Kamala Vanderkolk, candidate for state House District 39

Party: Democratic

City or town of residence: Roxborough

Profession: Graphic designer

Campaign website: kamala39.com

What makes you the best choice for this office?

I'm a very active member of my community. I have lots of experience in different areas of government getting things done, from training our soldiers to advocating for landmine removal, to informing the public about fair international trade policies. Now I want to take my skills to the state Capitol and advocate on behalf of District 39 (most of Douglas and all of Teller County). I will NOT be a rubber stamp for special interests.

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

Both our state and local governments need to make an effort to ensure that all residents of Colorado have affordable housing options. Our firefighters, police, teachers, and paramedics need to be able to afford to live in the communities they serve. Without enough affordable condos and starter homes ($150K-$300K), the state's housing market prices OUR RESIDENTS out of the market, but invites plenty of people to move here from even more expensive states.

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

Due to induced traffic (or latent demand), adding more lanes to a congested road will not be a cure-all solution. We must invest in appropriate multimodal transportation options for their communities. We need to consider alternatives to RTD for those who live and work off the tracks. Carpools (sometimes called slug lines) have worked with great success in other cities, and could be very effective here in Colorado's busiest areas.

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

It was disappointing to see our state government ignore the pleas of Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock to ensure that Blue Lives Matter (Red Flag law). As the sister of a police officer, this was extremely frustrating. As a mom of two (plus an exchange student), ensuring that all students graduate from Colorado high schools with necessary preparation and training for whatever comes next (college, trade school, military, or the work force) is crucial to our state's success.

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

My goal is to listen to my constituents and take their concerns to the Capitol and advocate on their behalf. With districts drawn to ensure our representatives don't have to listen to us, a vital element of our government is failing the citizens of Colorado. It is time that our representatives put people above party and serve those who elected them, and even those who didn't.