Betsy Markey CO-4 Candidate for Congress

First, let's get into the fray right away. I really love it when the candidate is willing to take off the gloves and point out not only why they are better suited to be representing the constituents of a district, but how the other representative has failed to do their job. Question What is some of the dissatisfaction you are hearing from the constituents in the district about the representative currently in office, Marilyn Musgrave? A- I believe people are ready for a change. This is Congresswoman Musgrave's third term in office. There is a lot of media focus on her, that she is finally starting to do her job, that means it has taken her 5 years for her to wake up and realize 'well now that I am facing a real challenge, maybe I should start paying attention to the interests of my constituents.' You know, business doesn't work that way. You are not on the job for 5 years getting a free ride, an in this case, from the taxpayers, before you decide, 'oh hey, maybe I should start doing my job' People are tired of that. She hasn't been visible in her district, and hasn't been working on the legislation the people really care about, the legislation that addresses the issues that we are all concerned with, healthcare, the economy, the water issues on the eastern plains... she has just not been vocal on any of these issues. (this part is in part 2) On Musgrave's DOMA ammendment - It is not the role of government to enact far right social issues. People are ready for the type of leaders that will go to Washington, roll up their sleeves and start to work so that we can make progress on the issues that we all care about. On Trade Q- As for me, the problem I have with her is, for the beet farmers, she was one of the last votes for CAFTA. Talk about voting against your constituents, just like, in my interview with Candidate Larry Kissell, his opponent, Republican Robin Hayes of CD-8 in North Carolina, was the very last deciding vote on CAFTA. (good luck Larry - you can see his interview here and here http://www.larrykissell.com/) A - When I get in Congress, I am going to push for us to revisit all of our trade agreements, in terms of free and fair trade, and look at what have been the implications of these agreements and our trade deficits and who are they really benefiting? Our small farmers and ranchers, or the large farming conglomerates? What impact does it have on outsourcings our jobs? These are the issues with out Trade Agreements and we need to look at each and everyone of them. (and our responsibility as citizens) It is a conversation we need to have, we as Americans may have to look at our consumption habits. This is a world community and we are all going to have to pitch in to do the right thing. Part 2 Environment: "Whether or not you believe in global warming, which is something we need to be concerned about, we absolutely need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. We can change the way we power this country through renewable energy initiatives, and I am very excited about our opportunities here in Northern and Eastern Colorado for Solar, Wind and Biodiesel energy solutions. I believe the government has a role to provide incentives for these companies to grow and prosper and make a dramatic difference. Also, the Green energy industry is good for economic development for us here in Colorado. We need to be active in courting these green energy companies. (additionally) 40% of our greenhouse gas is from our buildings. There are a lot of exciting possibilities in this sector. There is a school in Northeastern Colorado, Wray High School that got a grant from the federal government. Soon that school will be 100% wind powered and they are going to be able to put power on the grid for the town of Wray. We need people in congress, who will be leaders who will push for these technologies people who are visionaries and can see the potentials for economic development, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and for protecting our planet for our children and grandchildren.