Democrat announces for House District 49

December 2, 2009

By Dan MacArthur

The Wellington

Nearly a year before next November’s election, Democrat Karen Stockley has announced her candidacy for the Colorado House District 49 seat currently held by Republican B.J. Nikkel.

 

Stockley, 47, lives in Berthoud and owns Front Range Antiques in Fort Collins. She currently serves on the Thompson School District board. She has also served on the Berthoud Planning and Zoning Commission and has been actively involved in Berthoud schools and the museum.

 

In her announcement, Stockley cited the economy and education as her two major issues. “My first order of business is to improve our economy,” she stated. “I see the need for this daily at my business, and I want to focus on our local economy so we can put folks back to work. New energy technologies hold a lot of promise for our region. They offer good-paying jobs and opportunities for our farmers to keep working with the land.”

 

“Secondly, educating our young people is essential to ending the boom-and-bust cycle Coloradoans know all too well,” Stockley continued. “Student and parent accountability are critical to raising graduation rates so that more of our young people can help shape a brighter future.”

 

District 49 essentially encircles Fort Collins. It encompasses most of unincorporated Larimer County in addition to Wellington, Berthoud, Estes Park and portions of Windsor.

 

Republicans in January appointed Nikkel to fill a vacancy in District 49. That vacancy was created when former representative Kevin Lundberg, in turn, was appointed to fill a vacancy in Senate District 15 created when Steve Johnson was elected Larimer County commissioner.

 

Nikkel, 50, stated in an e-mail that she plans to seek election to a full term and will make a formal announcement soon. She served several years as district director for former U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, managing her Colorado offices.