Sheriff Jason Mikesell’s Vision for Colorado: A Call for Change

On October 8th, Sheriff Jason Mikesell, a candidate for Governor of Colorado, addressed the Republican Strategy Forum, sharing his concerns about the state’s current trajectory and his vision for a better future. As an entrepreneur who owns several businesses, including restaurants, apartments, and commercial properties, Mikesell has firsthand experience with the challenges facing Colorado’s economy.

Mikesell highlighted the exponential growth in the costs of doing business in the state, which has led to the closure of over 1,000 gun shops in the past year alone. He emphasized that these closures result in less revenue for the state and expressed concern over efforts to eliminate the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) and raise taxes. Mikesell questioned how the state can expect to attract and retain businesses under these conditions.

The Sheriff also pointed out the state’s struggles with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding wastewater treatment, which has led to increased tap fees of $60,000. He noted the additional costs associated with electric cars, such as the $35,000 required for charging infrastructure, and the $250,000 to $350,000 in added costs due to regulations. Mikesell stressed that these expenses make it difficult to provide affordable housing for low-income residents, as the burden often falls on city tax money.

Mikesell criticized Colorado’s unstable energy grid, attributing it to the state’s decision to cut oil, gas, and coal production without a logical alternative. He advocated for nuclear energy, which he believes would provide more power and create jobs. The Sheriff also highlighted the increased cost of building materials, such as lumber, which has risen from $35,000 to $135,000 for a 1,200 square foot home in the past decade.

To address these issues, Mikesell proposed putting more power back at the local level, arguing that this approach would help fix Colorado’s problems with debt, the economy, and crime, in which the state ranks among the worst.

The Sheriff also discussed his stance on immigration, noting that he took a stand on the issue eight years ago and supported the 287G program, which allows sheriffs to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mikesell won a lawsuit against the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) but the state has since passed the  Anti-Teller (County) law in Colorado, which prevents law enforcement from working with ICE.

As an autonomous elected official who reports to constituents, Mikesell emphasized the importance of local control, contrasting his position with that of police chiefs who must follow mayoral directives. He criticized the state’s efforts to remove criminals, pointing out that the Governor is pushing back against ICE, which can arrest criminals at their homes and take all undocumented immigrants present.

Mikesell also highlighted the costs associated with providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants, noting that Colorado pays for 90 days of care as well as paying each illegal $9,000. He mentioned that Denver has spent $340 million on undocumented immigrants and that the state has issued driver’s licenses and registered them to vote, suggesting that Democrats want to change the voting demographics.

The Sheriff stated that many of the illegal immigrants do not want the illegal criminals that are arrested to be released because they return to their communities and revictimize neighbors through drugs and sex trafficking. 

The Sheriff was asked how he would attract the Unaffiliated (UAF) voter. He said that he is already attracting the UAF voter through his outreach programs with rural Coloradoans and hunting organizations. He expressed his commitment to working with the UAF and promised to drop the crime rate by 30-40% within six months of taking office.

Mikesell concluded by emphasizing the need for better communication between law enforcement agencies across the state, which he believes is at its lowest level ever. He also mentioned that the Colorado Attorney General, who is also running for governor, is suing a police officer in Mesa County for working with ICE. The AG is the chief law enforcement officer in the state and he doesn’t want our law enforcement officers working with ICE to arrest criminals. Sometimes, you just can’t make these things up.

In his closing remarks, Sheriff Jason Mikesell asked for the audience’s investment of time and funds, emphasizing his status as a non-career politician. He joined El Paso County Sheriff by refusing to shut down during the pandemic. He argued that the Health Department had taken too much power from local communities and cited his decision to allow a graduation ceremony against the Health Department and Denver’s wishes.

As Colorado faces numerous challenges, Sheriff Jason Mikesell’s vision for the state offers a different approach, one that prioritizes local control, economic growth, and public safety.