Marc Holtzman Q&A

We are excited to present our first published Q&A with a real, live politician here at Colorado Pols. Marc Holtzman, Republican candidate for governor, was gracious enough to answer our 11 questions and agree to answer your questions throughout the day on Wednesday.

To submit questions, click on the comment link below and leave your question. Marc will check in throughout the day and answer as many questions as he has time for.

Please help us to make this an ongoing feature here at Colorado Pols by sticking to a couple of rules:

1. Please be gracious. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions of a gubernatiorial candidate in a public forum, so whether you like Marc or agree with what he has to say, please be gracious and polite with your comments and questions.

2. There's 21 months until the November 2006 election, so we can't expect any candidate to have a fully developed platform on issues. Please don't ask Marc to outline in detail his education plans, for example, because it's just too early for
him to have a complete answer. Keep in mind that it's okay for any candidate for 2006 office to be a little vague on some answers this early in the game. If this were October 2006, then anything is fair game. But it's not.

Without further ado, let's get started with 11 Questions with March Holtzman. The answers to these questions are completely unedited and appear in full as Marc Holtzman answered them.

Are you putting together a campaign to run for Governor of Colorado in 2006?

Yes.

Why would you want to be Governor? What makes the Governor's office better than, say, U.S. Congress or U.S. Senate, besides the fact that the job comes with a cool house?

The governor can make the most measurable impact on people's lives. Colorado is at an important crossroads. The next governor has the capacity to do much good. I prefer the challenge and satisfaction of executive responsibility. Drew Lewis, former US Secretary of Transportation and an early mentor, once told me that he'd rather run his own gas station than be on a committee of one hundred to rule the world. I feel the same.

What are the three issues that interest you the most that make you want to be Governor?

If you don't mind, I will mention four.

First, Coloradans want a governor who will fight to protect our environment and quality of life. This means having a detailed plan on growth and preservation of our natural resources like water. Coloradans are deeply concerned about protecting our special quality of life. A lack of planning and leadership threatens the essence of what makes our home special. As governor, I will lead Colorado toward better alternatives and work for solutions that will protect our environment while respecting private property rights.

Second, the state of K-12 education needs much more work. While progress has been made during the past six years, a lot more needs to be done. I will elaborate further in the next several months, but for now let me state that we need to do more to put our children first. Measurement is good but improving the quality of our schools requires more than just teaching to a test. Teachers, those who struggle and sacrifice on the front line in this, the most noble of causes, deserve much more support and encouragement than we currently give.

Third, I want to work for even more quality job preservation and creation. Colorado is now part of a global economy. As governor, I will lead our efforts as Colorado's salesman-in- chief. There will be a strategy to help empower and support economic development in rural communities that may not have enjoyed the prosperity of the Front Range. As former Colorado Secretary of Technology, I take pride in having led Colorado to the number one ranking among the 50 states in the percentage of technology jobs per thousand. But more needs to be done on many fronts.

Fourth, the next governor will need to address the challenges posed to every Coloradan by rising health care costs and system wide inefficiencies while not giving an inch on quality. As governor, I will strive to alleviate the plight of Colorado's uninsured and to expand affordable coverage for everyone.

What do you say to people who think that running for Governor is too big of a jump for someone who hasn't held prior elected office?

I am firmly of the conviction that the person best qualified to hold public office will always be the candidate with the best combination of promising ideas, vision, enthusiasm and energy -- and not simply the one who has the most "time in grade." A fresh perspective is an enormous asset. The people of Colorado want a problem solver, not a professional politician, as their next governor -- and I have always been a problem solver. I also think it is important to remember that public service experience does not only come in the form of prior elective office. I take enormous pride in my tenure as Colorado's Secretary of Technology. Private sector experience is an asset that can prove enormously valuable to a public servant as well. The governor acts as the state's CEO, and this is an area where I will bring a great deal of experience.

Have you hired any consultants to help you out right now? If not, who are you sounding out for advice?

I am reaching out to many Coloradans in all walks of life for advice, guidance and counsel. It is too early to hire a staff. I am focused in spending most of my free time right now just listening to what is on the minds of my fellow citizens.

Does TABOR need to be altered? If so, why? If not, why?

I strongly support TABOR and am reluctant to see any fundamental change. Most people who talk about changing TABOR have hidden agendas to raise taxes and/ or grow government. It is interesting to me how conveniently many people forget that TABOR already allows the government to retain more money - all it requires is a vote of the people. In any event, I think it would be wise to see what comes out of the legislative session before commenting further.

What do you see as your biggest strength RIGHT NOW as a potential candidate for Governor and how to you plan to highlight your strength?

