees that do not place unfair burdens on working families.

Social justice

People come first.

In order to build a vibrant Colorado, we must stand strong and advocate for all members of our community.

These are key Democratic principles that will be the foundation of my leadership and decision-making.

I have been a committed advocate for issues of social justice and equality.

I will:

• Advocate for fairness and equality for all, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, immigration status or socio-economic background;
• Defend the poor, the underserved and working families;
• Promote active civic participation and engagement throughout our diverse communities
• Work with community and government leaders to end racial profiling and protect civil rights in the application of justice and law enforcement; and
• Advance the principles of Restorative Justice in our courts and communities.

Fiscal Reform and Colorado's budget

The fiscal knot created by TABOR, Amendment 23 and Arveschoug-Bird have been disastrous for Colorado, making it nearly impossible for us to invest in our state’s future.

While we face serious challenges in our budget today with the current economic crisis, the “ratchet down” effect of these conflicting provisions will lead to tougher times ahead if not addressed.

We must develop a longterm fiscal plan that addresses the immediate challenges we face, that enables us to invest in important programs like education, healthcare and our transportation system and that provides a firm foundation for Colorado’s growth.

Fiscal and budgeting reform will be a priority for me, including:

• Repeal of Arveschoug-Bird which causes cuts to public program funding to remain even after the general economy recovers;
• Eliminate TABOR revenue caps that prevent us from investing in our future and vital programs; and
• Legislative review of certain taxes and usage fees such as fuel fees and severance taxes.

Responsible growth and our environment

Part of what makes Colorado such a great place to call “home,” attracts tourists from around the World and entices businesses to create new jobs here is the amazing outdoors we all have at our doorstep.

As our population grows, transportation systems expand and businesses expand, we must remain vigilant in protecting our natural resources.

Growth and protecting the environment are not mutually exclusive and I will:

• Work to defend our state parks and wilderness areas;
• Support legislation that protects our natural resources and enforces tough regulations on extracting resources from “under ground” while encouraging expansion of the commercialization of “above ground” and renewable sources of energy; and
• Be a staunch advocate for protecting our water resources and for the development of Responsible Growth Plans as our communities grow.

Transportation and infrastructure

Colorado’s transportation systems and infrastructure have not kept up with our state’s growth.

At current funding levels, it is estimated that by 2016 less than 40% of state roads will be in “good” or “fair” condition.

The cost of our failure to address these critical issues will be borne by all Coloradans both in the increased wear on cars traveling on rough surfaces and the greater cost of repairing roads that are not maintained.

Current transportation funding is primarily from gas fees and taxes which are an inherently declining source of revenue and gas taxes place a particularly difficult burden on working families during challenging economic times.

I will work to:

• Increase highway & transportation funding and expansion of mass transit;
• Examine programs to transition transportation funding from gas-fee based revenues to line-item and usage-based fees;
• Develop a long-term transportation and infrastructure plan that prioritizes projects that eases congestion in growing areas and encourages business growth and urban renewal;
• Advocate programs that encourage use of mass transit.

Education

Despite our hard work, today’s public school system is failing our youth.

If we want to keep our neighborhoods vibrant, lessen the gulf between rich and poor, and make our citizens competitive in the global economy, we must have an education system for the 21st century.

I am committed to making our public education system work for every child and will fight for meaningful reform to:

• Make our public education system work for every child, with particular attention to those children most at-risk;
• Invest in K-12, and provide access to preschool and all-day kindergarten for all children;
• Protect higher education funding and expand programs to make higher education financially accessible to all Coloradans; and
• Hire, support and reward great teachers, child advocates and principals.

Healthcare

We have a moral obligation to make sure all Coloradans have access to quality healthcare.
Similar to how we view police and fire protection, healthcare is not a commodity but rather a public good that needs to be afforded to all residents.

During the next legislative session, I will advocate for new laws and policies to:

• Adopt a definitive plan to provide quality, affordable healthcare for all Coloradans, regardless of income or employment status;
• Increase transparency in medical and insurance billing; and
• Improve coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatments, autism and other issues

Jobs and the economy

I work each day with people struggling to survive amid our current economy. Colorado’s working families need a strong, functional government today more than ever.

People need us to balance the budget, create jobs, support local businesses and begin to invest in our futures- all without compromise at the expense of hardworking Coloradans and kids.

I will work to:

• Promote new job creation and to attract new Green Economy businesses who focus on employing Coloradans to expand in Colorado;
• Address the housing and healthcare crisis confronting many Coloradans;
• Promote workers’ rights and strengthen workers’ protections; and
• Expand vocational programs for students and adults who need new skills or training to be competitive in today’s job market.