Editorial: Karen Middleton for House District 42

The Aurora Sentinel

The Voice of Aurora

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

In talking with Democratic state Rep. Karen Middleton, it's hard to believe that she's held the position for only a few months. Within that time, Middleton has amassed an expertise on vital issues wielded only by an engaged legislative veteran.

She was appointed to the House District 42 seat earlier this year to fill a vacancy but had already planned a bid for the seat.

Of course Middleton is no stranger to Colorado's political scene. She's been active and vocal about state and local government for years. She was first appointed to the State Board of Education in 2004 and elected to that seat in 2006. There, she became a strong and effective voice for Aurora and the metro area. She has years of experience working in higher education and public schools, and her command of the issues facing teachers and students makes that clear.

She finds herself on the right side of issues, being a working parent herself, and she is a watchdog for details in legislation that might adversely affect local families, businesses or teachers.

After finding her footing and a becoming a respected voice on the House floor after only a few months, there's no doubt that Middleton will make great strides at a fast clip in reforming public schools and moving Colorado to a system that offers affordable and accessible health care.