Rico Figueroa
Rico Figueroa was a member of the Adams 12 Five Star Schools school board in Colorado, representing District 4.
Figueroa (Republican Party) ran for election to the Colorado House of Representatives to represent District 31. He lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Figueroa completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Figueroa was the District 4 member on the Adams 12 Five Star School Board in Colorado. He was first appointed to the board in 2012. Figueroa was the only qualified candidate for the District 4 seat in 2013 but placed second to disqualified challenger Amy Speers on November 5. Her name remained on the ballot as disqualification took place after ballots were printed. The county certified Speers as the winner, but state law required the board to fill the seat with a temporary replacement within 60 days of the election.[1]
Biography
Figueroa resides in Adams County, Colorado. Figueroa attended The Master's University. His professional experience includes working as a program manager for The Center for Relationship Education/The Colorado Healthy Marriage Project and as a nonprofit vice president. He has served as an elder at North Metro Church. He has served as District 4 member of Adams 12 Five Star School Board.[2][3]
Elections
2018
General election
General election for Colorado House of Representatives District 31
Yadira Caraveo defeated Rico Figueroa and Bree Owens in the general election for Colorado House of Representatives District 31 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Yadira Caraveo (D) | 55.0 | 16,242 |
 | Rico Figueroa (R)  | 38.6 | 11,397 | |
 | Bree Owens (L) | 6.4 | 1,883 | |
| Total votes: 29,522 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Eric Montoya (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 31
Yadira Caraveo advanced from the Democratic primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 31 on June 26, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Yadira Caraveo | 100.0 | 6,049 |
| Total votes: 6,049 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 31
Rico Figueroa advanced from the Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 31 on June 26, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Rico Figueroa | 100.0 | 3,840 |
| Total votes: 3,840 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2013
Figueroa ran against challenger Amy Speers for the District 4 seat on the Adams 12 School Board on November 5, 2013. On October 29, Speers was ruled ineligible to run for the seat after Adams 12 Five Star district administrators discovered that her home residence was not located within District 4.[4] Speers released a statement following the decision apologizing for what she labeled an "oversight" and claiming that the district's election official had confirmed in August that she had "met all of the legal requirements" to be a candidate in District 4.[5] Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler ordered the county to set aside votes for Speers following the election. On November 18, a district judge in Denver ordered these votes to be counted after a challenge by district residents.[1]
Results
| Adams 12 Five Star Schools, District 4 General Election, 4-year term, 2013 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Nonpartisan |  Amy Speers |
63.6% | 19,180 | |
| Nonpartisan | Rico Figueroa Incumbent | 36.4% | 10,971 | |
| Total Votes | 30,151 | |||
| Source: Adams County, Colorado, "Election Summary Report," November 19, 2013 | ||||
Funding
Figueroa reported $3,103.62 in contributions and $3,103.62 in expenditures to the Colorado Secretary of State, which left his campaign with no cash on hand.[6]
Endorsements
Figueroa did not receive any official endorsements for his campaign.
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Rico Figueroa completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Figueroa's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Improving Education Fixing Transportation Encouraging Public Service
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I want to give parents more choices for educating their children. The current system is not working and just adding more money will not solve the problems. Let parents and students choose schools that will best fit their needs. This will also allow students that are in poor performing schools to go to better schools. We need to fix our current transportation issues. The traffic is terrible and Colorado has fallen behind the needs of its people. We need to think long term and prepare for the future rather than playing catch up. We as individuals can take of each other far better than any government program. The state should encourage public service rather than trying to solve all the problems itself. Government can never solve the underlying issues and it never does things efficiently or effectively. All three of these issues will also require managing the state's budget in a responsible and efficient way. We have to stop the wasteful spending and look to the non-government organizations to do more.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Jesus - He is my inspiration to love everyone, not just people who think like me. We are to love and treat everyone with respect. In addition, he was the ultimate example of a servant leader. I strive to be a servant leader to everyone. George Washington - He lead this nation to its independence. He is also another example of a servant leader. He suffered along side his soldiers and was an inspiration to them. Despite the odds, his faith in God and what this nation could be, lead him to victory. He was also willing to give up the Presidency even though the people wanted him to continue to serve. I greatly respect a man who willing gives us power. He was a true servant to this nation and loved everyone. My mom. Even when our family went though hard times that would challenge anyone's limit in love and forgiveness, she never lost hope and kept our family moving forward. I would not be who I am today without her example.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Lex Rex - Samuel Rutherford The Law - Frederic Bastiat The Declaration of Independence
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Characteristics: Humility - They must know how to truly serve and not get caught up in the power of politics Authenticity - Be real with people. Stop pretending to be something you are not and just let people know the real you Love - You have to show everyone that you care. This includes respecting others even if they disagree with you. Principles: All people are created equal All people are free The proper role of government: protect the freedom of the individual not solve social issues. Social issues are for the people and society to solve. Listen more than you speak. Treat all people with respect. The State's money was taken from and belongs to the people therefore it must be managed wisely and respectfully. Live within your means. Accountability: surround yourself with people who will be honest with you and hold you accountable for your actions. Be the light in the darkness of politics: Politics can be ugly. Act in a way that brings light and life to people. Don't violate your conscience or your convictions. Be a life-long learner: You do not have all of the answers. Listen to people and be willing to re-evaluate your decisions.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I care about people and I am willing to listen. I am who I am. I don't hide or fake it. I am a leader. I don't demonize others. I am willing to do the hard work to find responsible solutions.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
