Article Contributed on: 9/16/2008 1:38:45 PM
Ken Summers is running for House District 22 and answered a questionnaire for YourHub.com. To read all of the candidate questionnaires,
click here.
My name: Ken Summers
My age: 54
My Family: Wife:
Debbie (married 32 years) son:
Christian (daughter-in-law:
Bridget); daughter:
Stephanie (son-in-law
Nathan); grandson's:
Riley,
Mason and
Caedmon
Education: B.A. Business-Education, University of Northern Colorado; Masters, Nonprofit Management, Regis University
What I do: Executive Director, Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains (a faith-based drug and alcohol recovery program)
My favorite place in town to hang out: Home
What I like most about living here: overall quality of life, weather, parks and bike trails, great people
My interests and hobbies: jogging, biking and grandkids
My favorite thing to cook: I specialize in eating
People who inspire me (and how): My wife, who serves as a hospice nurse with professionalism and passion. Others who follow their dreams, take action to make a difference and find themselves in a place where they never would have dreamed or planned.
How I have contributed to the community: I served as a pastor for 28 years. I am a Rotarian and served as the past-president of South Jeffco Rotary. I have served as a credit union board member. I have been a special district board member and a public school board member. I established a nonprofit to mentor children of prisoners; the drug and alcohol recovery program I lead provides services to individuals regardless of ability to pay. I have represented the citizens of house district 22 the last two years in the State House.
The biggest issues facing us now: Colorado has the resources to make a significant contribution to the energy crisis. Both in traditional and renewable energy sources. This must be accomplished in a thoughtful and prudent manner that results in a positive impact on the economy and reduces energy costs. We must ensure our children receive an education that prepares them with 21st century skills. We need to ensure a vibrant economy through understanding the impact of regulation and taxes on small business. We need to address health care issues such as administrative costs, Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates and other cost drivers in order to make health care affordable. We must not forget the impact of illegal immigration on our health care, education and social service systems. We must enforce laws and do what we can on a state level while understanding the need for federal action in this important area.
Why I am running: As a Colorado native I want to use my 30 years of organizational and community service and my first term of legislative experience, to work with other leaders in addressing key issues and to ensure that Colorado will be the best place to live and work and raise a family for children and grandchildren.