Ryan Lucas

Ryan Lucas was born in Amherst, New York. He graduated from Bryant High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Lake Forest College in 2006. His career experience includes being self-employed and working as a chief information officer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for office for the third time out of Colorado Springs, now in the third layer of government. Each time I've run (Congress, County Commission, and now State Senate) has never been about winning, but about providing the opportunity for people in a changing district to see in a candidate the future they hope for in terms of a representative. I grew up in a conservative family and have no qualms about meeting people where they are having the tough conversations about where our country/state/county/city is headed. I welcome all constructive conversations about doing the right thing.

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?

Fix our misguided policies around the economy by unleashing our prosperity through improved contentment with our everyday lives.As a Democrat, I bet I can run to the right of you on at least one issue.Electoral politics is inherently flawed to elect people that are not actively dealing with many of the issues of constituents. The annual salary of a Senator in Colorado is under $50k for a roughly 4 month "gig" and yet to take on the roll requires either being unemployed or having employment that allows one the flexibility to work those 4 months. Does that sound like you or your neighbor?

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, Information Technology, and our lack of understanding of either keep me up at night.

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

So. Many. People. I look up to people for what they contribute to society. But, if I'm being honest, I long-ago stopped trying to find examples of other people to follow and focused on how I do the most right thing every day and in every way. I don't "look up to people" any more but more aspire to achieve the outcomes that I see in others - and how others perceive and experience them.

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

Cloud Atlas - besides being my favorite movie and book (independently) I think it sums up my political philosophy quite nicely too.

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

Transparency, Legitimacy, and Candor

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

I'm not afraid of any fight.

I truly appreciate discussing issues that are uncomfortable and rally against the idea that you don't discuss "politics, money..."

I actually want to help - everyone. I'm very good at finding consensus.

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

I was an Eagle Scout - and before that I was a boy scout for over a decade. I think the core responsibility of every citizen starts with trustworthy, loyal, helpful. I expect that as a minimum. Beyond that, I expect the core responsibility to be to beholden to their constituents - Loyal to them, if you will.

What legacy would you like to leave?

When I first ran for office, I told a story about how my youngest, at the time was 8 I think, really wanted to stop using plastic straws because of the damage that it did to turtles. I told them at the time I would do what I could to make that a reality. I ran for office the first time because there were back-to-back shootings in Ohio and Texas and I couldn't stand by any longer while my wife grieved the loss of humans.

A legacy? I want someone to say "he did everything he could to make things better for us."

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

9-11. I was a high-school Junior.

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

I was a paperboy for my Aunt/Uncle's Gazette job. First 'real' W-2 job was at Wendy's. I think I worked there on and off for 3 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

'Cloud Atlas' or 'House of Leaves'

House of Leaves was an experience to read, but Cloud Atlas is an experience to live and I think I've made it so central to my core that I find myself quoting it regularly.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Dagny Taggart from 'Atlas Shrugged.' I think she likely could have used a little bit more agency and self-efficacy.

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

"Lonely Day" by System of a Down is in my head right now.

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

I grew up without a father for most of my latter childhood and helped my mom raise 3 kids. I "dad" people too much.

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

The Governor should be an executive that faithfully executes the laws as are established by the legislature and confirmed by the judicial.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The need for environmental policy changes compared to the economic powerhouse that is the Oil and Gas industry. Both are very important for Colorado and a balance between them must be struck that honors both.

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

Beneficial? Sure! I have years of experience helping elect candidates up and down the ballot and pushing legislative lobbying around a host of issues. This allows me to understand issues from many perspectives. I started my career out of college researching policy implications on populations while also writing political hit-pieces. Is it helpful, sure. But it's certainly not necessary.

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

100% and will be my first goal after election day. I'm a consensus candidate meaning that I intended to work with my constituents to find common ground on supporting legislation that we can agree on. That said, no legislation gets through on one vote.

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

Kucinich, possibly. That would be Federal, but I think it still applies. A left-leaning elected that was popular in a red district. Kucinich.

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

No

Tell us your favorite joke.

I didn't know I was a master of "dad jokes" until I became a step dad but I've got so many good ones that as an IT professional, my wife got me a "I keep my dad jokes in a dad-a-base" shirt. That should tell you something.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Of course they have to oversee the use of emergency funds, but there are many functions that a seasonal legislature like Colorado has cannot reasonably do. Generally, my answer is no.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I have a number of policy proposals I would like to achieve out of the gate including public transportation, housing, and Artificial Intelligence bills. I will reserve this answer based on discussions once elected as to what is reasonable to pass.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Working Families Party

What committees interest you?

Given the lack of accountability in the federal government right now for Veterans, State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs is interesting. But, given my vast experience in startups, healthcare, and Information Technology along with Private Equity, I'd say Business Affairs is the obvious choice.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

They are innately intertwined and also require some level of simplicity - something that I think TABOR inherently ruins for residents in Colorado.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Our ballots are long, right? They seem to be getting longer. Yes, I'd like to see the State Legislature be less hamstrung by ballot initiatives for one.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a step-parent to two kids split across two different school districts. I'm a native of nowhere and a former resident of AR, NY, IL, and came to Colorado in '08. I'm a listener and a solution-finder.

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 here to listen.I'm here to represent.I'm also a Democrat.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public transit. Public Health. Public financing of elections. Transparency of public office.

Ryan Lucas did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.