A fairly quiet state House of Representatives race in southern El Paso County is in a district with no incumbent. In HD 21, it’s a classic case of an established politico versus an unknown but enthusiastic citizen. Former Fountain City Councilwoman Lois Landgraf is up against local Albert Sweet.

When asked what the most important issue is facing the district, Landgraf answered simply, “Jobs.”

“We need to do everything we can to stimulate business,” Landgraf said. “ One of the most important things to do about that is to undo some of the things that have been done in the past, as far as fees, taxes, unfunded mandates, and so on.”

Landgraf said one of the reasons she’s running is because she was recruited.

A former contractor, veteran and longtime precinct chair, Sweet said his main issue is that ordinary people don’t have a voice in government.

“The key issue is it shouldn’t be this hard to run for office,” Sweet said. “Parties should be like giant telephone trees. It would be meeting the duties of the party, to make sure the electorate is informed.”

Landgraf stomped Sweet at the El Paso County Assembly in March, taking 67 percent to Sweet’s 33 percent.

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