They must listen to people. Manage the budget wisely. Work to protect freedom. Stop the expansion of government. Inspire people to hope for the future. Help people get involved.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I would like to know that I helped improve education for Colorado's kids. I want to know that I pushed to reduce government spending and manage the budget wisely. I want people to have hope that a politician can be good. I want more people to be involved in their communities. I want people to have more freedom.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The first big historical event I remember was the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger. I was in third grade (9?) and we were watching it live on TV in the classroom. I remember not fully understanding what had happened but the teachers being very upset. I also remember that from that point on, I wanted to be an astronaut.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I started my own lawn mowing business when I was 10. I think I had 4-5 customers. Saved my money to buy the first Nintendo. That was the hardest $100 I ever spent. Took me a long time to save that much. My first "real" job was working for a small carpet cleaning business at the age of 13. I very much enjoyed it and learned tons about how to get stains out of carpet. My favorite part was seeing the variety of houses and how people lived.
What happened on your most awkward date?
Well, that is a long story but I will try to keep it short. At my school, once a year, we had a spring banquet. Every year, I asked the same girl (my crush) to go, and every year, she said no. So, my junior year, I decided to ask someone else. I asked a girl I had become friends with in math class. We had fun together so I asked. She said yes. The awkward part, she didn't say more than a few words on our entire date. I tried to make up for it but its hard to keep a one-sided conversation going for very long. Then even more awkward for me, just before the banquet, I found out the girl I had asked all those years before, was waiting for me to ask her that year. She went with friends and was near me all night (small school). It all made for a very awkward date. The next day, my date's friend says to me, "she (my date) wanted to know if everything was OK because I stop talking to her near the end of the date". uuuuhhhhhh
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
I love Thanksgiving. We get together with long-time friends, eat turkey, and play games (Catan). We don't always get to see them a lot during the year so its fun to catch up and watch the kids play together. There is also Thanksgiving morning when I get to go play football. Every year, I am so sore by dinner time (and for the next week), and everyone makes fun of me for being old and out of shape but it is so worth it. Last year, my oldest son played for the first time. It was a blast!
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Circle Series (Black, Red, White, and Green) by Ted Dekker Lord of the Rings by Tolkien
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings. I think he is the greatest hero in the book. Without him, no special powers just loyalty, love, and strength of character, Frodo would never have made it and Sauron would have won.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
The back patio. Its nothing special but I just love to sit on it with a cup of coffee, read, watch the kids play, or read a book. Its the best during the fall. Its sad that fall is only a couple weeks long in Denver.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
You may not believe this but its called "All I Do Is Win (Tim Tebow remix)" by Stoop Kid. It's been on my phone for a while and my son just rediscovered it. He has recently read some books on Tebow and is a huge fan. So we have listened to it a lot. I hear in my head Tebow, Tebow, Tebow 'Cause all he do is win, win, win And if you wanna run the option, cross your arms, make 'em stay there LOL! You asked.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
My wife and I decided when we had kids that one of us would stay home. I wasn't making much money at the time as I was working for non-profits teaching and mentoring kids. To make ends meet and work toward getting out of debt, I had to get a second job. So for years, 3-4 days a week, I would come home from my main job, grab a quick bite, kiss my wife and kids, then head out to deliver pizzas. I enjoyed it but it was hard being away from my family so much. However, as time went on, I was able to work toward promotions and raises at my main job and eventually quite delivering pizzas. We are not debt-free yet, those student loans are still there, but we are closer than ever.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
I think you need both. I think it is really good to have new people who can bring in an outside experience and keep government from loving itself. However, it is good to have some with the experience to get things done. I think when both can work together and listen, good can happen. While experience is good, I am in favor of term limits to keep lawmakers from becoming to entrenched in the system. We need to have new people constantly coming in to govern.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Preventing the budget from ballooning and bankrupting the future for our kids. Improving education. We are failing our kids. Keep the government for growing and taking over every aspect of our lives.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
They should be equal parts of the state government. They must work together but act as a check and balance for each other.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Yes, this is very important. We must build relationship with all legislators but not just those of the same party. We have to listen to each other and work together. We can learn from each other and find the balance. It is my intention to work hard to build those relationships.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
Redistricting is a mess. I am willing to try the independent (non-legislator) council and see how it goes. It is my hope that those appointed to the council will also be willing to listen to each other and work together to come up with good maps that aren't built to favor one party over another but built to represent the people.
