T.J. Cole

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T.J. Cole was born in Denver, Colorado. He earned a high school diploma from Denver North High School, a bachelor's degree from Colorado College in 1987, a law degree from the University of Denver in 1990, a graduate degree from the University of Denver in 2001, and a Ph.D. from Colorado College in 2010. Cole's professional experience includes serving as a lawyer, professor, college president, high school principal, district court magistrate, municipal court judge, reserve police officer, and deputy state public defender. He is a member of the American Judges Association, the Boulder Bar Association, American Football Coaches Association, and he is a certified law enforcement officer.[1]

Cole is affiliated with the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Board, the American Pathways University Board of Directors, Educators of America, Omega Psi Phi, and the Justice High School Board of Directors.[2][3]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Colorado and i am passionate about education. As a lifetime lawyer, Judge, educator and Colorado native, I believe I bring a unique set of skills to the position of CU Regent. I will work to maintain academic excellence, fiscal prudence, diversity and equity to the CU system. I will work with the other Regents to secure a strong vibrant future for the CU system.

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?

Fiscal Excellence equals academic excellence! As a member of the Board of Regents, my priority will be to maximize our fiscal impact on the CU community. If we are efficient and precise we will be able to keep student tuition low and academic excellence high. This means being more efficient with spending and working hard to increase the Universities endowments.Another priority is to increase access to rural and inner-city students. Diversity and inclusivity are important to enhance the educational experience of students and faculty. As a Regent I will work hard to build collaborative partnerships with rural communities, school districts to provide more opportunities for high school students to attend via ASCENT programs. I will also work to assist other non-traditional populations to gain access to higher education through the University of Colorado systemFaculty Support and enhancement. A University is only as strong as its faculty and staff. To that end I will work with faculty and staff to continue to build the premier institution in the United States. Primary focus here will be to attract and maintain the best and assist our staff in developing their research and instructional methods.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about fiscal efficiency and utilizing public funding in the most appropriate and economic manner. I believe that the opportunities that come from this will allow the University to promote programs that improve diversity, inclusivity and increases the opportunities we can provide to high school students.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The board of regents is unique. It is a position where the board's decision can make a direct difference on thousands of students daily and provide higher education opportunities for the whole state.

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

I look up to all of the great leaders in the world. Jesus, MLK, Ghandi, Washington, Roosevelt, Mohammad.

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

The film Stand and Deliver is a good example of the educational approach that I believe we need to take to build a strong and diverse system that provides opportunities to a multitude of people. I believe that we have to approach every student as our next great scholar, scientist or engineer. We need to cultivate our high school students so that they have more opportunities to pursue their higher education dreams.

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

The most important principle for a candidate is to represent the entire community not just one set viewpoint. As a Unitarian i pledge to have the types of discussion that will help move the University forward. i will not get stuck in the political dogma of the left or right. as a unitarian I intend to unite not divide.

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

I am hard working, passionate and creative. I am a skilled negotiator and a good consensus builder.

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

I believe that the core responsibility for a Board of Regent is to support the development of the best university system in the country. That can be done by being fiscally sound, academically robust, and diverse and inclusive. We must a build a university system that speaks to the needs of the people of Colorado. This includes the rural counties as well as the bigger metropolitan areas.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave the legacy that I was a person who tried to help others excel.

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

The oil and gas crisis of 1973. I remember having to ration fuel and the beginning of the energy crisis.

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

I was sweeper boy in a Printing company.

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

Batman

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Fiscal stewardship, Promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

No

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Legal knowledge, post-secondary academic knowledge, finance and ability to build collaborative partnerships

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Unity party, CCWP, & NGR

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

My highest priority as a regent will be to make sure the University is fiscally efficient and that we utilize the funds to

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

N/A

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Colorado Judge T.J. Cole WINS Unity Party’s US Senate Nomination

Broomfield, Colorado, January 3, 2022 (Monday) – The Honorable Tijani R. “T.J.” Cole, JD, PhD (https://tjcoleforcolorado.com) will seek the Unity Party of Colorado’s nomination for the United States Senate at the party’s April convention in Denver, in a bid to unseat incumbent Michael Bennet and prevent the latter’s settling for a 3rd term in office after a failed run for the Presidency.

“We need Unity in the Community!” says Cole. “Positive change requires positive action! Henry Ford said, ‘Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.’ I find myself frustrated with both parties and their inability to put petty politics aside to address major concerns like infrastructure, transportation, education, Social Justice, Climate Change, housing, Veterans’ issues, Backing the Blue, support for rural communities, support for seniors, economic opportunities, Constitutional Rights and Public Safety. Everyone needs to come together to help preserve jobs and development while protecting our environment and our rights to enjoy our homes. I for one am committed to bringing the people together by forming a bipartisan policy group in our state that brings all voters together, and allows everyone to weigh in on how our state wants to handle national policy.

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?

Not Right, Not Left, BUT forward! we need to start moving the country b y passing bills that address key issuesWe need to move the country forward by actually addressing, national budget, climate change, economic fairness, and social justiceAmerica is a great country and we need to tlead the world by sticking to our principles and

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

First and foremost, we must bring the business community and the environmental protection community together to make the necessary changes to protect our planet and build businesses that can be strong, profitable and able to reduce toxic emissions.

We need to work on balancing our federal budget through better decision making and oversight.

We need to be leaders in the world. We need to be strong enough to challenge the authoritarians and hostrong enough to support those in the world that are oppressed and seek freedom, democracy, and self determination

Reinvigorate the civil rights division of the Justice Department and reorient it toward defending the rights of protected groups.

