Welcome
Effective Leadership for HD-22 and Colorado
Husband - Father - Veteran - Volunteer
Campaign Announcements and Blog Posts
Why I'm running for office
Freedom for Everyone
"Leaders don't spend all day insulting people and blaming others. Leaders DO THE WORK!"
-- Minnesota Governor and VP Candidate Tim Walz, Aug. 22, 2024.
I'm running to represent House District 22 because I believe my district needs a leader who serves all of us. Unfortunately, that's not what we have in our current HD-22 representative, Ken DeGraaf.
Ken DeGraaf is failing us. He's not digging in and doing the hard work of thoughtfully considering legislation, making alliances, and then working to pass legislation that helps everyone in our district. Instead, he's treating his elected position as a platform for his ultra-Conservative agenda.
Just take a look at the speeches he's made on the House floor, or his X (Twitter) feed. You'll see he's not concerned with the issues of working families in Colorado Springs. He's just insulting people and blaming others. We deserve better.
I've lived in this district since 2005. My wife and I raised our children here; they attended Jenkins Middle School and Doherty High School. I know our district is full of hard-working individuals with families to support and mortgages or rent to pay. We want government that works for us; fixing the roads, keeping us safe from crime and educating our children to be productive citizens who care.
I've spent a lifetime in service to my country, first as an Air Force officer, then as a government civil servant and now as a volunteer for Care and Share Foodbank and the Space Foundation. I want to continue to serve you by representing you in the Colorado Legislature. I promise I'll listen to your concerns, I'll prioritize this district, and I'll DO THE WORK to make life better for everyone.
-- Michael Pierson, Lt. Col., USAF (ret)
Candidate, Colorado HD-22
"Democracy isn’t just a bunch of abstract principles and dusty laws in some book somewhere. It’s the values we live by. It’s the way we treat each other, including those who don’t look like us or pray like us or see the world exactly like we do." -- President Barack Obama, Aug. 20, 2024.
My Stances on the Issues that Matter
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Update: Listen to my ideas on housing
Regulation: I believe that, as much as possible, capitalism and free markets should prevail, but that all parts of our economy have a responsibility to “do no harm” to their neighbors, their workers, or to the reputation of Colorado. I think history has shown that Colorado’s businesses are innovative
Update: Listen to my ideas on housing
Regulation: I believe that, as much as possible, capitalism and free markets should prevail, but that all parts of our economy have a responsibility to “do no harm” to their neighbors, their workers, or to the reputation of Colorado. I think history has shown that Colorado’s businesses are innovative, efficient, and operate in the public good. Unfortunately, there have been horrible cases of Colorado businesses that have violated the public’s trust and done real harm. The sickening case of Return to Nature Funeral Homes’ alleged abuse of our honored dead illustrates where state government must step in to regulate some businesses, professions, and trades to ensure they operate safely and honestly.
Unions: Government policy must support the important role that unions play in advocating for workers. Unions ensure that workers are safe on the job, that the job is done right, and that workers receive fair pay for a fair day of work. My dad was a union worker, as were many members of my family, and I’ve seen firsthand how unions can and do benefit businesses, governments, workers and their families.
Fairness: We need to put our great wealth and talent to use to benefit everyone. We can have affordable healthcare, great schools, good roads, a clean environment, and security from crime if we manage our growth smartly and we make everyone, including multi-billion-dollar corporations, pay their fair share.
Education
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Update: I'm endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers -- Colorado and the Colorado Education Association!
Both of my children are graduates of Colorado high schools and colleges, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. They both graduated from Doherty High School, in House District 22 (Go Spartans!). My son earned his associate degree
Update: I'm endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers -- Colorado and the Colorado Education Association!
Both of my children are graduates of Colorado high schools and colleges, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. They both graduated from Doherty High School, in House District 22 (Go Spartans!). My son earned his associate degree from Colorado Mountain College after attending Pikes Peak Community (now State) College. He went on to earn a degree in Sports Medicine from Colorado State University and is now a practicing Chiropractor. My daughter earned degrees in Finance and German from the University of Denver and now works for an international consulting company. They’re both married to Colorado natives.
Educators: Teachers are building the next generation of Coloradans; we owe them all the support we can give them to make their jobs and their lives easier. I have a teacher in my family, and I understand how difficult the job is; I marvel at our teachers’ passion and dedication. We need to do all we can to keep them safe and compensate them for the difficult, important work they do.
Public Schools: A democracy, and a capitalist economy, only works if its citizens are well-educated. We must provide all of our children with an education that will allow them to become productive and positive citizens. This means teaching science, technology, math, history, civics, and art to all students in a way that allows them to learn at their own pace, in a safe, supportive environment.
