August 11, 2008 07:10 AM UTC

I would be honored to be your choice on August 12th- Jared Polis

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• by: Jared Polis

(Each CD candidate was offered 1 front page post to say why you should vote for them. Jared is the first to do so. – promoted by DavidThi808)

On Tuesday, we have the opportunity to send a new leader to Washington — a Representative who will stand up for our district’s progressive values, make Colorado and our nation an environmental leader in renewable energy and sustainable growth, and fight for working families who are struggling to make ends meet. I would be honored to be your choice.

Dream, Dare, Do.

Dream: Of a more just world

Dare: To stand up for change

Do: Turn ideas into action

That has been my track record in Colorado, and what I plan to do for you in United States Congress.

As someone who has succeeded in elected office on the State Board of Education, in business, in helping to build Democratic majorities in Colorado, and in the non-profit world, I provide a different perspective on solving problems and tackling tough issues by translating ideas into real action. I have created schools to serve at-risk youth, launched projects and programs that address specific needs in a sustainable and efficient way like recycling old computers and distributing them to non-profits. I always strive to beat the status quo, and will work hard in Washington DC to challenge the way things have always been done.

If you elect me, here is what I will do:

Iraq

I went to Iraq late last year, and returned to co-author The Responsible Plan to end the war in Iraq, which has now been endorsed by fifty-two candidates for Congress. Rather than just more rhetoric about ending the war, I offer a plan that is a clear and specific mandate for those of us who are elected to resist any and all pressure and end our occupation. We also propose solutions for many of the issues that have emerged from this conflict like the millions of Iraqi refuges, banning the use of mercenaries, restoring our constitution, and ensuring that our returning veterans have strong physical and mental health support service. You can view the plan at http://www.polisforcongress.co…

Economy and Healthcare

As the only candidate who has created jobs and has experience in business, I bring a lot of ideas to get the economy going again. Establishing a new framework for intellectual property protection for the digital era, creating a compassionate and efficient universal healthcare system, and balancing our federal budget are all critical to get our economy going again. We need to make America work for our middle class, the backbone of our country.

Environment

A lifelong Sierra Club member and former board member of Colorado Conservation Voters, my history of activism has prepared me well for the challenges we face. I will help lead our country to embark on a renewable energy future by taking on the oil and gas industry special interests and ending our reliance on fossil fuels.

http://www.polisforcongress.co…

Education

No Child Left Behind gets accountability wrong, but the answer is not to throw out all accountability but rather to get it right. Good federal education policy should:

1) Encourage innovation to serve all kids

2) Direct resources to serve our most at-risk kids

3) Promote transparency rather than a single formula for accountability. Data should include measures of longitudinal progress and indicators for all content areas.

Tech Leader

The technology industry is an important one for the Denver-Boulder tech corridor, and we have a unique opportunity to elect someone to Congress with experience starting and growing internet companies. My understanding of the world of venture capital, startups, and entrepreneurship will help us create national technology and finance policies that make sense, as well as encourage growth in the green tech sector which has so much promise both for our district and the world. I look forward to being a resource both within our Democratic Party and for Congress as a whole on technology and media issues.

Taking on the Special Interests

There is a problem with Washington. The insular relationship between lobbyists and special interests and many elected officials is getting in the way of real progress on universal healthcare and ending our reliance on fossil fuels. I am the only candidate running who has never accepted donations from Political Action Committees (PACs) and advocates a public financing system for campaigns. I will push for stronger ethics laws in Washington DC and will continue to promote openness, transparency, and good government.

I am proud of my accomplishments on the State Board of Education, as a community activist, and in business, but I will not rest on my laurels; if you hire me as your next representative I will work hard every day to turn this country around and bring new ideas and real change to Washington.

Looking forward, I know that I have the experience and the fresh perspective to bring real change to both the 2nd congressional district and the nation. I have created solid policy proposals on climate change, reducing carbon emissions, providing a single-payer health care system for all, jumpstarting the economy, expanding access to higher education for all and making college more affordable, as well as a plan to ensure every working family in America has access to free or affordable child care.

You may disagree with some of my ideas and positions, and if so I encourage you to contact me to discuss and debate the policies you care about. You will never find a candidate you agree with one hundred percent of the time, but hopefully we agree on some things and I look forward to a conversation to hear different perspectives on the others.

I have received the support of numerous local and national officials and leaders including Rep. John Salazar, Former Rep. Pat Schroeder, Sen. Polly Baca, Josie Heath, Will Toor, and Sen. Ron Tupa. Community advocates for the environment, education, and health care are coming forth from every corner of the district to endorse my candidacy.

They have the confidence in me to get the job done. I ask the same from you tomorrow, August 12th.

Jared Polis

www.polisforcongress.com