● Shed greater light on discriminatory practices by requiring transparency. For example: ○ Support SEC rulemakings to make companies report on hiring, pay and procurement by 2 race and other characteristics. ○ Collect the data needed to monitor racial bias in consumer and business lending. ● Enforce HUD rules, such as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, that tie federal funding to progress in reducing segregation.

● Support legislation to limit mandatory arbitration agreements, so employees have the power to take employers to court for discrimination and harassment.

● Require all federal institutions and contractors to conduct implicit bias training with a focus on racial inequities. I will help establish a plan to protect all Americans’ voting rights.

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

I look up to my parents, and every other person who has worked hard every day of the lives and who have been moral, and good to people in their community. These unsung heroes are the people who make this

world a better place.

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

'Playing the game' vol.3 by T.J. Cole

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

1. integrity

2. Passion to move the country forward

3. Ability to listen and compromise

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

1. Hardworking

2. Knowledgeable

3. passionate for public policy

4. Outstanding mediator

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

1. Be a passionate and energetic leader that to pushes legislation forward and moves the country forward in positive way.

2. Appoint highly qualified persons to government positions

3. Be a fiscal hawk on government finances and make sure tax dollars are spent wisely

4. Push forward a foreign policy that protects U.S. interests and helps others in the world

What legacy would you like to leave?

The we moved the country forward on critical issues of our time.

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

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime that i really remember was our landing on the moon. It was an amazing moment. A moment that signaled that our world can be so much more. That we could all come together and explore our galaxy. Most of all it showed our ingenuity in science and our ability to resolve complex scientific issues .

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

My first job was a sweeper boy in an elementary school and I held that job for 2.5 years. It was a wonderful learning experience and I developed a passion for classical music as we listened to it as we cleaned everyday.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Star Trek series

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

Bruce Wayne

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

Betcha by golly wow

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

Dealing with systemic racism in our country. It permeates the fabric of society. We as Americans

need to work to heal our past and build a better future.

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

1. Healing the divisiveness in the country. Creatine true social justice

2. Address scientific issues like climate change.

3. Balancing the budget

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that term limits are a good thing and pledge to limit myself to two terms

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

1The United States senate has always served as a moderator on public policy. Its unique powers of approving appointments and treaties. Its longer terms smaller size allows its members more deliberative power and a better chance to develop bipartisan legislation.

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

Experience can be a bonus, but what is truly important is having the passion and work ethic to do a good job. v

What do you think of the filibuster?

The filibuster has become a problem in moving the countries business forward. We must find ways to either curtail its power or eliminate it.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?

1. Qualifications

2. Experience

3. Interview process

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

1. foreign Relations

2. Budget

3. Homeland security

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

I am an innovator. I would like to set my own path.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

1. Qualfications

2. Experience

3. Interview process

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

I will work incredibly hard to build a rapport with senators on both sides of the aisle. Understanding people is critical to building bipartisan relationships and policy.

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

It is a must

Campaign website

Cole's campaign website stated the following:

Innovative government

We need to come together as Americans to address the issues that face our country not as ideological mono minded people, but from a solutions-oriented perspective that encourages positive steps forward. Not left, not right, BUT FORWARD.

This won't be easy, nor popular, but necessary for our great nation to address the challenges of the 21st century.

Environment

This planet is all we have. It doesn’t matter whether you are liberal, conservative, black, white, green or brown, we have to preserve and nurture our planet. We must face our environmental challenges together. We must act now! Protecting our environment is an immediate concern. It is not one that we can out off or debate ad nauseum. It is an area where must learn and understand the science and then act upon the results. Climate change is real. Pollution is real. Energy production is real. Clean water needs are real. Ignoring these areas poses not only economic problems but serious health hazards to everyone on the planet.

Public Health

The past two years of pandemic have been a great awakening call to us as a nation in many ways. It has shown how focused attention and hard work can take on the health challenges that face our country. We must come together even more to address proven public health strategies to combat a myriad of health issues impacting our country like opioid addiction, obesity, tobacco, and alcohol use.

Information and technology

Our nation needs to continue to invest in media and technology to inform and educate the next generation.

Technology has advanced to such a stage that media is changing every aspect of our society. People no loner live in complete isolation from the world around us. As such we must work hard to find new ways to address major challenges. These new areas are proving new job and improving businesses. As a nation we must work to enhance and develop these industries so that we can remain competitive in the world. We must also work together to find ways to reduce any negative impacts that these technologies bring towards our children and most vulnerable populations.

Building a stronger America

We must work together and stop shouting at each other over the big issues that impact our great nation. Our political leaders to come together to discuss and support common-sense solutions on gun laws, education, immigration, and housing. We need to avoid the common special interest traps, party polarization, that occurs and try to take positive albeit small steps forward to solving the issues. Elected officials need to be encouraged to stand up for what is right.

Social Justice can be achieved in America. It begins with education, understanding, and a commitment to moving forward. Progress through common sense solutions will keep our country moving forward.

Education

Education is our most precious resource. It must be nourished and we must provide schools the resources to effectively teach our children, teens and adults. Higher education must be affordable and available to all. An educated population enhances every aspect of American life. Education broadens the mind. There is no ‘one’ way or only one historical perspective. Students to be given broad historical perspectives and given opportunities to review information and make decisions for themselves. The key is to make sure that all communities are afforded equal access and financial support.

Humanities & Arts

American culture continues to evolve and become a mosaic of the great American experiment. The Arts inspire and motivate our culture. The Arts bring out the best of us as human beings. The Arts enhance our communities economically and is a vital part of the social fabric. Public arts bring us together, teach us, and provide us with a strong heritage. By finding creative ways to use public funding and technology, we can create economic prosperity and give everyone an opportunity to experience all that the arts have to offer.[4]

—T.J. Cole's campaign website (2022)[10]