When Representative Debbie Benefield was invited to visit with members of the National Association of Letters Branch 47 carriers at their monthly meeting, she accepted without hesitation.

Benefield feels a true connection with your letter carrier -- each has walked miles through your neighborhood this summer, often through blazing heat. Both also care deeply for the communities where they live and work.

After introducing herself to the carriers as a mother, Arvada resident and longtime PTA activist Benefield discussed the nature of her office. Most letter carrier issues are dealt with at the federal level. However, issues such as education, consumer rights and the economy affect us all. While letter carriers enjoy many protections like health care and job security, their family members may not.

Always willing to listen to her constituents, Benefield opened the floor to comments and questions. The letter carriers took advantage and asked some tough questions.

Where do you stand on immigration? Benefield sponsored legislation HB 1020, which would prohibit employers from claiming employees' wages as a deductible business expense if they cannot verify that employee is a legal U.S. resident.

What is your voting record on union/working family issues? During Benefield's first term, she voted to improve health care, improve our education system and protect Colorado citizens from identity theft and Internet predators, along with many other working family-friendly issues.

Don't you think the government makes too many laws? Benefield agreed. She feels a large part of her job as a legislator is to refine already existing laws so that they accomplish what they were intended to accomplish. For example, the state law, which requires new drivers to log 50 hours of practice driving with an adult, did not include language requiring the adult to be a Colorado licensed driver.

Why do you seek re-election? So far Benefield has only served one two-year term. "Now that I've learned the system and built lasting relationships, I can really dig in and work on the issues important to the residents of House District 29. One of my most important goals is to see that every child has a quality education," Benefield said.It can be difficult for a freshman representative to achieve significant change as a returning member of the House. Benefield can jump right in and work to keep the promises she has made to her constituents.

Benefield stayed until the carriers ran out of questions, after which one carrier asked the members to get active and support Benefield's campaign.

Like the letter carrier, Benefield will continue to make her rounds through the neighborhood. She looks forward to talking face to face with residents and listening to their comments and concerns.

The General Election will be Nov. 7. However, early votingbegins on Oct. 23 at Arvada Motor Vehicle and Standley Lake Public Library, and your vote counts.