THE DISTRICT 8 DECLARATION

A New Standard of Representation

Our Declaration

Colorado is entering a season of political change.

The people of House District 8 deserve more than campaign slogans, partisan talking points, and promises that disappear after Election Day.

This campaign is built on a different standard.

Government exists to solve problems.

Representation means more than holding office. It means showing up, doing the work, and remaining accountable to the people who placed their trust in you.

For more than a decade, I have worked in the public arena advocating for my community. That work did not begin with this campaign, and it will not end with Election Day.

I did not wait to be elected to serve.

I served long before I sought to represent District 8.

The Five Principles

1. Clarity Over Confusion

The people deserve to know exactly what their representative stands for and exactly what a proposed law is intended to accomplish.

2. Policy Over Performance

Government is measured by legislation, constituent service, and measurable results, not by headlines or political theater.

3. Results Over Rhetoric

Every proposal should identify:

The problem.
The legislative authority.
The proposed solution.
The implementation plan.
The measurable outcome.

If it cannot be explained, it should not be promised.

4. Accountability Over Excuses

Public office is a public trust.

I will communicate regularly with District 8 residents, report on legislative work, and remain accountable for the commitments I make.

5. Service Over Politics

Politics should never become more important than the people.

Every decision should begin with one question:

How does this improve the lives of the people of District 8?

Foundational Black American Policy Statement

Representation Through Action

As a Foundational Black American, I believe history requires honesty and public policy requires courage.

The history of Black Americans descended from those enslaved in the United States is distinct. That history includes slavery, segregation, racial violence, exclusion from wealth-building opportunities, and generations of discriminatory public policy.

Recognizing that history is not about division. It is about honest government.

As your State Representative, I will faithfully represent every resident of House District 8 while advocating for policies that directly address the historic and ongoing concerns of Foundational Black Americans.

Representation must be measured not only by words, but by legislation.

Legislative Priority One

Reparative Justice

I support pursuing lawful and constitutional policies that address the long-term economic consequences of slavery and legally sanctioned discrimination experienced by Foundational Black Americans.

My goal is to move the conversation beyond symbolic statements and toward measurable public policy that promotes opportunity, economic mobility, and long-term stability.

Legislative Priority Two

The Freedman's Legacy Initiative

Economic freedom should accompany political freedom.

Inspired by the historic Freedman's Savings and Trust Company and the unfinished promise of Reconstruction, I will advocate for legislation and partnerships that expand opportunities for Foundational Black Americans to build wealth, increase access to capital, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen long-term economic independence, consistent with state and federal law.

Communities become stronger when families have the opportunity to own businesses, purchase homes, invest, and build generational wealth.

Legislative Priority Three

Public Safety and Equal Protection

Every resident deserves equal protection under the law.

I will support legislation that strengthens accountability, transparency, constitutional policing, and public trust while protecting the civil rights of every Coloradan.

I will also advocate for policies that address violence, discrimination, and unlawful conduct affecting Foundational Black Americans through lawful legislative processes and constitutional safeguards.

Legislative Priority Four

Economic Development

Economic opportunity is one of the strongest forms of public safety.

I will support legislation that expands:

Small business development.
Entrepreneurship.
Workforce opportunities.
Access to capital.
Financial literacy.
Community investment.

Communities thrive when residents have opportunities to create wealth rather than merely survive.

Legislative Priority Five

Historical Recognition

History should be remembered honestly.

I support preserving and recognizing the contributions, experiences, and historical legacy of Foundational Black Americans through education, historical preservation, and public recognition where appropriate under state law.

Closing Statement

My commitment is simple.

Represent the entire district.

Speak honestly about history.

Advance constitutional legislation.

Measure success by results.

Because representation should produce more than speeches.

It should produce laws that improve lives.

Building Opportunity, Not Dependency

As your State Representative, I will advocate for policies that expand economic opportunity through entrepreneurship, small business development, and pathways to ownership.

That includes exploring initiatives that help aspiring entrepreneurs launch businesses, strengthen local neighborhoods, and create jobs that keep wealth circulating within our communities.

Communities become stronger when people can build something they own.

This is not about politics as usual.

It is about measurable results, economic independence, and accountable leadership.

Jesse LaShawn Parris

He has already done the work of public service.

Election would give him the tools to turn that work into law.

Not that he deserves a title, but that District 8 gains something concrete by putting him in office.

"I didn't wait to be elected to serve.

I served long before I sought to represent District 8."

"This campaign isn't asking voters to trust promises. It invites them to inspect a governing plan."

His campaign is built on five principles:

Clarity over confusion.
Policy over performance.
Results over rhetoric.
Accountability over excuses.
Service over politics.