Julia Varnell-Sarjeant, candidate for state Senate District 30

Party: Democratic

City or town of residence: Highlands Ranch

Profession: Retired aerospace

Campaign website: https://juliaforcostatesenate30.com

What makes you the best choice for this office?

I listen to my constituents. I support public neighborhood schools. I want to re-establish credits for renewable energy. I want to limit big money in our elections. I want to increase light rail and public transportation in our metro areas. As a Ph.D. in Computer Science Systems Engineering with a background in cyber security, I want to protect all the private data we share with the state, including election data.

What can the Legislature do to ease the strain of rising housing prices on Colorado residents?

The problem is as much stagnant wages as high housing prices. However, we do need to offer incentives to build affordable housing instead of oversized, overpriced houses. There are too many luxury homes being built and not enough working family homes. We also need to assess ways to get wages high enough to pay for housing. It is ridiculous that companies offer less than a living wage while requiring a college diploma.

What can be done to ensure the state's transportation system will be able to accommodate continued population growth?

We need a light rail network throughout the Front Range and into the mountains. We need ecofriendly buses to coordinate with the light rail to move people to their destinations. In addition, we need to ensure that our roads and bridges are in good repair. We should also encourage companies to allow telecommuting whenever practical, and to allow flexible hours.

What two issues demand more attention in the upcoming Legislative session than they received in the previous one?

1.) Cost of prescriptions was not addressed and needs to be. Colorado needs to join with other states to negotiate drug prices, and if necessary, contract with companies to produce life critical drugs for our residents. 2 .) Money in politics was not addressed. We need to remove dark and big outside money from all statewide, assembly, county and local races and initiatives.

If elected, what must you accomplish in order for you to consider your term a success?

Lower cost of prescriptions for Colorado residents. Improve funding for Colorado schools and add pre-K. Address money in politics. Enact environmental protection laws to cover regulations recently relaxed at EPA. Re-establish credits for renewable energy and extend to new developments. Get the light rail that Highlands Ranch residents have been paying on for 10 years finally started/done. Enact legislation ensuring that families of first responders killed on duty that be provided for by the state.