Article Contributed on: 9/22/2008 6:20:08 AM
Name: Brandon C. Shaffer
Seat you are seeking: Colorado State Senate, District 17
Age: 37
Family: Jessicca (wife), Dylan (6), Madison (4)
Occupation: Attorney
Hometown: Longmont
Your Web site: www.brandonshaffer.com
Favorite local place to hang out: Ziggi's Coffee, Abbondanza Pizzeria, Texas Roadhouse
What do you like most about living here?: I'm a third generation Coloradan ... I can't imagine living anywhere else. I love the people, the weather and recreational opportunities.
Interests & hobbies: Tennis, drawing and painting, spending time with my family
Favorite TV show: The Office, Monday Night Football, Colorado Rockies Baseball
Favorite Web site: www.google.com
People who inspired you (and how): Devin Shaffer (brother). He always encouraged me to be more than I ever thought I could be.
How you have contributed to the community: I try to be a good husband and father. I pay my taxes and obey the law. I volunteer when and where I am able. I participate in our democracy and work to improve the quality of our education system (P-20), the accessibility and affordability of our health care system, and the strength of our economy.
What are the biggest issues facing your constituency now: The economy and health care. Most people with whom I visit first express concern about the status of our economy. They want to feel stable and secure in their jobs so they can pay their bills and provide for their families. Close behind economic concerns are concerns about the rising costs of health care. Most people realize that they are one major health crisis away from bankruptcy and economic ruin. People want to feel secure about what the future holds. Even if they can't predict when they may get sick or injured, they want to know that there is a health care system available to them that provides high quality service that is both affordable and accessible.