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Lesley Smith

Education

  • Ph.D., Marine Environmental and Estuarine Sciences, University of Maryland, 1981 – 1987

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Aquatic Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1976 – 1980

Professional Experience

  • Representative, Colorado House of Representatives, District 49, January 2025 - Present

  • University of Colorado Regent at-Large, University of Colorado, Jan 2019 - Apr 2025

  • Research Scientist, University of Colorado, Jul 1989 - Apr 2025

  • Associate Director, CIRES Education & Outreach Program, University of Colorado, Jul 1989 - Apr 2025

Community Involvement:

  • Board Member, Boulder Valley School Board, Boulder, CO, 2005 – 2013

  • City of Boulder’s Water Resources Advisory Board

Reason for Running

"My name is Lesley Smith. My life has always focused on the improvement of the environment and education. I want to take that experience and expertise to the Capitol on the behalf of the people of HD-49. I worked for thirty years as a scientist and educator at CU, served on Boulder Valley School Board for eight years, was the first woman aquanaut in the underwater Aquarius research facility and currently serve as CU Regent at-Large. 


As your next state representative, I will fight to protect our climate, and our public lands. I will prioritize education, affordability, environment, and take a scientific and progressive approach to our pressing challenges."

Policy Positions

  • Climate: Transition Colorado to 100% renewable energy and achieve net-zero carbon emissions through strong clean energy investments. Require oil and gas producers and other major polluters to reduce emissions and be held accountable for violations. Improve air quality by reducing ozone pollution and protecting public health.

  • Environment: Protect Colorado’s public lands, rivers, mountains, and outdoor recreation economy. Invest in proactive wildfire prevention, forest management, and community resilience. Strengthen water conservation and safeguard Colorado’s water supply for future generations.

  • Education: Increase funding for K-12 schools and higher education to support students, educators, and Colorado’s workforce. Invest in classroom resources and stronger school safety measures. Prevent excessive tuition increases and expand access to affordable higher education.

  • Affordability: Increase housing affordability by expanding workforce housing, strengthening tenant protections, and giving local communities more tools to address housing costs. Make quality health care affordable and accessible for every Coloradan, regardless of income.

  • Reproductive Freedom: Protect reproductive freedom in Colorado law and the state Constitution. Defend each woman’s right to make her own reproductive health care decisions. Keep Colorado safe and accessible for those seeking reproductive health care.

  • Gun Violence Prevention: Strengthen gun safety laws to reduce violence and protect communities. Ban bump stocks and support restrictions on assault weapons. Advance policies that keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands and make communities safer.

Endorsements

  • Congressman Joe Neguse, Colorado 2nd Congressional District

  • 3.14 Action

  • Boulder County (CO) Democratic Party

  • Cobalt Advocates

  • Colorado Education Association

  • Colorado Medical Society

  • Committee to Protect Health Care

  • Conservation Colorado

  • Gun Sense Voter

  • Indivisible North Colorado

  • Justice Opportunity Liberty Politico (JOLPOL)

  • Larimer County (CO) Democrats

  • One Colorado

  • Planned Parenthood Votes Colorado

  • Rocky Mountain Equality Action Fund

  • Sierra Club Colorado

  • Western States Regional Council of Carpenters

https://www.lesleyforco.com/endorsements

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