Marsha Looper was raised on the Western Slope in Fruita, Colo., and attended Mesa State College. For the past 22 years, Looper and her husband, Lynn, have called El Paso County home – they are among four generations of family who live and work in the county. Marsha and Lynn Looper and their three children live on a ranch in Calhan.Looper spent several years as a systems engineer for IBM and Novell Corp. before starting her own company, Computing Solutions Group, in 1993. She eventually sold her business and attained a real estate broker license. Looper also is a registered appraiser. Looper is currently a partner in Big Sky Realty, and also owns and operates Phoenix & Associates, a small home building and remodeling company. She is a member of state and local Realtors’ associations and a member of the National Rifle Association and the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition.NFH: As a first timer running for political office, what makes you the best candidate?Looper: I have spent the last four years as chair of Eastern Plains Citizens Coalition and two and a half years as executive director of The Colorado Citizens for Property Rights. I have spent untold hours lobbying at the state capital. I have been at the forefront on the passage of four pieces of landmark legislation to protect private property rights. House Bills 78 and 115, which together prohibit a private corporation from condemning private property for a private toll road (aka Super Slab); HB 1003, which describes requirements that must be met before a corporation can construct a private toll road; and HB 1411, which raises the standard for governments seeking to condemn the homes, small businesses and property of Colorado residents. These bills were a great start but there is still so much more to be done to prevent unjust condemnation of homes and businesses. I am also passionate, committed to the people and can get by on very little sleep!NFH: Other than fighting against eminent domain, what other issues are you passionate about?Looper: Oh, there are so many issues that I feel passionate about. Water issues are huge for me. We have a limited water supply, and we need to recognize that. I believe that because I am from a rural part of the county, I understand the importance of water issues. We need to research underground water storage facilities to prevent evaporation. Arizona banks water underground, and I think Colorado should look at that. High altitude water storage should be looked at as well. Let’s keep water in Colorado.NFH: What is your position on illegal immigration?Looper: Illegal immigration is also a serious problem for Colorado. I am definitely a non-amnesty gal. Everyone is welcome in this country as long as they come like forefathers did – legally. We have a large population that does not want to follow the rules. I have a three-step approach to stem the tide of illegal immigrants. I believe we should empower law enforcement to arrest, fine and deport illegal aliens. Secondly, we must eliminate free benefits and services to illegal aliens and lastly, we must provide businesses with the necessary tools to screen out illegal workers and fraudulent documents. I would be proud to sponsor legislation that prohibited illegals from receiving any services except essential life services. It is not the burden of the taxpayers to provide education, medical, or any other services to people who are here illegally. I am concerned that at the federal level nothing is going to get done, but we can do something in Colorado.NFH: What social issue most concerns you?Looper: I care deeply about social issues, such as health care and education. Small businesses have been priced out of the market on providing health insurance to their employees. As a small business owner myself, I am very familiar with the regulatory barriers and the financial problems they cause. I believe small businesses should be able to pool together to get the prices that large corporations do. I do not have the time or capacity to understand in depth the social issues like some other folks have. I know those issues are very important. My knowledge and skills are in property, water and immigration, and I want to be the best at what I do. Over 600 bills a year go through the Legislature, and I can’t be an expert at everything. I do want to represent all the people in HD 19 and give them a voice at our state capitol.Web site: www.gomarsha.org
