Dom Waters

Dom Waters was born in Dallas, Texas. Waters received a degree from the University of Mississippi in 2011. Waters' professional experience includes working in freelance graphic arts and cultural education. Water taught English to children and adults in Japan from 2012 to 2013.[1]

Dom Waters did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'd like to introduce myself; my name is Dom Waters. I was born to working class parents in Dallas, Texas, and have been a Colorado D1 resident for most of my life. I was a mixed race latchkey child with a divorced mother who had to work multiple jobs simply to put food on the table. From a young age I helped out with responsibilities whenever I could, which engrained in me a sense of determination and hard work. I've had an array of odd jobs over the years, from volunteering at memory care centers, participating at haunted houses that helped city food drives, and working for a cultural education non-profit foundation, to styling wigs, freelancing art work, and teaching English in Japan.

I'm running for CD 1 because we need change. We've had the same incumbent for a quarter of a century, and much of our district has declined in quality since then. The economy is in a shambles and people are hurting, yet nothing is being done to improve it. We're tired of price gouging and rampant inflation. We're tired of our crowded, crumbling roads. We're tired of student loan debt, the outrageous cost of living, the gender pay gap, and discrimination against Native Americans and the LGBTQ+ communities.

You have two options: keep a career politician in place, or vote for me, a fierce candidate who will champion for the working class, the undeserved, the discriminated, and families. Together, we can bring magnificent transformation for generations to come.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'm your District 1 neighbor, not some political elite, and will listen to your needs, concerns, and questions.Vote for me, and I will be your voice and champion to reach previously unobtainable goals.Together, we will march forward, strong and steadfast, to a bright new tomorrow.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Equal pay for women, student loan debt, lowering taxes, strengthening the economy, tempering the cost of living.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez because she was not considered a serious competitor by many in the political establishment, yet she was the David who took down the Goliath. She's a brilliant, hard-working, and honest person; this is the type of person we need in Washington DC.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Aesop's Fables.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, skillful communication, transparency, exceptional listening skills, empathy, and knowing how to put others first.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am honest, have skillful communication, am transparent, an exceptional listener, empathic, and know how to put others first.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Keeping promises, introducing bills, working well with others, and serving on committees.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A better future for all.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Challenger shuttle disaster on 1/28/86. I was very young, but old enough to understand the devastation.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Working for a cultural education foundation that engages with Colorado schools, underserved communities, and assisted living centers. My role is still ongoing.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Seeing District 1 Colorado crumble over the years.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives is unique because it brings together people of all backgrounds, beliefs, color, sexual identity to work as a unified body in creating and instituting the laws of our land.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. What is necessary is to possess drive and passion, coupled with a desire to help others.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Healing the rift between people and creating a united country again.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would like to be a part of environmental committees, homeless coalitions, Native American Rights groups, and Medicare for All.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

N/A

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, two years is an adequate amount of time in which to bring forth ideas and implement change.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Recently, I met a homeless man who shared with me that he had lost his livelihood and family over a period of six months. When I told him I' believed in helping the homeless by providing security and futures, he started to cry and thanked me.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, there is always a certain amount of compromising that is necessary to reach a desired outcome. The key is to be an effective and sincere listener.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I 'm not seeking this role just for myself; I would make sure that I prioritized correctly to benefit everyone I'm representing first.