Phil Weiser: “I will defend reproductive rights in Colorado”

COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL| Phil Weiser, democratic candidate. (Picture/El Comercio de Colorado)

COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL SEEKS RE-ELECTION

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We spoke with Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General, who is seeking his re-election. “We need to make sure that we support law enforcement and that we train them properly,” the Democratic candidate told us. Phil Weiser: “I will defend reproductive rights in Colorado”.

What are the most pressing issues for the Colorado Attorney General?

Phil Weiser: We need to protect civil rights, immigrant rights, women’s reproductive rights. The second priority is to protect public safety by making sure that we support law enforcement and that we train them properly. More law enforcement needs to be recruited to prosecute organized criminal activities.

We’re going to push the legislature to put in place smart laws to combat the distribution of fentanyl, theft from retailers, and theft of vehicle catalytic converters. And finally, we must protect our land, air, and water in Colorado. Our natural resources are everything. Managing our water during this time of drought is one of the most important responsibilities I have as State Attorney General.

Republican candidates in Colorado say Colorado has failed to combat crime by releasing many people who have committed crimes. What message does this argument give to people?

PW: Local governments, police departments and district attorneys’ offices are the ones who decide who gets out of jail before their trial. What I recommend is that every decision to release someone on bail before trial be based on whether the person is a risk to public safety. If someone represents a risk, they should remain in jail before their trial. Not all local governments have had good results. You must learn from those who do it well.

Phil Weiser: “I will defend reproductive rights in Colorado”

Which county would be the model when it comes to managing bail well for inmates?

PW: Larimer County has done a very good job during the pandemic to make sure people who should be in jail are kept in jail.

What has been your main achievement during these four years?

PW: We took on these big pharmaceutical companies and got over $500 million to fight the opioid epidemic. That was one of my priorities four years ago. Not only did we get this money, but we established 19 regions that are going to spend this money to create more drug treatment and recovery programs. For example, in the San Luis Valley they are prepared to have drug treatment or recovery programs that they have never had.

What would you ask John Kellner, the Republican candidate for Colorado attorney general?

PW: Do you think Roe versus Wade was decided correctly? Do you think Dobbs’ decision was correct? Kellner believes that Dobbs’ decision is correct and therefore accepts that states make the decision to criminalize reproductive health decisions. I am opposed to that. I believe in Roe vs. Wade. As Attorney General, I fought to protect Roe against Wade. I will continue to protect access for women to make their own health care decisions.

What would you do if a hypothetical Congress with a Republican majority passes a federal law that prohibits abortion?

PW: As Colorado Attorney General, I could challenge federal laws and protect the state of Colorado. The Colorado government has certain rights as a sovereign state. I would argue that we have the right to manage health care decisions, and I would do everything I can to prevent the federal government from telling us that women cannot make their own health care decisions.

Question from Colorado’s western region

The publication “Entérate Latino”, in western Colorado, reports the increase in the number of cases of scams with fake checks presented to merchants in Montrose and its surroundings. What can your office do to combat these scams?

PW: I would need to know more details and investigate that issue to respond to people and I am happy to do so. We will enforce consumer protection laws. I have spoken with Hispanic leaders in Western Colorado and been in meetings with them to make sure they are heard.