El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf is facing Adriana Cuva, a former teacher, in the race to replace term-limited state Sen. Bob Gardner.

The two are competing to represent a district that covers a portion of western Colorado Springs, the mountain communities along U.S. 24, Fountain and Fort Carson.

The victor will face Democratic House Rep. Marc Snyder in the general election. Snyder is the former mayor of Manitou Springs and running unopposed in his primary.

The Gazette asked candidates what sets them apart, how they would address perceived state overreach and how they would work with the Democratic majority in the legislature if elected.

Stan Vanderwerf

Website: stanvanderwerfcoloradosenate.com

What would be your top priorities next session?

My top priorities are public safety, infrastructure, economy and jobs. From these, many issues needing attention can be derived. Good schools deliver a good workforce. Families deserve safety and security by having attainable housing. Inflation harms the economy, and governments need to better support companies so they can deliver goods and services. Good roads deliver efficient transportation for work and enjoyment. We all need safe communities, but our state is experiencing increased crime, some resulting from improper legislation. Regulatory burdens are at levels where people and businesses are starting to move out. A legislature with proper implementation of law can reduce crime and regulatory burdens. Colorado’s law preventing law enforcement from working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement should be repealed. We need more school choice and flexibility to teach civics, traditional subjects and more life and business skills so our students are ready to enter the workforce.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

I am the only county commissioner [running] and presently carry extensive responsibilities for 750,000 citizens on a wide variety of issues. I am the only military veteran, having served 28 years around the world and commanded in very difficult places while taking care of people, running large public budgets, and delivering national security. Locally, I am the most engaged with the community, understand our local issues, and work with all kinds of companies, people and challenges. From infrastructure to parks, human services to economic development, law enforcement to environment, former chair of the Board of County Commissioners and Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, service on numerous boards and votes on thousand of county initiatives. I have helped shape our region with common-sense approaches. I have been deeply engaged in both federal and state legislative efforts, including helping to retain U.S. Space Command, writing and testifying for legislation, and advocating good policy to both federal and state legislators.

How will you work with the state Democratic majority on legislative goals?

For our citizens, I will work with everyone who is willing to work with me. Not only is this necessary, but it’s what our Founding Fathers intended. I have a demonstrated record of working with Republicans, independents, and Democrats. Gov. Jared Polis appointed me to the State Board of Health. I worked with Attorney General Phil Weiser on Colorado opioid counsel design and a future federal courthouse. I have briefed Democrat and Republican senators and congressmen in D.C. on dozens of El Paso County citizen needs. I worked with state Sen. Pete Lee, who introduced my amendment to the state’s redistricting bill. I worked with state Sen. Tony Exum on local efforts. I went to a senior executives class with state Rep. Jennifer Bacon. I have worked with Reps. Regina English, Stephanie Vigil and Chris Hansen. Through statesmanship and advocacy, I will find common interests, like public safety, and build a better Colorado while adhering to my principles.

Do you think the state has overstepped its authority? If so, how would you work to restore more local control?

In a word, yes. For starters, the Colorado legislature has created unfunded mandates that make local governments pay for the laws, a way to end run the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Local officials across the state, both Democrat and Republican, are frustrated by this overstep of authority. As a local government leader, I see these impacts. These mandates often help one region, but harm others. With my vote, El Paso County opposed 35 bills and supported 15 this last cycle with loss of local control being the main objection. I will work with my fellow senators to explain the secondary effects of their proposals and will offer alternative ideas. One obvious approach would be to convert mandates into permissive law, thus giving local government the option to apply or not apply the law based on local conditions. I will thoughtfully introduce proposals to restore local control either through new legislation or through amendments.

Adriana Cuva

Website: adrianaforcolorado.com

What would be your top priorities next session?

Property taxes.

Improving the quality of education.

Addressing Colorado’s rising cost of living.

Public safety.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

As an American, an immigrant, an Army spouse and a former teacher, my diverse experiences give me a unique perspective. I know the challenges of starting anew and the resilience it takes. My life as an Army spouse has taught me the value of service and sacrifice, essential for building a supportive community.

As a former teacher, I understand the transformative power of education and am committed to ensuring every child has access to quality education. I recognize the skepticism toward politicians and their promises, which is why I am here to listen and serve you.

I aim to restore a Colorado that rewards hard work, values education, upholds family values, and provides opportunities for all. My commitment is to genuinely understand your concerns and work tirelessly to create a better future for everyone.

How will you work with the Democratic majority on legislative goals?

As a Republican, my commitment is to restore a Colorado that values education, addressing the cost of living, and improving Colorado’s economy. To achieve this, I will work collaboratively with the Democratic majority on shared legislative goals:

Valuing education — I will support and work on legislation that focuses on a robust curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving and practical skills in order for our children to be successful. Improving incentives to retain skilled educators is an area where I think we can also make progress.

Addressing the cost of living — I will support bipartisan initiatives that will make Colorado more affordable.

Improving the economy — I will support legislation that encourages job growth and aids small businesses through initiatives like workforce development and tax incentives.

Do you think the state has overstepped its authority? If so, how would you work to restore more local control?

I believe the state has sometimes overstepped its authority, compromising local control and individual freedom. To address this, we should follow the legislative directive of CRS 24-105.5, which mandates that any regulation by an agency must be carefully considered and justified by a clear public benefit:

Steps to restore local control:

Promote local decision-making — Empower local governments to make decisions tailored to their communities.

Limit overreaching regulations — Ensure state agencies demonstrate that new regulations truly benefit the public interest and promote a free enterprise system.

Encourage public participation — Involve citizens in the decision-making process to ensure regulations reflect their needs and benefit.

Foster free enterprise — Support policies allowing individuals and businesses to operate with minimal state interference.

By focusing on these steps, we can restore a balance that respects local control and promotes the principles of a free enterprise system.