Ballots Are Out – Why I’m Voting for Amber Tafoya – Matt Cattanach

Greetings friends and neighbors!

I hope you are well and enjoying the ever-changing weather that Colorado summers bring.  I write to invite you to join me in voting for my wife Amber Tafoya.  As the person who knows her best, let me explain why I am voting for Amber.  Amber is passionate about improving the lives of those it is easy to forget; victims of domestic violence, children born into poverty and abuse, the homeless, immigrants, and the elderly.  More than that, Amber is a relentless advocate for the everyday person.  She comes from humble beginnings. She works diligently with humility and purpose.

Amber lives every day as a commitment to serve the under-served.  In 2000 at the age of 21, Amber’s rheumatoid arthritis and medication side effects put her into a wheelchair for two years.  Rather than quit law school, she fought harder.  She fought for ADA access to buildings and classrooms for her and other disabled students while juggling school and caring for her teenage brother.  This is Amber…fighting for what’s right and not letting obstacles slow her down.  I have no doubt that, given the blessing of years before her; Amber will continue the work that she started a decade ago.  If you’ve met my wife you know no one works harder.

Others may say that they are committed to serving West Denver because they feel indebted to the families and friends that helped them through tough times or to continue a lifetime of service.  These promises are admirable and should be taken very seriously.  One wonders however, with what ability this promise could be fulfilled.  The Army has seven values summarized by a simple acronym LDRSHIP and they are: Leadership, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.  Being an Army wife, Amber knows what it takes to lead and serve with integrity and courage.  She feels it is her duty to honorably and respectfully stand for those that have no representation.  She could have easily gotten work with a big business law firm or worked in D.C. after law school, but unlike her opponents, she chose a more difficult path of service and sacrifice.

Amber has the experience, drive, and determination, but most importantly the heart to be the best Representative for District 4.  She has built state-wide coalitions on hard topics no one wants to talk about like domestic abuse and old-age pensions.  Her arthritic feet have traversed miles of public parks in the city, not to play Frisbee with me or to have quiet picnics, but to organize protests against discrimination, injustice and to support human rights.

• I am voting for my wife because there is no better candidate for House District 4.
• I am voting for my wife because I wouldn’t trust this position to anyone else but her.
• I am voting for my wife because she will make the right decisions for all of us, not just a privileged few.

I am voting for Amber Tafoya because I have never met a more devoted believer in the strength of the common person. She makes me believe.

If you would like to support Amber but cannot vote for her, you can still help elect her.  Help her reach out to voters today with a $50, $25, or $10 donation right now or volunteer.  Every dollar is a voter reached and every volunteer hour brings in 10 votes.  Last time HD 4 was a contested seat 142 votes made the winner.  Your contribution and work will make the difference.

With sincere regards,

Matthew Cattanach