Dave Young, candidate for state treasurer

Party: Democratic

City of residence: Greeley

Profession: Educator, representative for state House District 50

Campaign website: daveyoungforcolorado.com

What makes you the best choice for this office?

As a teacher and a legislator on the Joint Budget Committee, I've had a front-row seat into the most pressing financial issues facing our state. I know that our schools are underfunded and that our roads and bridges need to be repaired. I'm a pragmatic problem solver. For years, I have written and balanced our state's $30 billion budget in a way that improves lives across Colorado.

Describe your leadership style.

I like to begin with the end in mind and make sure everyone is well equipped and resourced to complete the task at hand. My role as a leader is to make sure people have the tools they need to be successful and support them as necessary so they can accomplish at their full potential.

What are the most important duties of the state treasurer?

The most important thing a treasurer can do is ensure our state's public dollars are invested safely, transparently and productively. The treasurer is a voting member of the PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association) board and can play an active role in restoring PERA to solvency. PERA is Colorado's pension plan for public employees, and it's severely underfunded. Finally, the treasurer oversees the Great Colorado Payback program and the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund.

What policy changes would you implement?

As treasurer, I will work to make sure our public dollars are invested here in Colorado. I will work with the PERA board, the Legislature and governor to restore PERA to solvency in a way that doesn't leave our seniors out in the cold during retirement. I will solve issues plaguing the Great Colorado Payback program. Right now, the process for people to get their property back from the treasurer's office is too bureaucratic.

If elected, what will your top priority be in January?

Putting PERA on a sustainable pathway while protecting the defined-benefit plan is my top priority for January. We need to make sure our seniors are not left out in the cold during retirement. In fact, making sure that all citizens in Colorado are planning well for retirement, and saving effectively for their family's post-secondary education needs, is vitally important. As treasurer, I'll make sure government works for all of Colorado.