Though I've volunteered on several campaigns, this year is the first time I've been brave enough to walk door to door with a candidate. What a positive experience it has been walking with Representative Debbie Benefield, who is running for re-election in State House District 29. After walking the neighborhoods of Westminster and north Arvada, Benefield has some great stories to tell.

It is a small world. Benefield rang a door bell in the new neighborhood of Five Parks in Arvada. Much to Benefield's surprise, the woman who opened the door was the friend and co-worker who, 30 years ago, took Benefield to vote for the very first time.

Promises kept. In September the residents of HD29 received a mailing from Benefield. This mailing promised that Benefield would be walking all the neighborhoods of HD29, reaching out to her constituents. One Arvada resident thought to herself, "I haven't seen her out here." That very day Benefield came to her front door. The resident admitted her thoughts to Benefield and was very impressed that Benefield had been true to her word.

Personal connection. A friendly man answered the door one evening. Benefield identified herself, chatted for a few minutes and then asked the man for his support. He told Benefield that no politician had ever before personally asked him for his vote. He said that despite being a member from another political party, her visit to his door would directly influence his decision on how to cast his vote.

Representative government can and will serve the people of Colorado well as long as we elect responsible candidates who truly have our best interests at heart. I believe Debbie Benefield has demonstrated her commitment to the citizens of HD29 and deserves our support.

Cindy Kirby