Name: Holly Hansen
Seat you are seeking: State House District 31
Age:35
Family:Husband Erik, son Quincy (age 6), daughter Grace (age 5)
Occupation:marketing consultant, freelance reporter, adjunct college instructor
Hometown: Independence, Missouri. I have lived in Thornton since 1995.
Your Web site: www.hollyhansen.org
Favorite local place to hang out:Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, Barnes & Noble, Thornton Mile High Karate school and my parents house are my family's favorite places.
What do you like most about living here?:My husband and I decided to settle in this part of Colorado more than a decade ago because we loved the strong sense of community we found here. We also enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities our state has to offer.
Interests & hobbies:Reading (a mix of biographies, non-fiction and "chick lit)", politics, traveling, home improvement projects and spending time with my family.
Favorite TV show: Project Runway
Favorite Web site:msnbc.com
People who inspired you (and how):
My parents, George and Virginia Bowser, have always been an inspiration. I was raised in Independence, Missouri, where my dad owned a mattress manufacturing business and my mom was a kindergarten teacher. Hard economic times forced them to make the tough choice to close a 50-year family-owned small business, but instead of getting down, they looked forward and for new opportunities which brought them to Colorado. Growing up, my brother and I learned the value of education, hard work and personal responsibility through my parents - qualities that serve me on a daily basis. They now also live in House District 31, and nothing would make me more proud than to be able to take what they taught me and represent them in the State Legislature.
I'm also inspired by my husband and my children. In their own right, they have achieved some great accomplishments and I'm amazed by my kids on a daily basis as they learn and grow. I appreciate their support and encouragement.
How you have contributed to the community: I am active as a classroom volunteer at my children's school and participate in church outreach programs.
What are the biggest issues facingyour constituency now: Throughout this campaign, I've knocked on thousands of doors and talked to thousands of voters. The things on their minds fall into three categories:
- Economy - Everyone is talking about our current nationwide economic crisis and unfortunately, Colorado hasn't been immune. We need a state that encourages job growth by creating a favorable environment for small businesses. We need lower taxes so that our families can keep more of their hard-earned money.
- Education - Our kids are falling behind in global education, and citizens have emphasized that we need stringent graduation standards and more efforts to ensure English proficiency.
- Energy - Gas prices are eating away at our families' budgets, so we need a comprehensive energy policy that seeks to tap our state's energy resources like wind, solar, hydro and bio-fuels, and we also need to continue exploration for gas and oil to address our current energy crisis.