My ideas and plans for Colorado are my greatest strength. Politics is most importantly about ideas and about bringing people together to find a better way. People who know me are familiar with my track record as a consensus builder and a problem solver. I will work tirelessly to build support for my vision for Colorado's future.

What do you see as your biggest weakness RIGHT NOW as a potential candidate for Governor and how do you plan to address it?

This campaign is more than a year and a half away. Pacing one's self for a marathon not a sprint is something I am learning every day.

If challenged in a primary, how do you see yourself appealing to your party's base and then opening up during a general election?

I am not a candidate who will have different messages for different groups. I am who I am, and I hope people will agree that I possess the leadership skills, passion, integrity and ability to make Colorado proud.

If you had the ability to snap your fingers and make one Colorado sports team win a championship this year, which team would it be and why?(assuming NHL hockey still existed, of course)

As DU president, I was enormously proud of our NCAA championship last year! The victory inspired pride and good feeling all over Colorado. More important, the values of integrity and honor which Coach Gwozdecky teaches our students will serve the players for the rest of their lives. I hope that we will repeat as NCAA champions.


If elected, do you promise to put Hawaiian Punch in all of the drinking fountains in Colorado?

Interesting idea, but I’m more of a Gatorade guy.

Do you have a question for Marc Holtzman? Comment below, and Marc will check back throughout the day on Wednesday to answer as many questions as he has time for...

Comments

[vladimir]

Mr. Holtzman --
Congrats on the decision to run. As a US
Citizen born in Russia I applaud your work in Eastern Europe.
1. Who have you hired so far for your campaign staff?
2. How many counties have you visited
Thank you

[Alfalfa]

Mr. Holtzman: Thank you for the participating in the Q&A and for taking readers' questions and comments. It's good to see a candidate for Governor focused on interacting with people as well as raising money at this early stage.

What's your take on the flap at CU over Ward Churchill's comments, which many politicians have already commented on? And, looking at things in more of political way, do you see potential for your opponents to mine the writings and comments of DU profs during your tenure and try to tie you in a negative way to any controversial statements?
Thank you and best of luck.

[Mike Huffman]

mr holtzman--

do you think you are in a disadvantage in a primary since mike coffman has been courting republican voters for years to run for governor? how will you overcome that? thanks for doing this - i think it's great

[Jenn]

Mr. Holtzman,

I apologize for asking another TABOR question, but TABOR is clearly a major issue in the state. Feel free to pass if you would rather.

You said that most of those with plans to change TABOR have hidden agendas to grow government. I was wondering whether you fundamentally object to the idea of the state keeping a consistent percentage of the overall state economy. It makes sense to me to have state funding set at a responsive baseline, and then ask voters' approval for any additional changes. Government would grow, but only as much as our state and its needs grow.

[andrew]

Marc,

With all your experience: from working under President Reagan, to heading an investment banking firm in the former Soviet controlled nations, to orphanages in Eastern Europe and now finally being President of the University of Denver. What do you feel is the most poignant experience that encapsulates why Colorado is your home now and why Colorado needs you at the helm?

Thank you and Good Luck!

[Ralph]

Are you now or have you ever been a Raiders fan?

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:oG0llSL0m-YJ:mediajunkie.com/jeffgreen/spleen/raider%2520fan.JPG

[Marc Holtzman]

Question #1
As mentioned above, it is too early to hire campaign staff.

I have visited all 64 counties.

My years in Eastern Europe and Russia from 1989-97 were enormously inspiring and exciting. I had the privilege of witnessing the collapse of communism, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the economic, social and political transformation of one tenth of the world’s population.

Question #2
Mr. Churchill’s comments were utterly despicable. While academic tenure was designed to protect freedom of speech, Mr. Churchill must be held accountable for his words that fly in the face of reality. There is no place in our society for self-hating Americans who would use our democratic system to try to plant the seeds of our own destruction.

Question #3
Thank you for your kind comment. I look forward to taking my message and vision to all the voters of Colorado. As I mentioned in the Q&A, an outside view can often be refreshing and positive. There are not many people who would say that Mayor Hickenlooper’s lack of elective office has compromised his ability to be an effective mayor of Denver. Mike Coffman is a close friend who has a long and distinguished career which I respect. Primary elections can be a healthy process to produce the best nominee.

Question #4
TABOR in fact does place a cap on the rate of growth of government to a formula of population growth plus inflation. When a family faces a budget crisis and must cut back, this is just simple economics. Why should our government not be required to behave in the same manner?

Question #5
I am grateful every day that I chose Colorado as my home. The generosity and kindness of our people, the beauty of our land and environment and the special frontier spirit all combine to make this the most unique place on the earth. I feel passionately about the issues which I mentioned in the Q&A. There can be no more noble an endeavor than public service and trying to make a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens.

[djohn]

Are you going to ask Bill Owens to campaign with you?

