Senator, President Pro Tempore, Colorado State Senate, 2010-present

Representative, Colorado State House of Representatives, 2006-2010

Former Vice Chair, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy Committee, Colorado State Senate

Member, Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Reform

Former Chair, Judiciary Committee, Colorado State Senate

Former Member, Judiciary Committee, Colorado State Senate

Former Member, Legislative Council Committee, Colorado State Senate

Former Member, Local Government Committee, Colorado State Senate

Member, Republican Task Force on Economic Recovery

Attorney, Ellen Roberts Professional Corporation and Roberts and Steelman, 1986-2007

Park Ranger, Rocky Mountain National Park, National Park Service, 1981-1984

Chair, Board of Directors, Mercy Regional Medical Center, present

Member, Citizens Health Advisory Council, present

Member, Club 20, present

Board Member, First National Bank Board, present

Member, First Presbyterian Church, present

Member, High Noon Rotary, 1989

Member, Southwest Colorado Bar Association, 1986

Awards:

2015 Colorado Senate President Pro Tempore; 2014 Dan Noble Award Winner; 2012 Pinnacle Award Recipient; 2012 Economic Development Council's Legislator of the Year; 2012 Champion of Conservation; 2009 Champion of Youth; 2009 Mental Health America of Colorado's Legislator of the Year; 2007 Legislator of Merit; 2007 Independent Bankers of Colorado's Spirit of Independence Award;

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

Here's why I am running for re-election:

1.) I believe we need to restore Colorado's focus on the essentials. This means jobs, using fiscal discipline to build and maintain state infrastructure, and achieving less government, not more…and more individual freedom, not less. These essentials extend from the daily challenges of running a small business on Main Street to adhering to the lofty ideals and wisdom of the Founding Fathers and the principles of representative democracy.

2.) Southwest Colorado needs a strong and respected voice at our state's Capitol and my track record shows I am that. I get things done. I seek common ground where possible. But, I fight as hard as it takes for Southwestern Coloradan views to be heard in Denver.

3.) My dad guided me toward, not away from, challenges, reinforcing the phrase, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." These are difficult and challenging times in Colorado state government. Local jurisdictions are struggling and seeking help from the state's limited resources. The federal government is dysfunctional with a capital D and is not an example of good governance to follow. I have never been one to shy away from hard work, I believe strongly in active listening to others and in seeking a better way forward. I thrive on challenges and I'm willing to keep at it.

These are the reasons I've decided to run again for re-election. I hope you will support me in whatever way you can by donating to my campaign, volunteering to assist my terrific campaign team that has helped me over the years, and, most importantly, by voting for me in 2014.