Maureen Dower

Maureen Dower earned a high school diploma from Easton Area High School, a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1990, and a graduate degree from Purdue University in 1995. Her career experience includes working as a veterinarian.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in semi-rural Pennsylvania, the daughter of frugal Depression-era parents in a suburb surrounded by farm fields. My childhood was rooted in typical suburbia and agriculture, running the neighborhood until nightfall while also milking cows on Christmas Eve. That upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic, an understanding of the balance between urban and rural communities, a practical mindset, and a passion for caring for humans and animals.

In 1990, I earned a B.S. in Animal Science from Penn State University; in 1995 I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Purdue University.

In 1996, I started my own mobile veterinary practice in Colorado, working side-by-side with horse owners, trainers and ranchers. Later I became a Technical Services Vet for Zoetis, providing specialized expertise to large animal vets for complex individual and herd health issues.

In 2018 I was elected Berthoud Trustee and served as Mayor Pro Tem. We updated Town development codes and successfully passed voter-approved dedicated funding for parks, recreation and trails. This funding supported construction of our award-winning Berthoud Recreation Center (2021), new parks, and improved recreational amenities.

My most important accomplishment, however, is as a wife and mother. I strongly believe we need to create stability and opportunity for our kids. My motivation to run for State Rep is not for myself, or my generation, but for my kids’ generation and beyond.

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?

Attainable Housing

Something has gone wrong with the American Dream. Even with your hard work, the prospect of a fulfilling life and the security of home ownership is drifting further out of reach. For those who do own homes, rising insurance premiums, property taxes, metro district fees, and utility bills are swallowing more of the family paycheck. Meanwhile, many are trapped in a cycle of rent, unable to build equity for their future. The people of HD64 deserve a reasonable shot at homeownership. I'll work to deliver it through Metropolitan District reforms, stopping de facto subsidies to new industries through increased utility bills to residents, and reforming how property taxes is assessed in Colorado.Sustainable Water Use

In Colorado, water is the foundation for our agriculture, growth, and landscape. I oppose "buy and dry" practices that strip agricultural land of its water rights to fuel growth elsewhere. We cannot leave our towns and cities to solve water scarcity issues that developers create. In addition, I have concerns about data centers locating here without honest accounting of their water and electricity consumption. Water in this district belongs to the people who live here and the farmers who have stewarded it for generations. I will work to keep it that way.Paths to Prosperity

Since 1978, CEO pay has grown over 1,000%, while worker wages have grown only 26%. Our farmers, nurses, tradespeople, and families aren’t looking for a handout, just a system that isn't tilted against them. As your representative, I will support living wages and ensure large employers provide health coverage to more of their workforce, ending the public subsidy of corporate profits. I am committed to making public universities affordable again, expanding training in the trades, and supporting pathways into farming and ranching to give every young person a clear path to a stable career.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about development, and the ability of the next generation to own homes. As a Trustee, I learned that there are rules at the state level that allow large corporate developers to reap tremendous financial benefits through Metro Districts and sale of water off of parcels of land. These state laws tie the hands of local communities while benefiting special interests and out-of-state entities.

I am also passionate about being truly honest about the costs associated with commercial development including data centers and large public-private partnerships that seem to mostly benefit the private partner. We need transparency in government and how our tax dollars are spent.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Hon. Andy Boesenecker, Speaker Pro Tempore, CO State House of Representatives; Jody Shadduck-McNally, Larimer County Commissioner; Jacki Marsh, former Mayor of Loveland; Shane Atkinson, candidate for Larimer County Commissioner; former Berthoud Trustees Tim Hardy, Brian Laak, and Mike Grace; Greeley-Weld Indivisible; Berthoud Indivisible; other endorsements pending.