Pueblo elections: Tisha Mauro, House District 46 candidate, in her own words
With Election Day right around the corner, the Chieftain reached out to 17 local candidates running this November to represent Pueblo County residents as a member of U.S. Congress, the Colorado House of Representatives, the Board of Pueblo County Commissioners, or as the 10th Judicial District Attorney.
Each candidate received an email questionnaire consisting of questions generated by readers, along with a few questions of our own. Answers from the candidates are being published in advance of the November elections to inform voters of candidates' stances and priorities.
Tisha Mauro, a Democrat, is running for reelection in Colorado House District 46 — a district including communities like Aberdeen, Avondale, Belmont, Beulah, Colorado City, Downtown Pueblo, Eagleridge, El Camino, Hyde Park, Mesa Junction, the North Side, Regency, Rye, the St. Charles Mesa, Sunnyheights, Sunset Park and University Park.
Mauro has been endorsed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, Conservation Colorado, Colorado WINS, the Southern Colorado Labor Union, Cobalt, the Colorado Association of Realtors, the Sierra Club, the Colorado Auto Dealers Association, the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association, and many other organizations.
When it comes to spending, what are your top priorities?
My top priorities are education, crime prevention, and economic development.
What is your stance on Colorado abortion laws? Do you support the use of public funds for abortion and contraceptive services? Do you support any bans or restrictions being placed on these services?
I am in support of reproductive freedom. I support Amendment 79 and I believe that abortion is healthcare that should be covered by all insurance.
Do you believe public schools within your house district are adequately funded? What is your stance on taxpayer funds being used for private schools?
I am very proud to have voted for changing the school funding formula last session to increase funding for both Pueblo School District 60 and Pueblo County School District 70 schools going forward. I do believe more funding is needed, but this is a very good start.
What are your thoughts on the cost of living in your house district? What can be done to ensure life is more affordable for residents?
The cost of living is a big issue across the state of Colorado and also in my district. I am proud to have voted to lower taxes and other legislation that will help improve the cost of living.
Do you believe crime is a significant issue in your house district? Why or why not?
I believe crime is an issue in my district, and I think every person in my district deserves to feel safe in their neighborhoods and their city. I commit to fully funding our police force and our sheriff's department to ensure our residents are safe.
How should the Colorado Legislature address homelessness in Colorado?
I believe we need coordinated effort between the state, counties and cities to address homelessness. Working together is how we solve this issue.
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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Q&A: House District 46 candidate Tisha Mauro on abortion, taxes
