Kenny Van Nguyen
DemocraticQ1 What advisory mechanisms will you implement to ensure that evidence and scientific findings play a crucial role in your policymaking process?
“Science and evidence based research plays a huge rule in policymaking and lawmaking. I believe in science and peer reviewed research, I do not support using “junk science” as a measure of policy. Science and research takes time and potentially years, I’m very cautious on “new” or “revolutionary” research. I believe having a curious mind but healthy skepticism is important in the age of misinformation we live in together.”
Q2 Colorado farmers are facing multiple threats, amidst water scarcity and rising prices for fertilizer and other imported materials. As agriculture is our #1 export sector, in what ways do you imagine using your role to support evidence-based advancements to protect and support our farmers and natural resources in the years ahead?
“I believe in smart growth and I would support our farmers in the agricultural business in any way and capacity. Colorado has been known as a strong breadbasket/agricultural state for decades. We should ensure that fertilizer and materials can be accessible so that we have healthy food and products in our communities.”
Q3 America has a growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation but raising issues of resource use, privacy, and economics. What is the right balance of costs and benefits for new data center construction in Colorado, and how would your policies accomplish that balance?
“One of my prime bills was SB-70 which put guardrails and regulated FLOCK cameras technologies. I believe that there must be an environmentally friendly and supportive of people living new potentially new Data Centers. We cannot expect residents to pay for potentially high increased utility bills for Data Centers.”
Q4 Colorado has experienced a lingering measles outbreak since March of 2025. What evidence-based policies do you support to improve community and preventive health for your constituents, for infectious diseases and other threats?
“We must believe in science and support our doctors, people must get vaccinated and I encourage and support efforts for mass immunization efforts. I would advocate for PSA and more education on the merits of getting vaccinated.”
Q5 What are your opinions on the current state of science literacy, and how could K-12 education standards be adapted to form a better public understanding of and relationship building in science?
“I believe that science has a special core place in our education, however it is very known that our education system in Colorado is broken. We must ensure that our teachers and educators are paid living wages and that we invest much more to our education system. I support SB-135 for example to re-invest TABOR dollars back to our schools, students, and educators.”