Article Contributed on: 10/3/2008 5:10:53 PM
Linda Newell is running for State Senate District 26 and answered a questionnaire for YourHub.com. To read all of the candidate questionnaires,
click here.
Name: Linda Newell
Seat you are seeking: State Senate District 26
Age: 51
Family: Single mom. Daughters: Kate , 20 and Brittany, 18 Dog: Bailey and Cat: T.C. (The Cat)
Occupation: Business Consultant
Hometown: Born in Oregon, Raise in Orange County, California
Your Web site: www.linda4senate.com
Favorite local place to hang out: Downtown Littleton or one of our parks
What do you like most about living here?: The incomparable beauty, the balance of life and work here and the people - the volunteerism is wonderful here. When called upon, people really show up for each other. And the variety of opportunities in Colorado in business, charities, nature and the arts.
Interests & hobbies: Singing, acting, dancing, TV/video production, hiking, writing, reading, volunteering for Littleton High School Encore program, Rockies games, NASCAR races
Favorite TV show: Don't have much time to watch it anymore, but love to watch
C-SPAN, Dancing with the Stars and the Rockies
Favorite Web site: www.snopes.com and
www.thedenverchannel.com for weather!
People who inspired you (and how): My mother, who just passed away in May, taught me to get involved in my community at an early age because it is our responsibility to support each other and contribute to the community in whatever way we can. She role modeled that no matter how much is on your plate, you can always find time to serve others or volunteer. So many programs would not even exist without the foundation of the volunteers. There is no more honorable duty than to serve another selflessly.
How you have contributed to the community: I have taught self-esteem and conflict management methods to people of all ages in Denver Metro schools and through the The Conflict Center in Denver. I have also mentored teens in leadership development and young girls through Girl Scouts. In every company I've worked, I have tried to make it a better place for employees to work and managers to lead. I have been a workshop facilitator in the Workforce Development Centers teaching welfare-to-workers and dislocated workers how to write a resume, interview for a job and maintain self-esteem through the job process. With those who were laid off, I taught those skills in addition to managing change.
What are the biggest issues facing your constituency now: Here's what I'm hearing at the doors of voters:
Economy -- Can I afford a full tank of gas? How will we pay for my child's college? How will I pay this month's bills when I don't get a pay increase at work this year? Or when I've just lost my job? How will I pay my $2500-5000 deductible with my health insurance? Or how will I find health insurance I can afford? How am I going to pay for my car repairs?
And for the businesses: What will we have to cut next in order to pay for employee benefits? How much more will we have to charge for our goods because of gas prices or load-restricted bridges? How will I recruit an educated and skilled workforce with higher education being so expensive?
And how can we work TOGETHER to get some solutions for these?
So, this translates into common-sense solutions like:
§ Building stronger schools and access to them
§ Providing affordable and accessible health care choices
§ Becoming the nation's leader in renewable energy
§ Creating immediate solutions for our transportation crisis
We can do all of this if we come together, in a bipartisan manner and create common-sense solutions that work for all of us.