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4th Congressional District primary: Barbara Kirkmeyer

Via FBACT Insider

May 29–The Greeley Tribune asked a series of questions of each candidate in the race for the Republican nomination in the 4th Congressional District. Today’s answers are from Barbara Kirkmeyer:

QUESTION — Why do you feel you are the best candidate?

ANSWER — I am the one candidate who most closely matches the district, both in terms of experience and in terms of philosophy. In this district that is heavily reliant on agriculture, I am the one candidate who was raised on a dairy farm, who raised my kids on a dairy farm and who works every day to defend family farmers from governmental overreach. I have a strong background in small business, having started and operated a florist shop with my sister for 15 years. And as a Weld County commissioner, I’ve worked closely with the energy industry in defense of their rights to safely and efficiently produce oil and natural gas that benefits our region, our state and our country.

Q — What are you most proud of in your professional life?

A — As a commissioner, I am very proud that we have always balanced our budgets, without raising taxes or imposing a sales tax. In fact, we send money back to taxpayers each year. And over the last 10 years we have returned more than $278 million to Weld County taxpayers. We do this by making smart decisions, eliminating waste and remembering that ultimately the money belongs to taxpayers, not to us. I’m going to bring this same approach to Congress.

Q — What issues do you think are the most important in your district and what will you do to address them?

A — Agriculture is a huge part of our economy and, unfortunately, the Obama administration’s EPA and radical groups like HSUS have threatened the ability of our family farms to stay afloat. I will be a strong defender of family farmers and fight to stop overregulation and harassment by Obama’s bureaucrats. I am also very concerned that our energy producers are being demonized by left-wing environmentalists, which is why I have always defended responsible energy exploration and fracking. I will fight back against any attempts by Congress or the Obama administration to interfere with the rights of energy producers and private property owners.

Q — Do you feel there is a disconnect between voters and elected officials? If so, how can that be changed?

A — Yes, I feel there is a disconnect. It can be changed by doing exactly what I am doing, and have always done … going door to door, visiting with voters, community leaders, families and small business owners. I’ve met with hundreds of voters throughout the 4th Congressional District already, and I’ll continue to visit with them even after I’ve been elected. You can never stop listening, and my promise to voters is that I’ll continue to be present in your communities and listen to your concerns as a candidate and, soon, as your representative in Congress.