As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I have a thorough, working knowledge of our transportation needs. In 2004 I sponsored or co-sponsored nine bills related to transportation. These are three of my major concerns:

-The stretch of I-25 between the Longmont and Wellington exits is congested and hazardous. Adding a third lane to I-25 is the most cost-effective and sensible solution.

-Under the current public transit system, Loveland loses more than $600,000 annually. The public would benefit if mass transit was funded and managed by private enterprise.

-Regarding the federal gas tax: I join with other lawmakers in calling for reform in the way this tax is managed. We need to maintain state control over these much-needed funds.

A common complaint about life in Loveland is "too much traffic." Many of our roads and highways are inadequate to handle the influx of newcomers seeking Northern Colorado's high quality of life. The stretch of I-25 between the Longmont and Wellington exits is the second most congested highway in Colorado, which means it is also one of the most hazardous. Two possible solutions are widening the interstate by adding another lane, or strengthening the public transit system. It is a challenge to secure adequate funds to maintain our highways and make the necessary improvements. Laws are also needed to regulate driver licenses, insurance, and other automobile related issues.

As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I have a thorough, working knowledge of the problems that confront us, and the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed solutions. I consult with experts, commission research, and gather the data that I need to critically examine the options. After debating them with members of the House and Senate, I promote what I believe is the best course of action. My charge is to protect peoples' money. I take this very seriously. We must make sure that our regulations and expenditures are sensible and cost-effective.