![\"Colorado\u2019s](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ElectionDay_HC_7-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\t\tColorado\u2019s primaries are June 30. Here\u2019s what you need to know about the candidates and how to vote.<\/a><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u25b6 FULL STORY\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe next governor will appoint members to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, which has been roiled by political fights and perceptions that the priorities of hunters and fishers are being replaced by commissioners who believe preserving the environment and wildlife trumps everything else. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The state\u2019s next CEO will need to bridge a growing divide between rural and urban Coloradans that has widened to the point where members of the hunting and fishing community are seeking to etch a fundamental right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife in the Colorado Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On these issues, The Colorado Sun has surveyed the five people running for governor to get their plans and priorities for wildlife and the outdoors. They include Democrats U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser, and three Republicans \u2014 state Rep. Scott Bottoms, state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and former U.S. Marine and Christian outreach worker Victor Marx.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Colorado Sun sent survey questions to each of the candidates via email. Their written responses have been edited for length and clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use arrow keys (\u2190<\/em> \u2192) or swipe to read through topics<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nJump to a topic<\/summary>\n\n- Is natural resource management in Colorado – including everything from wildfire mitigation to water use to wildlife management – moving in the right direction?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Will you support voters\u2019 decision to restore a self-sustaining population of wolves?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Should Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners reflect the governor\u2019s policy priorities?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you support proposed Initiative 302, which would establish a fundamental right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife in the Colorado Constitution?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Is the rural-urban divide causing politicians to make decisions based too much on party politics, and if so, how will you remedy it?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nNATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIs natural resource management in Colorado – including everything from wildfire mitigation to water use to wildlife management – moving in the right direction?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/bennet-issue-guide-mug.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBennet said Colorado has enormous natural resource challenges ahead, which is why he released proposals to restore forest health and reduce wildfire risk, secure Colorado\u2019s water future and protect its outdoors for the next generation. \u201cI encourage everyone to read my platform at bennetforcolorado.com,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"Phil](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/weiser-issue-guide-mug.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWeiser acknowledged many are working \u201cto move Colorado in the right direction,\u201d but that we need more focus on resilience with active coordination, collaboration and engagement across all levels of government and private landholders. That includes wildfire mitigation, funding the Colorado Water Plan, and investing in backup energy generation capacity and local storage, which protects residents against outages while enhancing the grid\u2019s overall resilience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Barbara](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kirkmeyer-issue-guide-mug.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nKirkmeyer said Colorado is falling behind because politics prevent practical stewardship. She said we need to protect rivers and streams while investing in new water storage, modern infrastructure, and new innovations like aquifer recharge. Wildfire and wildlife management should be driven by science, she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"Scott](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/bottoms-issue-guide-mug.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nUnder current leadership, natural resource management has been undermined by top down mandates, federal overreach and ideological priorities that ignore rural realities, practical stewardship and science based approaches, Bottoms said. He said he would prioritize stewardship \u201cthat protects property rights, supports rural economies, expands energy production while safeguarding resources, and returns decision making power to local communities and those who live and work on the land.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"Victor](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/marx-issue-guide-mug.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cNo. We need active forest management, not neglect. We need to treat water like the lifeblood of our future economy, not an afterthought. And we need science-based, locally informed wildlife policies that respect both conservation and community safety.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nWOLF RESTORATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWill you support voters\u2019 decision to restore a self-sustaining population of wolves?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBennet said he has always wanted wolf reintroduction to succeed, but knows some Coloradans are frustrated with implementation. He believes in a community-centered approach, with collaboration between landowners, hunters, anglers, ranchers, and the conservation community to rebuild trust and achieve a self-sustaining wolf population, he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWeiser said he will \u201ccarry out the voters\u2019 will and enforce and administer our state laws\u2014not pick and choose among them.\u201d But it\u2019s clear to him \u201cno one on any side of this issue\u2014including me\u2014believes the wolf reintroduction program is working well,\u201d and trust must be restored between Colorado\u2019s wildlife agencies and rural communities by ensuring fairness, transparency and engagement with rural communities going forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI have been clear from the beginning that I opposed wolf reintroduction.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cNo. I would support immediately pausing and ultimately phasing out the wolf reintroduction program.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI do not support continuing a flawed program just to protect a political narrative. As governor, I will push for an immediate, science driven reassessment focused on population limits, geographic controls, and stronger mitigation. If the data shows this cannot be done without harming Colorado communities and industries, then we should not continue it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nPRIORITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nShould Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners reflect the governor\u2019s policy priorities?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBennet said he\u2019ll appoint CPW commissioners with thoughtful perspectives, a desire to find common ground, lived experience, and the desire to move important conversations forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIndependent boards and commissions like the Parks and Wildlife Commission should exercise independent judgment \u2014 since that is what the law requires, Weiser said. And while he may have opinions and positions on matters, appointments he makes to the CPW commission and all independent boards will be based on sound criteria including an appointee\u2019s judgment, expertise, professional background, geographic diversity, diversity of experiences and backgrounds, and other important variables to ensure a commission functions in Coloradans\u2019 best interests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nKirkmeyer said the commission should reflect Colorado, not simply the priorities of whichever governor happens to be in office. She said the commission should be made up of people with real-world experience in agriculture, conservation, outdoor recreation, wildlife biology, forestry, and rural communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cCommissioners should prioritize science, expertise, and the interests of hunters, anglers, outfitters, ranchers, and all who rely on sustainable wildlife management, not partisan ideology or activist agendas.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI will appoint commissioners with real-world experience in wildlife biology, land management, agriculture, and law enforcement, who are willing to ask tough questions and follow the data.
