Candidate Profile: James Coleman, District 33

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.

James Coleman is running for State Senator - District 33.

Age: 33
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family:Shayna Rashad Coleman (wife); James and Naomi (twins 9)
Occupation: Legislator
Previous elected experience: State Rep. HD 7
Family members in government: No

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

The most pressing issue of Colorado is eliminating the school to prison pipeline. Funding PreK-12 and preparing the next generation to lead economic growth impacts all issues that require funding.

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

I'm lucky that I was able to get through my primary without a challenger. I'll be using this general election to continue to communicate with my constituents and showing up for my community day in and day out.

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

This job requires leadership to pass policy that will create regulations and allocate funding to positively impact lives in Colorado. During my 4 years as State Rep. HD7, I have sponsored nearly 40 bills that have created standards and provided funding for all issues, especially PreK-12 and higher education, criminal justice and the economy. I look forward to expanding my service given the opportunity to serve as your State Senator for SD33.

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

I believe we should continue to monitor this pandemic and get it under control in our state before any decisions are made one way or another. I believe all small businesses deserve the opportunity to survive and thrive in our current reality but once we have tackled this pandemic, all businesses should go back to regular business.

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

Over the next 4 years I intend to pass policy that audits and evaluates the effectiveness of the Department of Corrections. In my district alone, we spend $25 million on recidivism which represents a 50% failure in successfully preparing individuals to succeed once released from prison. Half of the individuals released from prison return within 3 to 6 months of release, and by focusing on eliminating recidivism through greater reentry programs, we can save and repurpose millions of dollars in the state to benefit business, education, and many other areas of importance.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Quality Education for all Coloradans; Criminal Justice Reform

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

I want you all to know that my door is always open to my community. When elected, I will be fighting for my community with compassion and a commitment to working for you all day in and day out.