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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter visited the Sturm College of Law last week, seeking to widen support for his campaign for Colorado governor.

Ritter, a former Denver district attorney, spoke about the issues facing Colorado as well as how, if elected, he would work to address those issues.

Ritter was introduced by Mary Ricketson, Dean of the College of Law, and Karen Steinhauser, a visiting assistant professor of Law.

Steinhauser, a former chief deputy district attorney for Denver, spoke briefly about her personal experiences working with Ritter.

“Ritter is one of the most ethical, professional human beings I have ever met,” said Steinhauser.

She also went on to say that Ritter has and will continue to demonstrate an unswerving commitment to doing what is right.

Ritter framed his comments with strong views about the current state of Colorado.

“We find ourselves at a time where we need vision,” said Ritter.

The vision that Ritter wants to make reality is one based on a belief in fundamental role of government in people’s lives. He believes the government should be about protecting people.

However, Ritter stated, if the state government is going to do this, it will have to do it in “innovative ways.”

As an example of how he plans to approach the governorship, Ritter recalled his eleven and a half years working as the district attorney.

As district attorney, Ritter mentioned the hard work that went into taking innovative approaches to reduce crime, while never compromising his commitment to protecting people.

Ritter believes one of the most pressing issues facing Coloradians is health care.

He gave the statistic that within Colorado, 707,000 people live without health insurance; of that number, 180,000 are under the age of 18.

Ritter stated health care is an issue that is not receiving the national attention it should.

Instead, Ritter said, “this is a problem that is being taken on by governors.”

Furthermore, Ritter said he believes that the state government has a legitimate role to play in health care and health insurance.

One approach that Ritter expressed his views on was energy independence.

“Our state government has been silent on this issue,” said Ritter. “There has been a complete lack of conversation at a time when we need to discuss this.”

He said that Colorado has the opportunity to take a leading position in alternative energy reform.

Ritter also addressed Colorado’s education system. Colorado currently ranks as the fourth highest state in the U.S. in terms of the number of college graduates, but at the same time is 30th in terms of numbers of college graduates.

Ritter said he is determined to work hard on education in three ways.

First, by working to close the achievement gap.

Second, to increase the overall quality of education by focusing on helping teachers.

Third, to make higher education a reality for people who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

“We are not investing in giving people the opportunity for the American Dream,” said Ritter. “We will work to change that.”