Colorado deserves a commission that works for the people and the resource, not for politics.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nINITIATIVE 302<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you support proposed Initiative 302, which would establish a fundamental right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife in the Colorado Constitution?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI look forward to reviewing the proposed initiative if it officially qualifies for the ballot.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI support the rights of Colorado\u2019s anglers, hunters, and sportsmen, but I am always cautious about using constitutional amendments to create statewide policy,\u201d Weiser said. \u201cIf this measure is certified for the ballot, I will listen to the initiative\u2019s backers and any opponents before I reach a decision on whether I will support this initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cYes. Hunters and fishers are critical partners in our state\u2019s wildlife management. Without them, we will see more disease and unhealthy wildlife, and we will also have less money to care for their habitat.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cYes. Constitutional protection would safeguard these practices against urban-driven restrictions and ensure science based, responsible management that benefits all Coloradans.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Marx said. \u201cIf we do not act now, decisions about wildlife management will continue drifting away from science and into ideology.\u201d Initiative 302 ensures these rights are protected for future generations and keeps wildlife management grounded in reality, not politics, he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nRURAL-URBAN DIVIDE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIs the rural-urban divide causing politicians to make decisions based too much on party politics, and if so, how will you remedy it?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cColorado\u2019s future will be shaped not by what divides us, but by what we can accomplish together. Rural and urban communities bring different perspectives, but we share a common responsibility: making life more affordable, ensuring every child receives a world-class education, and protecting the natural resources that define our state. My most important work will begin with rebuilding trust and opening lines of communication.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAs governor, Weiser said he would \u201cset the expectation for all of government\u201d that rural Coloradans are partners in the policy-making process, that they have a voice on state boards and commissions, and that they are listened to and collaborated with\u2014not disregarded by directing state boards and commissions to hold meetings and hear public input in rural communities. He said he would sign an executive order establishing a cabinet-level Director of Rural Affairs and Collaboration within the Governor\u2019s Office that he would work with the legislature to codify in state law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cYes. Too many decisions affecting rural Colorado are being made by people who have little connection to the communities that live with the consequences. The solution is recognizing that our futures are tied together.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDenver-centric policies ignore Western Slope and rural realities on issues like water, wolves, energy, housing, and wildlife, he said. \u201cWe will bridge divides by putting people and stewardship first, not party politics or urban mandates,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cThe rural-urban divide is real, and it is being made worse by political leaders who treat Colorado like two separate states,\u201d Marx said. \u201cWe are one state with shared interests, strong communities, a healthy environment, and a growing economy. I will focus on practical solutions that respect those differences while delivering results that work for all Coloradans.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Jump to a topic<\/summary>\n\n- Is natural resource management in Colorado – including everything from wildfire mitigation to water use to wildlife management – moving in the right direction?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Will you support voters\u2019 decision to restore a self-sustaining population of wolves?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Should Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners reflect the governor\u2019s policy priorities?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you support proposed Initiative 302, which would establish a fundamental right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife in the Colorado Constitution?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Is the rural-urban divide causing politicians to make decisions based too much on party politics, and if so, how will you remedy it?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nNATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIs natural resource management in Colorado – including everything from wildfire mitigation to water use to wildlife management – moving in the right direction?