Boulder Weekly sent candidate questionnaires to all candidates on Boulder County ballots. These are their written responses, edited for length and clarity. Read more Election 2024 content.
Kathy Reeves
reevesforcolorado.com
Relevant experience
In my life and career, I have worked with and for people in various situations. I have worked in IT for Hewlett-Packard and State Farm, homeschooled my children, driven truck for corn harvest, volunteered as an educator, as a missionary and as an advocate. These experiences have prepared me to be a servant of the people.
Priorities
- Cost of Living
- Safety/Families
- Liberty
What would you say are the top three issues facing District 11, and what are your plans to address them?
- Cost of living – It is imperative that we stop wasteful spending and decrease taxes. Small business must be allowed to thrive, without excess regulation and government overreach. In a free-market society, when capitalism is working as it should, supply and demand will enhance prosperity for all.
- Safety/Family – Colorado is third in the nation for violent crime. The huge spike in fentanyl deaths is devastating to us all. The police need our support and also the support of the judiciary, to stop repeat offenders. I am also passionate about families. Families are the initial building block of a successful, cohesive society. God made families, including babies, which must once again be safe in the womb. Parents, not the state, make decisions regarding their minor children, their health, and their education.
Editor’s note: In regards to violent crime, Reeves is likely referring to this U.S. News and World Report article that ranked Colorado as the third most dangerous state in the country. That article used both violent and property crime data to determine ranking. - Liberty – The legislature has a duty to protect the God-given rights of the people: Freedom of speech in every form, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and the right to peacefully assemble, to name a few. The Colorado Constitution states, “All political power is vested in and derived from the people.” We need to see this concept in practice once again.
How can we evolve the transportation systems (particularly in suburban and rural areas) to meet Colorado’s climate goals, while balancing the realities of car dependency for those who must rely on personal vehicles?
When public transportation is convenient and affordable, people will use it, but they cannot and should not be forced to do so.
Given the realities of a changing climate and limited government resources, how do you plan on balancing mitigation and adaptation for already-impacted populations in D11?
Climate change is a political opinion, but weather patterns have been changing for all of recorded history. It is not a crisis. Please explain how populations in HD11 have already been impacted by climate-change.
Editor’s note: Climate change and its effects are well-documented. Visit this page from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for an overview of impacts on things like food, water and human health. Explore data on greenhouse gases, rising temperatures and sea levels on NOAA’s global climate dashboard.
When was the last time you paid rent? How much was it? And where?
1983, $270, Colorado (The electric heat cost almost as much as the rent.)
How does JEDI factor into your policy making?
Truth, liberty and justice for all factor into my policy making. Diversity, equity and inclusion do not, because these policies stir up strife where there was none. Everyone has the opportunity to work hard and succeed well, based on their own efforts.
What efforts do you make in your daily life to consider and understand people with different lived experiences from your own?
I enjoy listening to people from all walks of life, and encouraging them in their value and potential. As a missionary and an advocate, this is a big part of what I do.
Why did you not respond to the primary questionnaire?
I chose not to because some of the questions are biased in a left-leaning direction.
How does this reflect on your willingness to engage with the press and/or public?
I’m always happy to engage with the public by email, and am engaging with the press here.
Do you value a free and fair press, as it exists today? Why or why not?
I absolutely value a free and fair press, but do not agree that we have it today. Our major media, particularly television, is controlled, censored and biased. Conservatives have fewer news outlets in print as well. Thankfully, online news sources and podcasts are more balanced.
How will you be held accountable to voters?
I have engaged with voters in many public arenas and will continue to do so.
Lightning Round
Please answer yes or no only. We will not print extended or explanatory answers
Do you support the state’s elimination of local occupancy limits? No
Do you support requiring more density in your jurisdiction as a way to address the affordable housing crisis? No
Do you support the Front Range train as the state’s highest priority for passenger rail? Yes
Who are you supporting for president and vice president ? Trump/Vance
Do you support local efforts to increase the minimum wage? No, because that would not have the desired effect on the economy. A free-market economy without excess regulation will allow businesses to thrive, thereby increasing employment opportunities and wages for everyone.
Do you support an end to the state prohibition on rent control? No, because a government should not dictate what a property owner may do with what they own. Affordable housing becomes available when there is a demand for smaller, lower-cost housing, motivating homeowners and builders to provide them.
Do you support interventions for human-caused climate change? No. We must do what we can to prevent pollution, but some interventions aimed at “reducing climate change” are actually worse for our environment.
Do you support for SB24-157, which narrowed the definition of what constitutes a public meeting? No. Legislators and the governor should not be working against transparency.