Last Wednesday, the DU Democrats hosted a discussion forum and meet-and-greet with the Democratic candidates for the Colorado State House of Representatives District 2 seat, which will be open in the upcoming 2014 election.

Candidates Owen Perkins, Aaron Silverstein and Alec Garnett attended the event, which saw a turnout of approximately 15 students and community members. The candidates circulated between three tables, speaking about themselves and their campaigns at each table. The event was held in the Anderson Academic Commons.
A common theme among the candidates was the importance of getting more college-aged voters involved in elections.

“I think we need to be more proactive about letting people have a stake and get involved, get engaged and participate,” said Silverstein. “I think the political process is narrowing the voices of people who have been allowed to participate – I am running to open up the conversation.”

Perkins discussed his passion for building working groups and political organizing.

“I have a special satisfaction in getting people engaged,” said Perkins. “So much of that is starting small and starting in the neighborhood.”

Garnett cited his former work as a legislative assistant to congressman Ed Perlmutter and the experiences he gained from the work, which he says he will utilize as a member of the Colorado House of Representatives.

“That opportunity that was given to me as a young man was never lost on me, and it is something I want to make sure I not only give back, but that I nurture in our community,” said Garnett. “We need to get more young people involved in the legislative and Democratic processes.”

Both Perkins and Garnett addressed the issue of college debt, each referencing their support of Oregon’s “pay it forward” plan, which eliminates student tuition payment while attending school, and instead requires students to pay three percent of their annual salaries into an education fund for 24 years after they graduate.

“The state house is a place we can tackle student loan debt,” said Garnett. “Legislature is a place you can look at crazy ideas that come out of classes at DU and apply them at the state level.”

All of the candidates discussed their support of marriage equity, governmental stipulations for protection against climate change and increased funding for education.

“We are past the point of crisis, especially in the West,” said Perkins about environmental measures. “We are starting to move to a point where we are outgrowing our resources.”

Each candidate used their time at the tables to discuss their qualifications for the seat in the House, as well as how they plan to reach out to voters in upcoming months.

“Let’s bring in that conversation about what kind of Colorado we want to see … and move it away from the narrow conversation of this month’s profit margins and this month’s polling numbers,” said Silverstein.

Garnett said his former experience would aid his campaign.

“I can push our Democratic values on the state level,” he said. “People who know me know I will work around the clock.”

Perkins also focused on his former experiences as County Officer and House District Captain.

“We are pretty strong as a Democratic party here…and it gives us the opportunity to lead throughout the state, I think, and to help other places where our progressive strength and our progressive legacy can really have an impact,” he said.