Alternative Education: There is a place for parochial, private and charter schools, as well as home schooling and parents should always have a choice. Parents can, and should, determine what kind of education is appropriate for their children and they should have a voice in public school curriculum. However, a well-funded public education system is vital to democracy because it makes a consistent, high-quality education available to everyone.
K-12 education is mostly a local issue, but the state can and should provide resources, support and security where it makes sense to do so. Higher education is definitely a state-wide issue, and we should do all we can to support Colorado’s community colleges, trade schools, colleges and universities.
Energy, Environment, and Climate
Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
Energy, Environment, and Climate
I came to Colorado with my family in 2005 because the Air Force told me to. I stayed in Colorado when I retired from the Air Force in 2009 because I could not imagine a better place to live. I bought my house because it has a magnificent view of Pikes Peak. My “happy place” is up in those mountains, hiking, fishing, biking, and skiing.
I came to Colorado with my family in 2005 because the Air Force told me to. I stayed in Colorado when I retired from the Air Force in 2009 because I could not imagine a better place to live. I bought my house because it has a magnificent view of Pikes Peak. My “happy place” is up in those mountains, hiking, fishing, biking, and skiing. I’ve lived all over the USA and there’s no place more beautiful than “Colorful Colorado.” I pledge to do everything I can to keep Colorado beautiful, healthy and clean so we can all find our “happy place.”
At the state level, I believe we can find ways to thoughtfully encourage economic development and population growth while protecting the environment. Colorado’s education system is the perfect place to develop tomorrow’s scientists and engineers who can help us lead the nation in this area. There is also a role for nonprofit organizations, ranchers, farmers, the oil and gas industry, miners and others, which doesn’t require government oversite or funding.
I remember a time when it was okay to dump used motor oil down the sewers. Our cars burned lead gas and my dad used gasoline to clean everything! Over the years, we learned better ways to do things so that we didn’t damage the environment -- air, water, soil -- that we all share. We have proven tools at our disposal including public transit, renewable energy, and water conservation that deserve attention and investment; we’ve seen great success in all these areas.
Healthcare
Securing Democracy
Securing Democracy
My wife is a nurse. My son is a chiropractor. I saw the toll that COVID-19 took on them and I consider our healthcare workers heroes. They have devoted their lives to saving ours. They’re at our sides literally from birth to death. We need to treat them better. We need to invest in a healthcare system that keeps up with Colorado’s popul
My wife is a nurse. My son is a chiropractor. I saw the toll that COVID-19 took on them and I consider our healthcare workers heroes. They have devoted their lives to saving ours. They’re at our sides literally from birth to death. We need to treat them better. We need to invest in a healthcare system that keeps up with Colorado’s population growth and ensures that everyone can receive the healthcare they need, when they need it, and at a cost that doesn’t bankrupt them. Healthcare companies are important to providing this care, but profit cannot be their main concern.
I believe health care is a human right. I believe that all of us, women and men, should have the final say on what healthcare is appropriate for our bodies. It’s a matter of freedom. The government should ensure healthcare is safe, affordable, and accessible. The government should not tell us what health care we can and cannot obtain. Life is precious and no one should suffer or die because they can’t afford to see a doctor or because the government refuses to let them get the healthcare they need.
Securing Democracy
Securing Democracy
Securing Democracy
In 2003-4, I was deployed to Iraq. Part of my job was to travel around the country teaching Iraqis about basic democratic ideas in preparation for the first fair elections in their history. I remember the risks the Iraqis took by just attending those meetings and watched with great pride as they held up their inked fingers after voting
In 2003-4, I was deployed to Iraq. Part of my job was to travel around the country teaching Iraqis about basic democratic ideas in preparation for the first fair elections in their history. I remember the risks the Iraqis took by just attending those meetings and watched with great pride as they held up their inked fingers after voting in a real election for the first time. I too, put my life on the line to be there, so I was disgusted with the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capital that showed the whole world how fragile our democracy really is.
Political Peace: The only way America works is if we swear off political violence of all kinds. In my military service, I saw with my own eyes, what happens when people tolerate or encourage violence in the name of their political beliefs. I saw Saddam Hussein’s torture chambers. I saw the Gestapo’s cell blocks. I saw the desperation of people in Africa and Central America who constantly faced threats from criminal gangs or even from their own Army and police forces.
Respect for Elections: We also must respect the peaceful transfer of power. When I win this race, I expect my opponent to concede and step aside. I also expect someone to gear up and run against me in the next election. That’s how democracy works. When we can no longer expect a peaceful political process, everyone is in danger.
