Candidate Profile: Karen McCormick (D)

Q: Please tell the readers a bit about yourself.

A: I grew up in a Navy family where my dad served our country for 30 years. Growing up in a military family I learned that service to others is my calling. I have been a veterinarian for 36 years, caring for people and their animals in our community. I owned my own veterinary hospital and for over 16 years helped it grow to a thriving business with over 24 employees.Throughout my profession I have been solving problems with compassion and plan to bring that same intention to the state assembly. I have lived in Longmont for over 25 years where my husband and I raised our three kids. We love Boulder County and Colorado.

Q: What issues do you see as the most pressing, and what are your plans to fix them?

A: The most pressing issue right now is how we will address the challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to look at ways to open up the economy safely so that all are protected. We must innovate on ways to allow businesses to operate and citizens to live while protecting everyone's health. I want to see free standardized testing for COVID throughout our state, both for the antigen (active infection) and the antibody (post infection) tests. We will need robust testing and tracing for probably the next two years at least. As a state legislator I will push to stay ahead of this virus.

My next priority is to address human-caused climate change. We must decrease greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, which starts right here in our home state. I plan to advocate for placing a price on carbon based fuels at the source of production. The best way to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the move to a renewable energy economy is to level the playing field and have these fuels priced fairly. Presently the cost of these fuels is not reflected in the price. The cost to our health and health care system, the cost of harm to our land and water, the cost to cover damages due to extreme weather events, are not included in pricing carbon-based fuels, and should be. When that happens it will open up more and more opportunities for the renewable energy sector to take off. I will support innovation in research and development in the renewable energy fields.

Q: In light of current circumstances, what can you do to help local issues?

A: As long as we are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic we will have to be creative in allowing businesses to operate while protecting the public. We also need to support those at home that are dealing with unique needs in their new circumstances.

I will advocate for increased mental health services and access through tele-health. I will support our local school districts and teachers and parents that are navigating through this new teaching paradigm. I will continue to champion all that we can do personally and celebrate businesses that are doing their part.

Before I am elected to office, I will support our local leaders to make data-driven decisions and I will be outspoken about making sure we stay on track and are best prepared for a second wave of the pandemic when it likely occurs this fall. I believe the most powerful movements begin with us as individuals. I can help locally by supporting the organizations in our community that are helping with housing, health care, food insecurity, mental health services, and supporting all of our frontline health care and service providers. I can use my platform and connections to educate the public and continue to help move us forward through this challenge.