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBennet said Colorado has enormous natural resource challenges ahead, which is why he released proposals to restore forest health and reduce wildfire risk, secure Colorado\u2019s water future and protect its outdoors for the next generation. \u201cI encourage everyone to read my platform at bennetforcolorado.com,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWeiser acknowledged many are working \u201cto move Colorado in the right direction,\u201d but that we need more focus on resilience with active coordination, collaboration and engagement across all levels of government and private landholders. That includes wildfire mitigation, funding the Colorado Water Plan, and investing in backup energy generation capacity and local storage, which protects residents against outages while enhancing the grid\u2019s overall resilience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nKirkmeyer said Colorado is falling behind because politics prevent practical stewardship. She said we need to protect rivers and streams while investing in new water storage, modern infrastructure, and new innovations like aquifer recharge. Wildfire and wildlife management should be driven by science, she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nUnder current leadership, natural resource management has been undermined by top down mandates, federal overreach and ideological priorities that ignore rural realities, practical stewardship and science based approaches, Bottoms said. He said he would prioritize stewardship \u201cthat protects property rights, supports rural economies, expands energy production while safeguarding resources, and returns decision making power to local communities and those who live and work on the land.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cNo. We need active forest management, not neglect. We need to treat water like the lifeblood of our future economy, not an afterthought. And we need science-based, locally informed wildlife policies that respect both conservation and community safety.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nWOLF RESTORATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWill you support voters\u2019 decision to restore a self-sustaining population of wolves?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBennet said he has always wanted wolf reintroduction to succeed, but knows some Coloradans are frustrated with implementation. He believes in a community-centered approach, with collaboration between landowners, hunters, anglers, ranchers, and the conservation community to rebuild trust and achieve a self-sustaining wolf population, he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWeiser said he will \u201ccarry out the voters\u2019 will and enforce and administer our state laws\u2014not pick and choose among them.\u201d But it\u2019s clear to him \u201cno one on any side of this issue\u2014including me\u2014believes the wolf reintroduction program is working well,\u201d and trust must be restored between Colorado\u2019s wildlife agencies and rural communities by ensuring fairness, transparency and engagement with rural communities going forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI have been clear from the beginning that I opposed wolf reintroduction.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cNo. I would support immediately pausing and ultimately phasing out the wolf reintroduction program.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI do not support continuing a flawed program just to protect a political narrative. As governor, I will push for an immediate, science driven reassessment focused on population limits, geographic controls, and stronger mitigation. If the data shows this cannot be done without harming Colorado communities and industries, then we should not continue it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nPRIORITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nShould Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners reflect the governor\u2019s policy priorities?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBennet said he\u2019ll appoint CPW commissioners with thoughtful perspectives, a desire to find common ground, lived experience, and the desire to move important conversations forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIndependent boards and commissions like the Parks and Wildlife Commission should exercise independent judgment \u2014 since that is what the law requires, Weiser said. And while he may have opinions and positions on matters, appointments he makes to the CPW commission and all independent boards will be based on sound criteria including an appointee\u2019s judgment, expertise, professional background, geographic diversity, diversity of experiences and backgrounds, and other important variables to ensure a commission functions in Coloradans\u2019 best interests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nKirkmeyer said the commission should reflect Colorado, not simply the priorities of whichever governor happens to be in office. She said the commission should be made up of people with real-world experience in agriculture, conservation, outdoor recreation, wildlife biology, forestry, and rural communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cCommissioners should prioritize science, expertise, and the interests of hunters, anglers, outfitters, ranchers, and all who rely on sustainable wildlife management, not partisan ideology or activist agendas.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI will appoint commissioners with real-world experience in wildlife biology, land management, agriculture, and law enforcement, who are willing to ask tough questions and follow the data.
