State Representative House District 56: Priola vs Snider

Split up between rural, urban and suburban, state House District 56 voters universally have one concern, according to the candidates for that seat: education. Republican and incumbent Kevin Priola and Democrat challenger Vicki Snider say voters in that district almost always express concern about the future of Colorado students.

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Constituents focused on election, so candidates are, too

By AARON COLE, Staff Writer

Split up between rural, urban and suburban, state House District 56 voters universally have one concern, according to the candidates for that seat: education. Republican and incumbent Kevin Priola and Democrat challenger Vicki Snider say voters in that district almost always express concern about the future of Colorado students.

“Even out in Bennett, people want to talk about education,” Priola said.

Their approaches are predictably different, however, and separate the candidates for the House seat. Priola is a three-time incumbent who lives in Henderson. The family business owner has served on the House Education and Finance committees and last year introduced bills that would have changed how the schools count students among other reforms. His bills eventually failed, but Priola said if elected, he’d like to bring those bills back to the floor.

“If you modernized the count day — added a second, third or even fourth day — I think that would benefit the schools that are doing well,” Priola said.

Snider, who lives in Brighton, said that after becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2007 she was compelled to volunteer with the Greater Brighton Neighborhood Volunteers association. Working with that group, she said, gave her the motivation to run for state office. This is her first campaign.

“I wanted to take it to a different level,” Snider said.

On the campaign trail, Snider said she’s heard from voters concerned about education funding. Specifically, she’s encouraged by how well schools in her neighborhood are doing considering the amount of money they’re afforded to spend on each student.

“Because of (the Taxpayer Bill of Rights) it seems like we’re so restricted with money, and it seems like education always falls by the wayside,” she said. “We do very well for what we spend, I wonder if we can do better.”

Priola said he would also look to create more transparency in education via school ratings and report cards. Two years ago, Priola offered bills that would have changed the terminology in how schools are rated, although those bills didn’t continue.

Snider said she would like the emphasis on state education to better prepare students for college and jobs.

If elected, Priola would be serving his last term in the state House, as the legislator would be term-limited after this term. Priola said he would be focused on education reform and perhaps reforming the state employee pension fund, PERA, for the future. Potentially facing a TABOR surplus from tax revenue, and the prospect of sending taxpayers a refund instead of sending those dollars to other state programs, Priola said he would prefer that money to be returned to taxpayers.

“Those dollars don’t sit under a mattress, they’re put back into the economy and I think that taxpayers should have that money back,” he said.

Both candidates are vying for a seat to represent rural areas of Aurora that could potentially be drilled via hydraulic fracturing processes, which nearly required a special session last year of the Legislature last year to resolve.

Priola said he anticipates those issues to come up again in this session after a committee convened by the governor returns with its results.

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From Vicki Snider campaign:

Vicki Snider has announced her intent to seek a seat in the Colorado House of Representatives as the Democratic candidate for House District 56. A lifelong Colorado resident, Vicki was the first of four children born to a military-veteran father and immigrant mother.  From an early age Vicki was taught the importance of tolerance, diversity, and charity. As an adult, Vicki has translated these values into philanthropic work with the Greater Brighton Neighborhood Volunteers (GBNV), the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and the Colorado Democratic Party. As a founding member of GBNV, Vicki has led numerous campaigns benefiting Brighton-area residents, including food and toy drives, backpack/school supply drives, yard and home maintenance for the elderly, and open space cleanup. During the 2012 Presidential election, Vicki spearheaded a highly effective grassroots campaign effort, personally organizing and hosting a number of events ranging from phone banks, to walking routes, to debate viewings. Her organized and logistical approach has proved effective in garnering support and generating results.

As the Representative for House District 56, Vicki is committed to being “Your Advocate” and the voice for her constituents. As a wife, mother, cancer-survivor and activist, Vicki has used volunteerism to overcome challenges in her own life and believe that, “anything is possible when great people come together.” More of a listener than a talker, she will objectively consider the needs and priorities within her district, bringing attention and action to the issues that matter, including education, employment opportunity, health, and gender equality. Her enthusiasm and steadfastness make her a natural civil servant with a genuine interest in serving the people.

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From Kevin Priola Campaign:

Kevin Priola was born and raised in Adams County, Colorado.  He attended Brighton public schools growing up, including both Regis Jesuit and Horizon High Schools.  Since he was young, he has enjoyed baseball, football and running. Kevin is now a big fan of hunting and fishing as well, and he and his family are avid skiers and snowboarders.

Kevin attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where he graduated with a Business degree.  While at CU, he joined in the Ralphie Handlers Program – the group of college students who train and tend to one of America’s most well-loved mascots, Ralphie.  He continues his involvement with the program today as its Co-Director. Kevin was also active in politics at CU as a member of the College Republicans.  He spent much of his time hosting caucuses and bringing awareness of political issues to his fellow students.

Married to Michelle Priola for 18 years

One son and two younger daughters

Education:

Horizon High School, Brighton, CO

University Colorado, Boulder, CO – BS, Finance, Accounting and minor in Economics

Work Experience:

Priola Greenhouses, Henderson, CO

VP and Treasurer

CAP Land Company, Henderson, CO

VP and Treasurer

Community Service:

Commerce City Rotary Club, Offices held- President, Treasurer, Publicity Chairman

Commerce City Name Change Committee

University of Colorado Ralphie Handler’s Director

In 1996, Kevin married his high school sweetheart, Michelle Osif.  Michelle is a teacher and a stay-at-home mom to their son and two daughters. Kevin and Michelle love to spend time teaching their children about the great outdoors.  Whenever the family gets a day off together, you can usually find them hiking, camping or skiing. Kevin, Michelle and their children attend Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Northglenn.

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[/wc_accordion_section] [wc_accordion_section title=”Kevin Priola Endorsements“]

None provided

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