Kristine Ireland

“I believe good policymaking starts with facts, common sense, and listening to the people who are directly affected by our decisions. Scientific findings should play an important role, but we also need to ask questions, consider different perspectives, and make sure the information being presented is complete and transparent.

Rocky Flats is a perfect example. As a Westminster City Councilor, I advocated for warning signs regarding potential radiation exposure because I believe residents deserve to know the history of the area and any potential risks. When it comes to public health and safety, we should never dismiss legitimate concerns or simply accept assurances without asking questions.

As a state legislator, I would seek input from independent scientists, public health experts, local governments, and residents before making important policy decisions. I would also support reviewing existing research, questioning conflicting findings, and making scientific information available to the public.

I don’t believe we need another expensive government committee every time an issue arises. We need to make better use of the experts and resources we already have, while ensuring different viewpoints are heard.

My approach is simple: Follow the evidence, ask the tough questions, be transparent.”

“My husband grew up on a farm and ranch, so I have a personal appreciation for the hard work, long hours, and sacrifices that go into producing the food we put on our tables. I have tremendous respect for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers, and I am concerned about the increasing challenges they face, from water shortages to rising costs for fertilizer, equipment, fuel, and other necessities.

Our farmers and ranchers are essential to Colorado’s economy and our food security. We cannot continue making it more difficult and expensive for them to do their jobs and expect food to remain affordable for Colorado families.

I believe we need to support practical, science-based solutions that improve water conservation, protect agricultural water rights, maintain healthy soil, and help producers operate more efficiently. I would work with farmers, ranchers, agricultural researchers, and water experts to identify proven technologies and practices that make sense financially, rather than imposing more costly government mandates.

I also believe we must protect our agricultural land and natural resources for future generations while respecting private property rights. Farmers and ranchers know their land better than anyone, and their voices need to be part of the decision-making process.

As a Westminster City Councilor, I have spent considerable time working on water issues, and I understand how important it is to balance conservation with affordability.

My approach is common sense: Listen to the people doing the work, follow the science, reduce unnecessary regulations and costs, and make sure Colorado’s farmers and ranchers can continue feeding our families for generations to come.”

“I believe Colorado should welcome innovation and economic opportunity, but not at the expense of our residents, natural resources, or local communities.

Artificial intelligence is changing our world, and data centers can bring investment and jobs to Colorado. However, we need to ask some common-sense questions before approving these projects. How much water and electricity will they use? Who pays for the additional infrastructure? Will residents and small businesses end up subsidizing large technology companies through higher utility rates?

As a Westminster City Councilor, I have spent considerable time working on water rates and affordability. I know firsthand how important it is to protect our water resources and ensure residents are not unfairly burdened with additional costs.

I strongly believe decisions about where data centers are located should remain with local governments and the communities directly affected. A one-size-fits-all state mandate is not the answer.

I would support requiring transparent assessments of water and energy demands, ensuring developers pay their fair share of infrastructure costs, protecting residents’ privacy, and encouraging efficient technologies that reduce resource consumption. We should also examine whether promised jobs and economic benefits justify the public costs, particularly since data centers may require substantial infrastructure without creating many permanent jobs.

My approach is simple: Encourage innovation, protect local control, demand accountability, and put Colorado residents first. Economic development should benefit our communities, not leave taxpayers paying the bill.”

“I believe protecting public health is an important responsibility of government, but it must be done with common sense, transparency, and respect for individual and parental rights.

The recent measles outbreaks remind us that infectious diseases are still a concern. I support using reliable scientific evidence, working with medical professionals, and making sure families have accurate information to make informed healthcare decisions. Vaccinations have played an important role in preventing serious diseases, and I believe access to preventive care and education should be encouraged.

At the same time, I believe we need to rebuild trust in public health agencies. That means being honest about risks, listening to people’s concerns, and avoiding unnecessary government mandates whenever possible.

As a Westminster City Councilor, I have advocated for public safety and greater transparency regarding potential environmental health risks, including Rocky Flats. I believe residents deserve accurate information about anything that could affect their family’s health.

I would also prioritize preventive healthcare, early detection, clean drinking water, and access to affordable medical services. We should be evaluating which programs actually improve health outcomes rather than simply spending more taxpayer dollars without measuring results.

My approach is simple: Follow the science, respect personal freedoms, provide accurate information, and focus on prevention rather than expensive government intervention after problems arise. Healthy families and healthy communities should always come first.”

“I believe science literacy is extremely important, especially in a world where technology and scientific advancements are changing so rapidly. Unfortunately, I think too many students are being taught what to think rather than how to think critically, ask questions, and evaluate evidence for themselves.

Our K-12 education system should focus on strong foundations in reading, math, and science, while giving students more opportunities for hands-on learning, experiments, and real-world problem-solving. Science should encourage curiosity, not discourage students from asking difficult questions or exploring different ideas.

I also believe we need to better connect classroom learning to everyday life. In Colorado, that could include understanding our water resources, agriculture, energy production, environmental health, and emerging technologies. These are issues that directly affect our families and communities.

As a Westminster City Councilor, I have learned the importance of asking questions, examining scientific evidence, and listening to experts, particularly regarding water quality and concerns surrounding Rocky Flats. Scientific findings should be transparent, understandable, and open to thoughtful discussion.

I support giving teachers the flexibility to make science engaging while maintaining strong academic standards based on established scientific evidence. I also believe parents should remain involved in their children’s education and that local school districts should have a meaningful voice in how those standards are implemented.”