Colorado deserves a commission that works for the people and the resource, not for politics.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nINITIATIVE 302<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you support proposed Initiative 302, which would establish a fundamental right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife in the Colorado Constitution?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI look forward to reviewing the proposed initiative if it officially qualifies for the ballot.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cI support the rights of Colorado\u2019s anglers, hunters, and sportsmen, but I am always cautious about using constitutional amendments to create statewide policy,\u201d Weiser said. \u201cIf this measure is certified for the ballot, I will listen to the initiative\u2019s backers and any opponents before I reach a decision on whether I will support this initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cYes. Hunters and fishers are critical partners in our state\u2019s wildlife management. Without them, we will see more disease and unhealthy wildlife, and we will also have less money to care for their habitat.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cYes. Constitutional protection would safeguard these practices against urban-driven restrictions and ensure science based, responsible management that benefits all Coloradans.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Marx said. \u201cIf we do not act now, decisions about wildlife management will continue drifting away from science and into ideology.\u201d Initiative 302 ensures these rights are protected for future generations and keeps wildlife management grounded in reality, not politics, he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nRURAL-URBAN DIVIDE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIs the rural-urban divide causing politicians to make decisions based too much on party politics, and if so, how will you remedy it?<\/h4>\n\n\n\nDEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMichael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cColorado\u2019s future will be shaped not by what divides us, but by what we can accomplish together. Rural and urban communities bring different perspectives, but we share a common responsibility: making life more affordable, ensuring every child receives a world-class education, and protecting the natural resources that define our state. My most important work will begin with rebuilding trust and opening lines of communication.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPhil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAs governor, Weiser said he would \u201cset the expectation for all of government\u201d that rural Coloradans are partners in the policy-making process, that they have a voice on state boards and commissions, and that they are listened to and collaborated with\u2014not disregarded by directing state boards and commissions to hold meetings and hear public input in rural communities. He said he would sign an executive order establishing a cabinet-level Director of Rural Affairs and Collaboration within the Governor\u2019s Office that he would work with the legislature to codify in state law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
REPUBLICANS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBarbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cYes. Too many decisions affecting rural Colorado are being made by people who have little connection to the communities that live with the consequences. The solution is recognizing that our futures are tied together.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDenver-centric policies ignore Western Slope and rural realities on issues like water, wolves, energy, housing, and wildlife, he said. \u201cWe will bridge divides by putting people and stewardship first, not party politics or urban mandates,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nVictor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cThe rural-urban divide is real, and it is being made worse by political leaders who treat Colorado like two separate states,\u201d Marx said. \u201cWe are one state with shared interests, strong communities, a healthy environment, and a growing economy. I will focus on practical solutions that respect those differences while delivering results that work for all Coloradans.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bennet said Colorado has enormous natural resource challenges ahead, which is why he released proposals to restore forest health and reduce wildfire risk, secure Colorado\u2019s water future and protect its outdoors for the next generation. \u201cI encourage everyone to read my platform at bennetforcolorado.com,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Phil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weiser acknowledged many are working \u201cto move Colorado in the right direction,\u201d but that we need more focus on resilience with active coordination, collaboration and engagement across all levels of government and private landholders. That includes wildfire mitigation, funding the Colorado Water Plan, and investing in backup energy generation capacity and local storage, which protects residents against outages while enhancing the grid\u2019s overall resilience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Barbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kirkmeyer said Colorado is falling behind because politics prevent practical stewardship. She said we need to protect rivers and streams while investing in new water storage, modern infrastructure, and new innovations like aquifer recharge. Wildfire and wildlife management should be driven by science, she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Scott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Under current leadership, natural resource management has been undermined by top down mandates, federal overreach and ideological priorities that ignore rural realities, practical stewardship and science based approaches, Bottoms said. He said he would prioritize stewardship \u201cthat protects property rights, supports rural economies, expands energy production while safeguarding resources, and returns decision making power to local communities and those who live and work on the land.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Victor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo. We need active forest management, not neglect. We need to treat water like the lifeblood of our future economy, not an afterthought. And we need science-based, locally informed wildlife policies that respect both conservation and community safety.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n WOLF RESTORATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bennet said he has always wanted wolf reintroduction to succeed, but knows some Coloradans are frustrated with implementation. He believes in a community-centered approach, with collaboration between landowners, hunters, anglers, ranchers, and the conservation community to rebuild trust and achieve a self-sustaining wolf population, he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Phil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weiser said he will \u201ccarry out the voters\u2019 will and enforce and administer our state laws\u2014not pick and choose among them.\u201d But it\u2019s clear to him \u201cno one on any side of this issue\u2014including me\u2014believes the wolf reintroduction program is working well,\u201d and trust must be restored between Colorado\u2019s wildlife agencies and rural communities by ensuring fairness, transparency and engagement with rural communities going forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Barbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have been clear from the beginning that I opposed wolf reintroduction.