Candidate Kochen brings a diverse background to commissioner race

When Cinda Kochen was a high school student, a classmate came to her, asking if she would help him win the race for class president. He told her that he wanted her help, because he saw her as the bridge between the affluent students and the "have-not" kids in school. This was her first attempt and exposure to local politics.

"I have always participated, but more as a worker bee than someone interested in political office," said Kochen.

She has done so much more than simply being a worker bee--she has a PhD in education; taught at all levels of education, from preschool all the way to collegiate, including migrant and sexual education classes in Longmont; in 1986, she published "The Baby Swim Book"; she worked with community officials to get an act passed to help special needs children in schools; and most recently, she started her own business, The Shower Scene, that focuses on shower sustainability.

"At the moment, we only have shower caps," she said enthusiastically. "We plan to add more sustainable products later. We've got a patent on our hats, believe it or not, and they are made in the USA."

It is this diverse background, and her experience working with both Republicans and Democrats that she believes makes her a good candidate for Boulder County commissioner. "I've worked hard to include people in the county." Kochen's name will appear on the Republican primary ballot for District 1, which includes most of the city of Boulder, Jamestown, Ward and Nederland. She resides west of Boulder and is running unopposed in the primary. Kochen will likely face Democrat Claire Levy in the fall.

While she never had "public official," on her bucket list, she's always had an interest and is vocal about her ideas. For a long time, she has worked with the Daily Camera's editorial advisory board and has written pieces for the publication.

"I've never been afraid to get my ideas out there," she said. "I believe it's a duty to be part of the process. If you aren't part of it, you can't criticize it... Finally, it was like, 'it's my duty and I will come forward and run.'"

Kochen described herself as open-minded and collaborative. When asked about her goals if elected, she immediately said that she wants to continue the current board's work, but explained that she believes there is room for modification and expansion with the current commissioners' plans.

She said she hopes the county, and the commissioners in particular, will do more outreach to places like Niwot, Nederland and the various, smaller mountain communities, "to open up the commissioners and be part of the county."

That said, she also believes that the current structure--having only three commissioners--is not as inclusive and representative of the whole county. "They're [the commissioners] the ones who rule this county, and we only have three; we should have five," said Kochen. "What's good for east county or west county is not necessarily what's good for Boulder...I would definitely change that structure."

The potential for bringing together ideas to make changes for the immediate future and for generations is one thing that most excites Kochen. However, that enthusiasm is measured.

Kochen admitted that her biggest worry is "how divided we Americans have become." Throughout her life, she has been an active member in both political parties, but believes that the ever-growing divisions between the two make it difficult to collaborate.

"I feel that's going to happen to me, that people are not going to invite me to places to listen to my ideas because I have the "R" behind my name," she said. "I've had people say, 'we have nothing to talk about,' and that's hurtful because I value others' opinions."

Despite this slight hesitation, Kochen is optimistic and hopeful for her candidacy. She is still very much in the research and outreach phase, saying that "it's as much gathering other's ideas as it is sharing my own." She explained that she's excited to take all this research to put together a plan for her campaign and, for now, is focusing more on building her foundation than anything else.

"I really care for people and what they think," said Kochen. "[Running for commissioner is] getting me to bring my ideas and others' together so we can all move forward."

More information can be found at http://www.kochen2020.com.