Tracy Kraft-Tharp, candidate for House District 29

Party:Democrat

City: Arvada

Profession: Policy Consultant/State Legislator

Campaign Website: TracyForStateRep.com

What makes you the best choice for this office?

I have deep roots in our community. Prior to serving in the legislature the last 6 years, I worked as Family Tree’s Director of Adolescent and Battered Women Services and as a consultant with nonprofits and small businesses. I volunteered with the city of Arvada Human Resources and Citizens Capital Recommendation Councils, Jeffco School District Accountability Committee.  I served as a member with League of Women Voters, Jeffco PTA and Northwest Business and Professional Women.

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

The Legislature needs to work in partnership with local communities. Several measures have been passed including construction defect laws, affordable housing tax credits, transparency in rental payments. The good news is that housing costs seem to be leveling out. The bad news is that many people have bought homes for high prices and are tied into high rental leases. I've been working with our local human services about different options.

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

We need to invest in our transportation system including a robust public transportation system. I am supporting "Let's Go Colorado" on the ballot this November because it invests in our state highways, transit and local communities. Priorities on different projects are established at the local level.

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

It really depends on the results of this election. If the education and transportation funding initiatives do not pass, we will continue to face tough funding decisions between non constitutionally mandated programs such as mental health, developmental disabilities and higher education.

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

Colorado has the most convoluted and complicated sales and use tax system with 750 taxing entities. I am the Chair of the Streamlining Sales & Use Tax Streamlining Committee and am working on different solutions to make remittal of taxes less complicated.