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Scott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo. I would support immediately pausing and ultimately phasing out the wolf reintroduction program.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Victor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do not support continuing a flawed program just to protect a political narrative. As governor, I will push for an immediate, science driven reassessment focused on population limits, geographic controls, and stronger mitigation. If the data shows this cannot be done without harming Colorado communities and industries, then we should not continue it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n PRIORITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bennet said he\u2019ll appoint CPW commissioners with thoughtful perspectives, a desire to find common ground, lived experience, and the desire to move important conversations forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Phil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Independent boards and commissions like the Parks and Wildlife Commission should exercise independent judgment \u2014 since that is what the law requires, Weiser said. And while he may have opinions and positions on matters, appointments he makes to the CPW commission and all independent boards will be based on sound criteria including an appointee\u2019s judgment, expertise, professional background, geographic diversity, diversity of experiences and backgrounds, and other important variables to ensure a commission functions in Coloradans\u2019 best interests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Barbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kirkmeyer said the commission should reflect Colorado, not simply the priorities of whichever governor happens to be in office. She said the commission should be made up of people with real-world experience in agriculture, conservation, outdoor recreation, wildlife biology, forestry, and rural communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Scott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCommissioners should prioritize science, expertise, and the interests of hunters, anglers, outfitters, ranchers, and all who rely on sustainable wildlife management, not partisan ideology or activist agendas.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Victor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI will appoint commissioners with real-world experience in wildlife biology, land management, agriculture, and law enforcement, who are willing to ask tough questions and follow the data. INITIATIVE 302<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI look forward to reviewing the proposed initiative if it officially qualifies for the ballot.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Phil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI support the rights of Colorado\u2019s anglers, hunters, and sportsmen, but I am always cautious about using constitutional amendments to create statewide policy,\u201d Weiser said. \u201cIf this measure is certified for the ballot, I will listen to the initiative\u2019s backers and any opponents before I reach a decision on whether I will support this initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Barbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. Hunters and fishers are critical partners in our state\u2019s wildlife management. Without them, we will see more disease and unhealthy wildlife, and we will also have less money to care for their habitat.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Scott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. Constitutional protection would safeguard these practices against urban-driven restrictions and ensure science based, responsible management that benefits all Coloradans.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Victor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Marx said. \u201cIf we do not act now, decisions about wildlife management will continue drifting away from science and into ideology.\u201d Initiative 302 ensures these rights are protected for future generations and keeps wildlife management grounded in reality, not politics, he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n RURAL-URBAN DIVIDE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael Bennet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cColorado\u2019s future will be shaped not by what divides us, but by what we can accomplish together. Rural and urban communities bring different perspectives, but we share a common responsibility: making life more affordable, ensuring every child receives a world-class education, and protecting the natural resources that define our state. My most important work will begin with rebuilding trust and opening lines of communication.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Phil Weiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As governor, Weiser said he would \u201cset the expectation for all of government\u201d that rural Coloradans are partners in the policy-making process, that they have a voice on state boards and commissions, and that they are listened to and collaborated with\u2014not disregarded by directing state boards and commissions to hold meetings and hear public input in rural communities. He said he would sign an executive order establishing a cabinet-level Director of Rural Affairs and Collaboration within the Governor\u2019s Office that he would work with the legislature to codify in state law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Barbara Kirkmeyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. Too many decisions affecting rural Colorado are being made by people who have little connection to the communities that live with the consequences. The solution is recognizing that our futures are tied together.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Scott Bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Denver-centric policies ignore Western Slope and rural realities on issues like water, wolves, energy, housing, and wildlife, he said. \u201cWe will bridge divides by putting people and stewardship first, not party politics or urban mandates,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Victor Marx<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe rural-urban divide is real, and it is being made worse by political leaders who treat Colorado like two separate states,\u201d Marx said. \u201cWe are one state with shared interests, strong communities, a healthy environment, and a growing economy. I will focus on practical solutions that respect those differences while delivering results that work for all Coloradans.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nIs natural resource management in Colorado – including everything from wildfire mitigation to water use to wildlife management – moving in the right direction?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
DEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWill you support voters\u2019 decision to restore a self-sustaining population of wolves?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
DEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nShould Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners reflect the governor\u2019s policy priorities?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
DEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Colorado deserves a commission that works for the people and the resource, not for politics.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDo you support proposed Initiative 302, which would establish a fundamental right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife in the Colorado Constitution?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
DEMOCRATS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nIs the rural-urban divide causing politicians to make decisions based too much on party politics, and if so, how will you remedy it?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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