Candidate Profile: Bob Roth, District 26.

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.

Bob Roth is running for State Senator - District 26.

Age: 61
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family: A son, Jonah, who is in his 18th year of serving in the United States Army and had 4 overseas tours. A daughter, Brianna, who is a single mother and entrepreneur and is raising my wonderful 7 year-old grandson Jaydon.
Occupation: 36 years in the commercial construction industry in various roles such as estimating, project management and business development. I opened my own consulting business 2 1/2 years ago helping companies bolster their business development activities.
Previous elected experience: Aurora City Council from 2010 - 2019. Governor appointee to the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC). Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) for 6 years, 4 in leadership and Chair in 2017. Executive Board Colorado Municipal League (CML). Board Member of AGC/C - Associated General Contractors of Colorado. . Mile High Flood District Board. E-470 Highway Authority Board. Executive Board of Aurora Economic Development Council (AEDC). Aurora Sister Cities International Board (ASCI) . Water Now Alliance.
Family members in government: No, other than my son's military position.

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

The economic recovery post COVID 19. We have to re-open the state. The we have to provide the atmosphere in which businesses can succeed. Cut out red tape and regulation so they can smoothly get back to their business. And then, get out of the way and allow businesses to do what they do best. Allow the free market to thrive like it always has.

When I visit with citizens of SD26, the Economic Recovery is always the first issue they talk about. Getting our children safely back to full-time learning is very important as well, and the safety and security of our cities, counties and state.

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

My opponent has been front and center on several pieces of legislation that hurt businesses in Colorado. An example is his support of a bill that says, if someone is considered to be an essential employee, and they contract Coronavirus, it will be presumed that they contracted it in the workplace and they will be eligible for Worker's Comp benefits. It is incumbent on the employer to prove otherwise. This legislation will cost small Colorado businesses millions of dollars in legal fees and workers comp benefits. It will force many businesses, just as they are trying to recover from the pandemic, to make tough decisions about whether or not they can continue doing business in Colorado and/or how they identify the costs associated with this proposed legislation and then try to cover those costs.

Another stark difference is the conversation regarding safety and security. I support the men and women who protect our families and businesses and keep our streets safe. I am completely on-board with some minor tweaks such as 100% body-worn cameras. My opponent has proudly been at several anti-police rallies and is even trying to take local control away from Greenwood Village elected officials in their decisions on how they are handling their law enforcement questions.

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

9 years in elected office in the third largest city in Colorado. But more than that, I served on numerous boards and commissions, as indicated above, in which I worked with diverse groups of people on complex issues. A specific example is my service on DRCOG- The Denver Regional Council of Governments. This board is comprised of 56 municipalities and counties in the region. The region is basically from Boulder to Castle Rock and from Clear Creek County to Bennett. In addition to transportation issues, which most people associate DRCOG's work to be, they are also the Area Agency on Aging. In that role, they advocate for our aging population and have programs to ensure that our seniors have the best quality of life possible. During 2017 when I was the chair, we completed an overhaul of the TIP (Transportation Improvement Program), which is the mechanism by which federal dollars are distributed in the region. We also had one-on-one advocacy meetings with all of our federal delegation on aging issues.

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

As stated above, I believe the proper role of government in this effort is to cut the red tape, cut back on regulations and allow businesses to do what they do best. Once the environment is set, get government out of the picture and allow the free market to succeed.

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

There are bad actors in every line of work. Ministers, police officers, business people and politicians all have a certain segment that need to be dealt with. And obviously, when it is a person in a position of authority, it is doubly so. So the people who are in law enforcement that shouldn't be need to be rooted out and shown the door. I am supportive of looking at current training methods to see if there are tweaks that could be made. And, as stated above, I am supportive of 100% body worn cameras. But the conversation about sweeping changes and defunding the police is ludicrous.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

For years, we have tried to shoehorn every young person into a traditional four-year college learning path. I am a firm believer that many of our middle school and high school students are better suited to have different options. I will advocate for more shop classes and skills training in schools, as well as encouraging kids to explore whether pursuing a skilled trade is a better option. A skilled tradesperson can make an excellent living, with zero student debt. Apprenticeship programs are paid for by employers, associations and unions, so a graduate has a great career and doesn't have crippling debt.
Parental rights in making decisions for our children. I think an elected official who knows nothing about my child is not the right person to be making critical decisions on their behalf.

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

I am a third generation Coloradoan and was born in Leadville. I served the citizens of Aurora with pride and dignity for nearly a decade. I am in this race because I believe the people of Colorado are best served by a split legislature. With the current make-up of both chambers and the governor being in single party control, there is no collaboration. Legislation is being pushed through without any real discussion or transparency. Colorado citizens deserve better. I would be honored to represent Senate District 26 at the state house. I ask for your support for this position.