This week I announced I'm running for the Colorado House of Representatives House District 45 seat. Representative Victor Mitchell currently serves in the position, and announced he will not be running for re-election.

As a resident of the 45th district for 25 of my 30 years in Douglas County, I'm proud of my active participation in the community as both a private citizen and as an elected official. To use today's younger slang, it's in my heart to serve "my peeps." (my people)

I served 8 years as your Republican County Clerk and Recorder and was formerly the President of the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce. I worked in the newspaper business for 7 years. Now, I'm the legislative liaison for the Douglas County School District.

My heart is firmly planted here in southern Douglas County, where I've lived for 25 of my 30 years in Colorado. I live in Castle Rock with my husband, Lisle Gates, who is the principal of Castle View High School. He's quite a character, as those of you who know him will confirm. I'll talk to you more later!