Candidate Singer has big dreams for commissioner seat

Even as a student at Fairview High School, Jonathan Singer volunteered for Boulder County. "I've been sort of bitten by the public policy bug before I was old enough to vote," he said with a laugh.

After graduating and getting a degree--he went so far as to earn a master's degree in social work--Singer found a position in South Carolina to do campaign work. But he soon realized that he loved Colorado more and spent a number of years as a social worker for Boulder County.

In 2011, he announced his candidacy for the Colorado State House of Representatives and is proud to say that he has passed over 100 bills in the eight years he's served in the State Legislature, most of which were bipartisan.

So, when the opportunity arose to be a county commissioner, he jumped at the chance. "The number one thing is our county has the most day-to-day effect on people's lives, especially now in the Corona crisis...That's what's really driving me."

In fact, in spite of the Coronavirus and the stay-at-home order, Singer said that he continues to host town hall meetings nearly weekly. "By 10 o'clock in the morning, I'm on the phone with individuals," he explained. "Then I'm returning phone calls to people where we're just trying to get people to [the resources they need]...I'm trying to help on a one-on-one level."

Helping people get the resources they need is important to Singer. Even though he has had to change gears in light of social distancing measures, he and his team have made the effort to reach out to Boulder County residents with both campaign information and general resources. He hopes too, that through the various zoom conferences, he is able to provide the opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and ask questions.

For him, he believes in direct voter contact and wants people to get involved both with his campaign and local government more broadly. He reminds people that if they are frustrated with "what's happening in DC, it's time to get involved locally." Not only does the county have influence over how land is used and what health and housing resources are available, but local government has a tremendous responsibility to help with human services.

In fact, according to Singer, much of the county budget goes to human services programs, and he hopes to expand and revamp them. "We actually can set the stage for making sure there is real equity in our society, that means making sure everyone is in the conversation. The county can really step up in making sure they're included," Singer explained. "We [also] really need to step up to the plate when it comes to criminal justice reform...We can either continue to provide housing, healthcare and food in the most expensive, least efficient way, which is through our jails. Or, we can start to invest in the critical services that keep people out of jail."

On the note of critical services, housing accessibility is a point of emphasis for Singer. As someone who has, himself, had his rent doubled, he experienced housing insecurity. He shares that anecdote not, in his words, "for pity," but to show that "if it can happen to your elected official, it can happen to literally anybody."

In addition to promoting equity, reforming the criminal justice system, reevaluating affordable housing practices and health services, Singer also emphasized the need for a county version of a "Green New Deal." He hopes that if we have one established, the investment in our renewable energy economy will help Boulder become the progressive beacon he believes it has the potential to be.

"We have a moral and ethical obligation [to ensure that] they have access to healthcare, housing, and jobs," said Singer. ""It's one thing to say I have big ideas, it's another to say I've been on the ground. It's still another to say that I've done it [by passing progressive legislation at the State level]."

Without a doubt, Singer is excited to serve Boulder County residents and is hopeful with regard to the race. He argues that since he has experience on "the frontline," but also at the legislature, he brings a different kind of understanding and empathy to the position if elected.

"I hope it [his election] sends a message that Boulder County residents appreciate the [county] workers and that we actually have a government of, for and by the people."

For more information about Singer and his campaign, visit https://www.singerforbouldercounty.com/