Article Contributed on: 10/9/2008 2:51:29 PM
Dan Gibbs is running for Senate District 16 and answered a questionnaire for YourHub.com. To read all of the candidate questionnaires,
click here.
My name: Dan Gibbs
My age: 32
My Family: Father,
Ron; Mother,
Susan; Sister,
Melissa; Brother,
Jeff; Partner,
Johanna; Dog,
Tuff
Education: B.A. Western State College of Colorado; Ongoing grad school classes University of Colorado Denver; Type II Wildland Firefighter certification
What I do: Current State Senator, Former HD 56 State Representative, Former Regional Director of Congressman
Mark Udall's Western Slope office, Current Wildland Firefighter, former manager of an outdoor recreation business.
My favorite local place to hang out: Whenever I go anywhere in my district I like to find some of the popular hangouts in the area. In Evergreen, for example, I love stopping by the One World Café. Places like that offer great food, great service, and a great mix of people to chat and visit with.
What I like most about living here: The outdoors has always been a major attraction in my district, and we live in one if the most beautiful parts of the country. Still, even with all the natural beauty my district has to offer, it's the people in my district that I truly love. Over the years, it has been my neighbors and fellow Coloradans from all over the district who have made this area a truly wonderful place to recreate, work and live.
My interests and hobbies: I enjoy many of the recreational opportunities that my district has to offer. I am sportsman, long distance runner, hiker, skier, and I jump on any opportunity to play a game of basketball. When I'm not enjoying the beautiful Colorado outdoors, I enjoy reading a book or watching a good movie.
My favorite thing to cook: My favorite thing to cook is chili. You can do so much with it and tailor it to the tastes of whoever you're cooking for!
People who inspire me (and how):Theodore Roosevelt. An independent thinker that had the vision to protect our most treasured natural resources, a sportsman and a real straight shooter who wasn't afraid to take on powerful interests for the betterment of American citizens. He put people first.
How I have contributed to the community: I have been involved in my community for years in a number of ways. I have served as a youth buddy mentor, been a high school ski coach, and have served on a number of community boards and councils like the Colorado Tourism Office. I am an active member of Rotary and Lyon's Club and work to protect my community as a Type II certified Wildland Firefighter. I served for years as a regional director for Congressman Mark Udall and I have spent the last two years serving my community through public office - first as a state representative and over the last year as Senate District 16's state senator.
The biggest issues facing us now: As a former small business manager, I know that keeping a strong and healthy economic climate for the state of Colorado is a top priority. I think we need to look at bills like the Business Personal Property Tax Exemption which I cosponsored, which allows folks to invest more time and money back into their businesses. I think we can look for proactive ways to encourage a strong business environment while maintaining our Colorado values.
Why I am running: I am running because I want to continue making a difference in the lives of the people I represent. I think that there is a need in the legislature for common sense solutions, and I have a strong commitment to making sure that when our state faces tough issues that we can bring folks together to ensure that the district that I serve prospers and thrives. I have a commitment to helping everyone achieve our uniquely Coloradan way of life and I relish the opportunity to continue working hard for every single person in my district.