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Education Transportation Finance
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
I am not part of leadership and don't have a desire to be part of it. I want to serve the people and would be concerned about becoming to politically involved. I want to be able to maintain objectiveness and not vote for or against something just because I am a party leader and must. I really don't want to be a "politician". I don't know if that is possible while serving in this capacity but I want to try.
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
No one currently but as I look into America's past, I want to be like George Washington (character), John Adams (conviction), and Abraham Lincoln (action). I believe there are many aspects of their character and action that are worthy of imitating.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
No, I have NO desire to go to DC.
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
Running for office is not easy. It takes a lot of work and sacrifice. Now that we are close to the election, the ads have started to run and they are not kind or truthful, on all sides. At times I question if I really want to be a part of this. It can be ugly but I want to be a part of changing it. It doesn't have to be this way. Early on in my campaign, I met a young woman who is dealing with brain cancer. Despite her struggles, she has been involved, she has fought for what she believes in, and has used her time to try and make Colorado a better place. I have watched her with admiration as she has gone through radiation treatment and realize that anything I may go through is nothing. I have no right to complain. She is a fighter and has endured more than I could ever imagine. She saw me the other day putting up signs and she came over to say "hi". It was the first day she had been done with treatments, at least for a while. She expressed how much she wished she could help me more and that she believes in me. I can't express how much that means to me. This is why I am running for office. For her, for my kids, for my neighbors. I want to be able to look all of them in the eyes and say that I tried to make Colorado a better place. I hope I can serve all of Colorado as a State Representative.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
I want to serve and unite our community by working to fix education, expand transportation, protect jobs, and encourage people to love others.[7] |
” |
| —Rico Figueroa[3] | ||
2013
In response to a candidate survey, Figueroa provided the following three priorities of his campaign:[8]
|
In the same survey, Figueroa also stated that the following was the largest issue confronting the school district:[8]
|
"I believe public education in this country is at a crisis point, something has to change. When I was appointed to the board 1.5 years ago, I was blown away that some of our schools only have a graduation rate in the upper 70s. I was even more concerned to learn this is average for all schools in Colorado. I may be an optimist but I believe we could and should achieve rates much closer to 100%. In five years we should be refining the solutions to our educational system. To find those solutions, Admin, teachers, staff, parents, and students must start partnering together. I believe I can be a bridge between these groups to build this partnership." |
See also
- Adams 12 Five Star Schools elections (2013)
- Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Colorado
- State legislative elections, 2018
- Colorado House of Representatives elections, 2018
- Colorado House of Representatives
External links
- Search Google News for this topic
- District page
- Office website
- Campaign website
- Facebook page
- Twitter page
- LinkedIn page
- Colorado TRACER
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Denver Post, "Disqualified candidate wins Adams 12 school board race after new count," November 19, 2013
- ↑ Adams 12 Five Star Schools, "Enrico Figueroa appointed to Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education," March 27, 2012
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Information submitted on Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form on July 18, 2018
- ↑ Adams 12 Five Star Schools, "District determines candidate for board of education ineligible to run in Director District 4," accessed October 30, 2013
- ↑ Amy Speers, "Statement Concerning Adams 12 Board of Education Election - Director District 4," October 30, 2013
- ↑ Colorado TRACER, "Candidate Detail," accessed December 20, 2013
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Adams 12 Five Star Schools, "Rico Figueroa," accessed October 7, 2013
