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Campaign Updates>
Josh Penry on Key Campaign Issues
May 17, 2006
Josh Penry on key campaign issues...
Water. As our population in Western Colorado grows, we
need more water -- that means building new reservoirs and
expanding those that already exist. In the Statehouse, I
authored a new Interbasin Water Compact negotiation
framework, a process focused on building and expanding
reservoirs. The bill has been called the most significant
water legislation in Colorado in 50 years. I’ll continue
to push this process toward water solutions. Meeting the
water needs of our fast growing region by expanding water
storage capacity will be my top priority in the Senate.
Budget, taxes and government spending. I have and will
continue to put the needs of taxpayers ahead of the wishes
of government. I led the push to force the Legislature to
pay off debt and save during this period of economic
prosperity, so that the next time the economy turns
downward the Legislature won’t have a reason to ask the
taxpayers for more of their hard-earned money.
Unfortunately, the big-spenders in the Colorado Senate
killed the plan. They just didn’t have the discipline it
takes to save; they couldn’t resist the urge to spend.
Clearly, the Senate needs a strong voice for the taxpayer
and fiscal discipline. That’s exactly what I’ll provide.
Illegal Immigration. I believe that the United States
needs to defend its border. The consequences of our broken
border are disastrous– whether it’s the explosion of the
methamphetamine trade from Mexico (the overwhelming
majority of Meth in Colorado comes via the southern
border), the prospect that foreign terrorists could freely
enter into the United States, or the enormous social,
economic and budgetary impacts associated with a rapidly
growing population of illegal residents. The federal
government needs to get tough on the border – period. But
Colorado should do its part too. In the Statehouse, I
co-sponsored legislation that would punish “Sanctuary
Cities” (e.g. those cities that have refused to cooperate
with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws),
supported tough new sanctions against the “Coyotes” that
smuggle immigrants into our State, co-sponsored a bill that
would prohibit State contracts from going to businesses
that hire unlawful residents, and I support a ballot
initiative that would deny non-emergency taxpayer-funded
services to those who do not reside in Colorado legally.
Education. No job is more important than educating the
next generation of Coloradans. Parents should have the
power to send their child to the school of their choice,
and we should hold our public schools to high standards.
Colorado needs to re-focus its education system to make
early childhood development the top priority, and ensure
that students at all levels receive corrective and remedial
education services when they are not proficient at their
grade level.
The Sanctity of Life. I believe that human life -- living
and unborn -- is sacred and deserving of protection by our
laws. I am proudly and consistently pro-life.
2nd Amendment. The 2nd Amendment is a Constitutional
cornerstone of this great Republic. I will defend your 2nd
Amendment freedoms in the Senate – not some of the time,
not most of the time, but every single time.
Energy production. Growth in the energy sector has sent
Western Colorado’s economy surging. Energy production
has meant more and better paying jobs, and new tax revenues
for our schools and roads. But it also has brought
challenges. We need policies that encourage thoughtful and
balanced energy production, in a way that accommodates
surface owners and our water and wildlife. We also need to
keep our mineral severance tax dollars in the impacted
communities. Some have tried to make the energy debate a
zero sum game, with energy production on one side and
wildlife, water and surface owners on the other. I reject
this mindset. Through the implementation of thoughtful
policies and the use of best practices and technology,
Western Colorado can balance the tremendous economic
opportunities derived from the energy sector in a way that
protects our quality of life.
Marriage. Marriage is between a man and woman. I do not
and will not support extending marital rights to those who
fall outside the centuries-old definition of marriage.
Public lands. The public lands belong to the public. They
should be managed for the enjoyment, recreation and
responsible use of this generation and those to come. I
will advocate the balanced use of our federal lands at
every opportunity.
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