Michael Allen: “I will not be a puppet for Washington or the governor”

REPUBLICAN | Michael Allen. (Photo / El Comercio de Colorado)

COLORADO’S 4TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY SEEKS TO BECOME ATTORNEY GENERAL

Jesús Sánchez Meleán / El Comercio de Colorado

Colorado’s 4th Judicial District Attorney, Michael Allen, is running for Colorado Attorney General, centering his platform on improving public safety, lowering the cost of living, and ensuring independent leadership free from political interference by state or federal government.

Jesús Sánchez Meleán: What would be the priority of your administration as Attorney General?

Michael Allen: It is a single issue, but it combines two aspects: public safety and the cost of living. We are ranking very poorly across all key crime metrics. That impacts the cost of living and families. If you were a business owner considering investing in a community, you would evaluate what kind of environment you would be creating for your employees: will they have a safe place to live and thrive? What is the business climate like in that community? If crime is out of control, it is not advantageous to invest.

JSM: Under what circumstances would you sue the federal government?

MA: Any time Coloradans are harmed by any entity—whether it is a drug trafficking network, a human trafficking ring, or the federal government—I will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people to fight for our rights. If the federal government overreaches its authority and attacks Colorado’s sovereignty, I will fight alongside every resident using every legal mechanism available. It is wrong for the federal government to harm Colorado, disrupt our emergency responses, and undermine our state law enforcement agencies.

JSM: What would your stance have been in the Tina Peters case had you been Attorney General?

MA: Probably quite similar to current Attorney General Weiser’s. Peters committed crimes, was found guilty in court by a jury of her peers, and was sentenced. Where I might differ slightly is on the proportionality of the sentence. Other defendants across the state committing similar offenses have received different sentences. That is not equitable.

JSM: Do you have an anecdote about your relationship with Phil Weiser?

MA: Yes, I have a relationship with Attorney General Weiser and have spoken with him on many occasions. He is a member of the Colorado District Attorneys Council, so we see each other at monthly meetings. I have spoken with him on the phone and attended events together; we have a very cordial relationship. I would have no problem working alongside Governor Weiser or whoever is elected governor.

The key thing is understanding that the governor and the attorney general are independently elected. I will always maintain that independence. I will not be anyone’s puppet, nor will I take orders from Washington, D.C., or from the governor’s office. I will fight for the people of Colorado regardless of who is president or governor.

JSM: Do you recall any disagreement you have had with Weiser?

MA: I have disagreed with him on certain stances regarding motor vehicle theft. There is a famous quote of his where he said someone could steal three or four cars before spending a single night in jail. I did not agree with that.

JSM: A point of agreement with Weiser?

MA: We agree on treating people fairly. We spoke a lot about this when the Club Q tragedy happened in my judicial district. He supported our efforts in that prosecution. We are in total alignment that we must defend vulnerable groups in society, such as the LGBTQ+ community.

JSM: What are your favorite dishes from Hispanic or Mexican heritage?

MA: I have identified as Hispanic because of the way I was raised. I listened to many stories from my grandmother about when she drove cattle to New Mexico in the winter and brought them back to Alamosa in the summer. My grandparents spoke Spanish, but they did not teach it to their children to protect them from discrimination. Those stories are at the core of who I am.