[Napoleon]

Marc,
What in your life do you feel has prepared you the most for the job of Governor?

[Pete]

how do you prepare yourself and your family for the inevitable public and personal criticism you'll face in running for statewide office? i think it would be hard to not take it personally.

[Marc Holtzman]

djohn

I am certain that Governor Owens will support the Republican nominee.

[TD]

Do you think your failed appointment as CSU president will be much of an issue for you? I think people may not remember it all that well, but how do yhou deflect those questions if they come?

[Marc Holtzman]

Round 2!

Question # 1
The answer to this question runs deeper than anything that you might find on a resume or any listing of professional accomplishments. Rather, I would answer by pointing to all that my family has given me as the best and most fundamental preparation for any position of leadership. My grandparents came to this country approximately one hundred years ago to build a better life. My parents have always instilled in me profound respect for the values of personal integrity and service to others. My family is the cornerstone of who I am. These values go to the heart and are indeed the foundation of everything I have accomplished in life. The best preparation for the challenge of any leadership position, whether CEO, University President or Governor is to draw from one’s own experiences. In my life, I have been blessed to observe on a first hand basis my mentor and hero, Ronald Reagan. President Reagan inspired me to public service and demonstrated what a great leader, guided by principle could accomplish.

Question #2
In this age, too few good people are willing to step into public life. The issues facing Colorado today are sufficiently important to justify the price that public life entails. The satisfaction and honor of serving are worth that sacrifice.

Question #3
I don't think it is an issue. Those who objected to my nomination as President of CSU seemed most concerned about the governor's enthusiasm towards my candidacy. CSU President Larry Penley is doing an excellent job and we enjoy a close friendship. Together, we are working closely to improve higher education in Colorado.

[Diane Wengler]

Marc Holtzman would bring Colorado onto the international stage.

[Paula Hapeman]

I have been one of the most fortunate people to have worked directly with Marc nearly 20 years ago when he lived in Pennsylvania and was making a run for Congress in 1986. Marc is, by far, the most admirable person I have ever met in my life. He is extremely knowledgeable in everything, and one of the most dedicated people I have ever met in my life! He would make a great Governor! Best of luck Marc! I know you can do it! Paula

[Bob Balink]

President Holtzman,

Will you be emphasizing your international government, your business experience, and your years of experience as Colorado's first-ever Secretary of Technology in your campaign for Governor?

It seems that you are uniquely qualified to bring tremendous worldwide focus to Colorado as it's Governor thereby creating many new jobs for the talented and highly educated job force we know exists in the Centennial State.

Thanks for offering yourself for public service.

[mark]

What is your position on the Constitutional Amendment to Ban Gay Marriage? Do you think Gays should have equal rights, including the right to marry?

[Donald E. L. Johnson]

I also would like to know what the candidate and other candidates think about the state and federal governments' roles in end-of-life decisions and whether they think Colorado's or federal laws need to be changed.

If so, how?

Again, why aren't the papers asking these questions?

[Tony Pares]

Are you Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?

[Alva Adams]

The Marc Holtzman Q&A was months ago. I wouldn't expect any answers from Mr. Holtzman at this point.

[Wayne Wathen]

I don't know much about Marc except that you oppose the referendums and that we must continue to cut back which seems to be the only solution I have seen. So I assume you are talking about cutting back on education, protecting the poor, protecting the environment, maintenance of roads. That doesn't seem like much of a solution to me. If folks barely have enough to eat, which foods do you suggest they cut back on? If they can barely make their house payments or rent what do you suggest they cut back on? I don't see your opposition to the referendums very helpful to the citizens of Colorado except maybe Jon Caldera.

[Sharon J. Schmid (on behalf of Atty. Steve Urbanski)]

President Holtzman,

Good Afternoon. I am writing on behalf of Attorney Stephen Urbanski who is currently vacationing in your area this week and interested in meeting with you, if possible. If you wouldn't mind, please email me to touch base, or feel free to call Steve on his mobile phone at: 570-417-1179. I know he would look foward to hearing from you!

Best Regards,

Sharon J. Schmid
Urbanski & Urbanski Law Firm
575 Pierce Street
Suite 500
Riverside Commons
Kingston, PA 18704
570-283-1383

[Raven Betina Rudduck]

Mr. Hotzman:

What are your views on gun control? Glad to know that support Tabor. Need help with your campaign?

Raven

[John Wayne]

if you want to get elected.
Stop the South Americans.
Stop them getting hired.
Stop the gays
Stop anymore Gun Control
Stop C & D
I am old enough to remember that abortion will happen, legal or not.
Stop the slab east of 470.
Thank You

[T. BELIN]

There are thousands of business in Colorado that are not paying one cent for taxes. I researched the tax records of several towns and found many not paying anything.