Meredith Ryan

Meredith Ryan earned an associate degree from the College of Westchester in 1978 and a bachelor's degree from Concordia College in 2006. She graduated from the Princeton Theological Seminary in 2010. Her career experience includes working as a legal administrative assistant, social services program assistant, and paraprofessional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a seriously minded person (not without humor) who is politically engaged as well as in community. I have had a well-rounded education and have held positions on boards and otherwise in community organizations my entire adult life. I take my commitments seriously and attend to them diligently.

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?

The USA must adhere to International Law of which it is signatory. We must end complicity in the horrific genocide happening in Gaza and the West Bank. I pledge to not take any money from AIPAC or other Israel lobby organizations.End Citizens United. The reversal of this insane legislation will bring so much accountability back in the picture whether legislating regarding the economy, education, healthcare, and housing for our citizens.The USA needs to offer a Green New Deal allowing for advancements in technologies without them being at the expense of working people and their work/career options.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

International Law and Diplomacy

State Department Affairs that utilize cultural understanding and appreciation

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am well-educated and informed as well as spiritually-grounded. I am approachable to hear your thoughts as a constituent/resident of Colorado. My political orientation is progressive, and I am pro-choice on abortion.

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?

Whether you are a homeowner or renter or currently unhoused, I care about whether you have the resources you need. It is important to understand the limit to governmental social resources and to prioritize needful citizens here. Affordability is critically stretched for our citizens whether above or below the area median incomes. Tax structure, floors and ceilings on income contributions must be taken into account in fulfilling our responsibilities to one another as Coloradans.I am a strong supporter of both traditional and alternative educational resources and funding for persons of all ages. It would be a good idea to prioritize state stakeholder needs in our budget and perhaps reclaim for our taxpayers funds going elsewhere that afford other countries benefits such as healthcare and education that we don't enjoy.Development and utilization of alternative energy resources should be given strong support and priority when discussing energy needs and accessibility in general.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Private real estate developer privileges and opaque deals that may deny true input and decision-making for local residents, school districts, municipal and county governments.

Equitable financing for small businesses and for individuals without discrimination -- eliminate usurious rate structures.

Continue to make healthcare and health insurance more affordable and accessible to Coloradans.

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

Elective officials should demonstrate accountability and honesty as to their principles, and their votes and other actions should follow from this. They must also inform themselves well on the issues and their status ahead of votes on bills and any resolutions.

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

Hard work and dedication and being an accessible "people person" will help in my success. I bring attention to detail, the courage of my convictions, self-reliance where applicable, and empathy to the office.

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

Core responsibilities in the office of state senator must include attention to detail in considering others' bills and/or in amending them. The senator should oversee outreach as well as research from their office to understand the parameters of the issues being addressed. Senators must work hard to avoid giving undue priority to outside special interests instead of constituents at large. Even an appearance of impropriety could be very damaging to governance in general.

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

I worked for United Audio Products, which made "Dual" brand turntables, while in High School. My grandmother worked there as a clerk in shipping. I took quite a survey of the place, having worked in customer service, parts, quality control, and bookkeeping. I was there for about 18 months. I enjoyed the work together with those senior to me in both age and experience and also lunch and breaks with office and warehouse personnel. It would be wonderful to go back if only the company was still afloat. It occurs to me that a reunion would be every bit as enjoyable -- and as humbling -- as some high school reunions can be.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

(Oh, please, don't make me go through that again!)

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

Dedicating the time necessary to complete my undergraduate education was not easy, and I don't regret one bit of the experience.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Governor and legislators should be able to consult on agreeable policy principles and respect one another's functions and protocols wherever possible.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It would not always be beneficial to have previous experience if that experience leads to open hostility or avoidance of important issues. Sometimes new voices and faces are needed that can withstand the avoidance that overtakes a legislative body. However, knowledge that experienced legislators have regarding the limits and pitfalls of even well-intentioned policies and protocols are helpful.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. While I must reside in the district I am elected in I am part of the Colorado legislature and must learn about how my priorities and concerns for my area impact, and are impacted by, other legislative districts' residents and legislators. It's always good to find win-wins when you can. Being thus informed can be good modeling for other jurisdictions as well.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

U.S. Congress