GRAND JUNCTION Democrats found a candidate for Montezuma Countys House seat just in time for the annual Club 20 debates Saturday.
Tammy Theis of Montrose will challenge Rep. Don Coram, R-Montrose, for House District 58, which includes all of Montezuma and Dolores counties.
Theis has worked for 35 years at a public utility, designing and permitting rights-of-way for electric lines. The work helped her learn about people in several other trades, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters and builders, she said Saturday.
With that experience, I learned that we need a stronger voice for rural Colorado on the Front Range, Theis said.
A Democratic vacancy committee placed her on the ballot in late August. She and Coram faced off in a 30-minute debate Saturday.
Coram pointed out his record in the Legislature of working with Democrats and Republicans. He represents everyone in his region, he said.
The R behind my name stands for rural, he said.
The Club 20 debate gives candidates a chance to cross-examine each other, and Theis pressed Coram on womens issues.
The track record indicates theres not been a great deal of support from your office towards the issues of women in Colorado and the 58th district, Theis said.
Coram said he stands on his track record.
I have no idea what youre talking about, so if you have something specific, why dont you bring it up? Coram said.
Theis moved on to questions about transportation and the economy.
Coram asked Theis if she supports the unionization of state employees.
I support the collective bargaining rights of all people, Theis said. In our constitution, it provides for people to assemble and join forces.
Coram, who owns a small uranium mining company, also asked if she supports the proposed Piñon Ridge uranium mill and expanded uranium mining in Southwest Colorado.
Theis said she supports all kinds of energy and emphasized renewable energies.
I support any development for alternative energy, renewable energy and the redevelopment of some of those fuel sources that you described. Its imperative that we continue to research and develop all forms of energy, because fossil fuels are going to go away, she said.
Coram said coal offers a plentiful supply of electricity.
We have had an assault on the coal industry in this nation, and its time that we as a state Legislature stand up and tell the federal government, no. We are going to mine, Coram said.
Libertarian Gregory Thornton is also in the race, but Club 20 did not invite him to the debate.
joeh@cortezjournal.com