Labor
Securing Democracy
Labor
Update: I'm endorsed by the Colorado AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers-Colorado, and the Colorado Education Association
My dad was a union worker and I saw how his unions stood up for him and his friends. The unions negotiated for higher safety standards, including protective equipment. They negotiated pay and benefits that allowe
Update: I'm endorsed by the Colorado AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers-Colorado, and the Colorado Education Association
My dad was a union worker and I saw how his unions stood up for him and his friends. The unions negotiated for higher safety standards, including protective equipment. They negotiated pay and benefits that allowed him to pay his bills while he worked and in retirement and gave him decent healthcare for his entire life. He and my mom worked hard, and I inherited their work ethic.
Unions: Government policy must support the important role that unions play in advocating for workers. Unions ensure that workers are safe on the job, that the job is done right, and that workers receive fair pay for a fair day of work. My dad was a union worker, as were many members of my family, and I’ve seen firsthand how unions can and do benefit businesses, governments, workers and their families.
Fairness: I know my district. We’re working-class people, raising families and running businesses. We’re veterans, construction workers, service workers and professionals. I don’t see race horses, yachts, or private jets in anyone’s backyard around here. So, why are we the kind of people who pay the most in taxes, as a percentage of our income, when the Trust Fund Babys of the world are hiring tax lawyers so they can pay much less than we do? That has to change.
Responsible Spending: When I’m in the Colorado Legislature, I’ll question every penny someone asks for in new spending. My priority will be getting a return on our investment, not in making political statements.
Senior Issues and Rights
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
My mom died of cancer only days after her diagnosis. She had been working full-time, even though she was in her 70s. My dad died in the Ohio Veterans Home after suffering with dementia for years. Cherish every moment you have with your older family members, love them and protect them. While you’re at it, learn from them; they’ve made it
My mom died of cancer only days after her diagnosis. She had been working full-time, even though she was in her 70s. My dad died in the Ohio Veterans Home after suffering with dementia for years. Cherish every moment you have with your older family members, love them and protect them. While you’re at it, learn from them; they’ve made it this far and probably have some wisdom you can use.
As a state, we must ensure that our seniors and their caretakers receive support and protection. That support can be provided through government programs or through charities and non-profits. The state can set rules that protect seniors from abuse and discrimination, allowing our seniors to be fully valued and productive. We should also look at ways we can honor our seniors and involve them in mentoring and teaching younger generations.
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
Update: I'm endorsed by VoteVets, a national organization supporting Veterans and their families.
My entire professional life was one of service, a background I will take with me to Denver as I serve the people of Colorado's House District 22.
I served in the US Air Force as an active-duty officer for 20 years. I deployed to Central Ame
Update: I'm endorsed by VoteVets, a national organization supporting Veterans and their families.
My entire professional life was one of service, a background I will take with me to Denver as I serve the people of Colorado's House District 22.
I served in the US Air Force as an active-duty officer for 20 years. I deployed to Central America, the Middle East and Africa. I took part in military operations, on the ground and in the air, where I saw the power of America’s military and the competence and compassion of America’s servicemembers. There are none finer in all the world.
After I retired from active duty, I served as a government civilian for another 12 years, helping to stand up US Space Command and Space Force. My civilian and military roles were to ensure the military and public were openly communicating so they would trust each other and work together. If there was a problem, I ensured the military was open about it and I worked with local civic and political leaders to find solutions.
Colorado supports four major military installations staffed by thousands of military and civilian personnel. Colorado needs to do all we can to support our military neighbors, including making provisions for their unique lifestyle. Military families struggle to find adequate, affordable housing, healthcare and education as they’re forced to move in and out of Colorado; we need to do more to cut red-tape for them. We need to protect our Colorado National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from losing their jobs or their homes when they’re called to duty. We also need to work closely with our installation commanders to provide the infrastructure they need – power, roads, water and more – so they can support the national security missions on their bases. The same goes to support for our homeland security and other federal agencies who work to keep us safe and secure.
Immigration
State, Defense, and Homeland Security
Immigration
My ancestors were Lithuanian and Irish. They came to America to escape genocide and starvation. Today’s immigrants are still fleeing violence and economic desperation. I’ve worked in Africa, the Middle East, Central America and Europe and have seen first-hand what they’re running from. I’ve also seen what they're running to; the hope, t
My ancestors were Lithuanian and Irish. They came to America to escape genocide and starvation. Today’s immigrants are still fleeing violence and economic desperation. I’ve worked in Africa, the Middle East, Central America and Europe and have seen first-hand what they’re running from. I’ve also seen what they're running to; the hope, the freedom, and the opportunity that is America.
The US immigration system is broken. It’s overwhelmed and underfunded. We need to pressure our federal government to get its act together and find ways to give migrants their immigration hearings within weeks, not months or years. Immigration is a federal issue, but migrants are a local and state issue as our communities host a tidal wave of newcomers. Colorado needs to care for and protect migrants and do all we can to include them in our society until they achieve citizenship or are sent back to their country of origin.
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