1 week Ago
Republican state Rep. Mary Bradfield is facing Democratic challenger Liz Rosenbaum in the race to represent the Fountain and Fort Carson area in state House District 21. Bradfield said if reelected she would prioritize affordable housing, behavioral health accessibility and public safety.
While Rosenbaum expected to work on investing in the local economy, funding education, and clean water and air. It’s a rematch for the two former teachers, who competed to represent the right-leaning district in 2020. Bradfield had a far larger war chest at the end of September with $18,000 on hand compared with Rosenbaum’s $3,700 on hand.
State Rep. Mary Bradfield [email protected] marybradfield.
com 719-330-6732 Liz Rosenbaum [email protected] LizRosenbaumco.com 719-661-5108 Bradfield said her experience in the legislature sets her apart and noted that as a member of the minority party she has worked with Democrats to pass bills, including extending an income tax reduction for retired veterans.
Without support from Democrats, Republicans can’t pass bills, she explained. “I am pleased that the bills that I have proposed to Democrats have been in alignment with what they see as necessary,” she said. Rosenbaum, a founder of the Founder Valley Clean Water Coalition and a health care broker, noted she also has experience advocating at the state level for health care bills and seven bills aimed at addressing PFAS contamination in water.
The chemicals that do not break down in the human body were found in Fountain’s groundwater. The city of Fountain, Security and Widefield water districts are now treating the water for the chemicals. She would also like to see the settlement money from the corporations that produced forever chemicals help pay for health care that the community needs.
She noted most people travel north to Colorado Springs for health care. Bradfield’s focus is on housing affordability by lifting permits, fees and eliminating unnecessary restrictions. When it comes to behavioral health, Bradfield said, the state has invested millions into the Behavioral Health Administration and it’s time for the office to deliver.
“I think they are ready to show us that they can stand on their own and deliver services,” she said. Bradfield also wants ensure that fire and police agencies receive the funding and equipment they need. Rosenbaum said she would work to bring grants and other public investment to the area.
For example, she worked with Wigwam Mutual Water Company, a small rural provider, on obtaining state grants focused on filtering PFAS contamination. When it comes to education, she would work to ensure that it is fully funded and schools are not giving up revenue as incentives to companies. Contact the writer at (719) 429-9264.
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