Candidate Profile: Steve Fenberg, District 18

The 2020 election is heating up in Colorado and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of state representative, senate and judicial seats.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Steve Fenberg is running for State Senator - District 18.

Age: 36
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family: Wife Lindsay, daughter Isa, and dog Ellie
Occupation: Small business owner and nonprofit executive
Previous elected experience: Senate District 18
Family members in government: No

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Climate. I'll continue to introduce and champion legislation to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to tackle our very serious air quality problem.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe my values and issues of interest better line up with those that are important to the district--notably climate change, advocating for an accessible election system, supporting public k-12 education, and advancing civil rights.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I've passed many pieces of legislation in my first term, some of which are landmark and historic policies: comprehensive oil and gas reform (SB19-181), addressing air quality (SB20-204), the Colorado Votes Act (HB19-1278), banning gay conversation therapy (HB19-1129), and passing an amendment to our constitution to reform how we do redistricting in Colorado (SCR18-004 and SCR18-005)

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

We should provide more direct financial support for small businesses as well as remove regulatory burdens where reasonable. I'll also continue advocating for federal action to provide more stimulus funds for Colorado's small businesses.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?

Building on the success of SB217 for police accountability and also supporting legislation to break down other structural systems that perpetuate racism

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I've long been an advocate for more accessible elections and have co-authored much of Colorado's successful election system that is seen as a model for the rest of the country.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Some of the best legislation I've passed have come from constituents and I'm always eager to find ways to bring more regular folks into the process to help shape the future of our states.