This questionnaire was first published for the June 2024 primary. Candidates were given the option to update their responses and answer additional questions. This questionnaire has not been updated.
Tom Van Lone
tomvanloneforsenate17.com
Relevant experience
Ten years Town of Erie Mayor and Board of Trustees
Weld County GOP Chairman; currently serving second term
Priorities
- Cost of living
- Education
- Health care
Lightning round – yes or no answers only
Do you support the state’s elimination of local occupancy limits? Yes
Do you support ending the state’s prohibition on local rent control? No
Do you support requiring more density in your jurisdiction as a way to address the affordable housing crisis? Yes
Do you support the Front Range train as the state’s highest priority for passenger rail? No
When is the last time you paid rent? How much was it?
I have blessed to have been able to purchase homes since graduating college in 1984. Before that, I paid $200 to share a trailer house with one of my sisters.
What would you say are the top three issues facing D17, and what are your plans to address them in a way that differs from the current approach?
Cost of living in Colorado is directly impacted by government action or inaction. Car insurance to the cost of heating your home and everything in between is in some manner controlled and/or regulated by some government entities. It is out of control and needs to be reined in.
Education is the future, but not just k-12 and beyond. Education can now be tailored to each individual student through technology and open up unlimited possibilities for bettering society.
Health care is still too expensive. Unless there is continued awareness raised, the issue seems to fade between election cycles, and costs continue to escalate.
How do you plan to help evolve the transportation systems to meet Colorado’s climate goals, while balancing the realities of car dependency for those who must rely on personal vehicles?
I’m particularly optimistic about the impact of technology on our transit system. In a short period of time, we will drastically cut our emissions simply by switching from gas and diesel power to electric and hybrid. From there, I can envision an electric mass transit system for cities and expanded rail including to the west slope and beyond. The scooter and bicycle programs are fantastic.
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 D17?
I assume this question addresses financial burdens from climate change along the socio-economic strata. Once again, technology if allowed to will expand opportunities for everyone. Availability of programs to help citizens should be easier to locate and apply for and data should be shared so those in need can spend less time applying for the benefits available.
How do you plan on balancing the need for additional housing in D17 with the limited availability of water?
The State has made progress on the housing issue through allowing and encouraging greater densities along mass transit corridors. This effort should continue and further subsidies for lower income should be encouraged.
Unfortunately, the need to build additional reservoirs must be considered if Colorado is to continue to grow.
How does JEDI factor into your policy making?
The best policies are always crafted by considering how the most vulnerable will be affected.
What efforts do you make in your daily life to consider and understand people with different lived experiences from your own?
As a contractor, I have daily interaction with the full spectrum of humanity. I’m constantly reminded of how good I have it and am thankful to have used my skills to excel. I enjoy teaching life lessons to my children, grandchildren and anyone who will listen.
When’s the last time you changed your mind about something, and what was it?
It’s gotten easier, but I’ve always struggled with voicing my opinion. That attitude is definitely changing.
What question would you ask a fellow candidate on the ballot?
I would ask what their vision is for various timeframes into the future.
How and why do you think the modern Republican party has fallen so out of favor in Boulder County and, to a lesser extent, Colorado? What do you think they could do to start winning elections again?
Given the relative abundance of Colorado and the United States in general, it’s been easy to give more attention to higher-level issues as opposed to basic needs. The Republican party is viewed as holding these views with lesser import, which is out of step with Colorado. I would serve as a moderate Senator with an eye to what is best for the majority of citizens and not focus on party politics. That’s really what should be asked of all office holders.