Article Contributed on: 10/1/2008 4:35:30 PM
Mark Ferrandino is running for State House District 2 and answered a questionnaire for YourHub.com. To read all of the candidate questionnaires,
click here.
Name:
Mark Ferrandino
Seat you are seeking: State Representative, House District 2
Age: 31
Family:
Greg, partner
Occupation: Fiscal/Budget Analyst
Hometown: Bardonia, New York
Your Web site:
www.markferrandino.com
Favorite local place to hang out: The Hornet on First and Broadway
What do you like most about living here?: House District 2 is a very diverse district full of great hard working people. Throughout the district you find great neighborhoods and great people who care about their community. In House District 2 you can find some of the best food, including great Mexican and Asian food on Federal Boulevard, or great new American restaurants on Broadway. In each neighborhood there is a sense of community with strong history and great parks, including Ruby Hill Park that is enjoyed by all of Denver's children during the winter when there is rail park setup for urban snowboarding and skiing
Interests & hobbies: Trumpet, Running, Biking, Skiing
Favorite TV show: "Meet the Press" and "Boston Legal"
Favorite Web site:
www.politico.com,
www.theonion.com
How you have contributed to the community: I have had the honor of representing House District 2 in the Colorado House of Representatives for the past year. During the last year I have fought to make health care more affordable, to improve our education system, and to strengthen our economy. In addition, I have served as a Co-Captain of the House District 2 Democrats, and an active member of the Baker Historic Neighborhood Association. I have also served as Treasurer of the Colorado Democratic Party for 3 years, and as Co-Chair of the Colorado Stonewall Democrats.
People who inspired you (and how): There are many people in my life and through history that I look to for inspiration. However, when I look at whom I admire the most, I keep going back to my parents. They both dedicated their lives to improving the lives of children in New York City as teachers and then administrators. While working to make sure they helped their students, they always made sure that our family was taken care of and that they were there for my brother, sister and myself. Because of all they have done for me, and for all the children they have helped to push to reach their potential, my parents are my heroes.
What are the biggest issues facing your constituency now: As I knock on the doors of the people in House District 2 I hear about their concerns. They include a lagging economy, the lack of health care coverage, the need to improve education, and the problem with graffiti. Many people are struggling day to day to get by with increased prices for energy and no real increases in wages.
I will continue to fight to lower the cost of energy by fighting for a comprehensive energy strategy, and fight for jobs that provide a livable wage. I hear stories about the struggles people face who have no insurance, or who are under-insured. I will continue to fight to ensure that people in Colorado have access to affordable quality health care.
I also hear from parents who worry about the schools in House District 2 that are not all providing the education needed by our children. I will continue to work to fund early childhood education, and to reform our schools to ensure our children are learning the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Lastly, graffiti is a problem in our district that is hurting the neighborhoods. I will continue to work with Denver City Council to crack down on graffiti and to provide our children with after-school options that will keep them off the streets.