Steve Ferrante
Steve Ferrante (Republican Party) ran for election to the Colorado House of Representatives to represent District 49. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Ferrante completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Steve Ferrante was born in San Jose, California. He earned a high school diploma from Pioneer High School. His career experience includes working as a law enforcement officer, small business owner, and clergy member. He has been affiliated with Estes Park Gun and Archery Club, Overland Missions, and Global Outreach Foundation.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Colorado House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Colorado House of Representatives District 49
Lesley Smith defeated Steve Ferrante in the general election for Colorado House of Representatives District 49 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Lesley Smith (D)  | 63.8 | 36,669 |
 | Steve Ferrante (R) | 36.2 | 20,797 | |
| Total votes: 57,466 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 49
Lesley Smith defeated Max Woodfin in the Democratic primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 49 on June 25, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Lesley Smith | 71.8 | 10,210 |
 | Max Woodfin | 28.2 | 4,015 | |
| Total votes: 14,225 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 49
Steve Ferrante advanced from the Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 49 on June 25, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Steve Ferrante | 100.0 | 5,890 |
| Total votes: 5,890 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
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Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Ferrante in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Steve Ferrante completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ferrante's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I spent the past three years going to the Capitol one day per week to observe the inner workings of the system. On a few occasions, I testified in committee hearings if the bills discussed were matters I had insight to. I was invited into some discussions with legislators regarding proposed legislation and the verbiage used to communicate the intent of the bill, perceptions of "average citizens, and the impact on our lives. The time spent at the Capitol allowed me to see how divided, contentious, and often unreasonable the process had become.
I saw good governance was not the priority; political agendas and party devotion ruled the day. The rural urban divide was readily apparent. Quite often the needs of rural constituents were considered to be subservient to those of urban dwellers.
Good governance, future generations, and freedom are of import to me.- Education is a priority. I have no allegiance to any education system, my allegiance is to the children and parents that raise them. Schools must serve families and be sensitive to the voices of those that love/know their children best, parents.
We have many under performing schools in Colorado where graduation rates and proficiency in core subjects are incongruous. Some schools have been deficient for over 15 years. Children should receive a high quality education free of political agendas, violence, or sexualization.
We must support teachers who promote civil behavior, classroom discipline, structured learning, etc. Parents should have liberty to use any educational manner/funds available for their children w/o govt. interference. - The Safety of Colorado residents is a priority. Laws must be strictly enforced and criminals should be punished appropriately. We must also address mental health issues that often lead to crime. Jails will not solve mental health issues. Funds used to incarcerate people whose primary issue is rooted in poor mental health can be diverted to mechanisms that restore mental stability. Those who have committed violent crimes must be incarcerated and their mental health issues should be treated beyond mere "sedation". There must be cooperation between law enforcement agencies (local/state/federal) ensuring our citizens are safe in their persons, homes, and possessions. Immigration status is irrelevant where safety is concerned.
- The rights of people matter. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. No one should be forced to surrender their rights even if their convictions are at odds with those of others. Government must not pick winners and losers in the realm of constitutional rights and liberties. There must be a recognition that not everyone has the same belief systems and, as a free country, we have the right to live in accordance with our convictions. We must also understand the need to respect those who differ from us. Having rights comes the responsibility of respecting others who may not agree with us. Civil discourse, mutual respect, recognition of the rights of others, and the willingness to cordially disagree are key aspects of civility.
We must work to allow Coloradans the freedom to live, think, and speak freely. We must allow everyone the opportunity to succeed. Government must be a servant of the people, not the other was around. We must work to make living in Colorado affordable, enjoyable, safe, and prosperous for all.
My father had a tremendous level of faith and leaned heavily on the teachings of the Bible. His steadfast and uncompromising example was one to be admired. I never heard my father say an unkind word to my mother. I never heard him gossip, complain about difficult times, or refuse to do hard work. He was generous, loving, and taught me and my brother how to maintain a strong work ethic.
People of character and conviction are needed in places of leadership. People who know how to work hard and sacrifice for the sake of others and for future generations must rise up to meet the challenges we face as a nation. My father never sought recognition, fame, or fortune. He knew what it was like to be poor and worked hard to better himself, provide for his family, and set a high behavioral standard for us to emulate. We need leadership of such caliber in every realm.
I want to leave a lasting positive legacy. When I look back on the life of my father, I remember a man who lived a life with no regrets. I remember a man who sacrificed for others. I remember a man go great character, steadfast love, and a great sense of humor.
--Benjamin Franklin's response to Elizabeth Willing Powel's question: "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"
Elected officials must take into consideration the needs and opinions of those they serve and then weigh them against the constitutional guidelines, the limitations of funding, the scope and priority of the issue, and the impact of any decision upon not just the people they represent, but upon society as a whole. We see this being lived out in the rural/urban divide.
1) Understanding (perspective): There is more than one way to look at a situation. The perspectives of others, even those you disagree with, can help shape one's outlook, guide their responses, and understand those who differ with them. Being willing to listen and converse accomplishes more than trying to win an argument.
2) Considering the big picture:: In a marriage and family the interconnectedness of relationships is irrefutable. Knowing that decisions made out of self interest do not merely affect the individual family member but the whole of the family, causes me to be more contemplative and considerate and less dogmatic.
3) Investigative/curious: As a former detective I have learned to look into matters beyond the surface level. What may appear to be innocent may turn out to be insidious, and what may look harmful may be necessary/prudent under the circumstances.
4) Experience: As a law enforcement officer I have had to enforce the laws passed by legislators and regulations passed by administrators. There have been times where things such as "zero tolerance policies" have been detrimental to individuals and families. As a small business owner the regulatory burden often raises costs, adds complexity, and hinders the health of a businesses. Not all regulations and laws are bad, but having the perspective of living out laws and regulations makes me quite cautious about "going with the crowd."
The laws we pass must not foster division, confiscate wealth (punish success), or hinder people from having the opportunity to succeed. There is not a finite amount of success. Positioning people to make the most of their talents and abilities, is critical.
The Bible is a book of redemption. We all need to know there is hope that we, others, and society as a whole can be better. There is hope that what is now does not always have to be. knowing that I have received love and forgiveness I did not deserve enables me to give others what I have also received.
Valiant
Committed. to the greater good of a noble cause
Faithful to the one he truly loved
Willing to endure difficulty because it was the right thing to do.
Unafraid of evil
Inspirational leader
Being.a police officer I saw aspects of society most people never engage with. It was, at times, difficult to let what I had experienced at work not have a negative impact on my children and marriage. Finding a balance between protecting my children and family and allowing them to grow into their unique self, learn from their mistakes and take risks was as challenging as it was rewarding.
We need wise and steady leadership that works across a multitude of realms to effectively lower costs and preserve the beauty of our state. As an example consider the cost of housing. Land value, use restrictions, material costs, wages, insurance costs, permitting, infrastructure, etc. all contribute to the high cost of housing. Also, the influx of people to Colorado is placing even more pressure on our limited supply of housing units.
The unintended consequences of legislation are often quite harmful. This incident helped reenforce the reality that good intentions do not always produce good results. Emotions and feelings may move one's heart, but these same motivations can lead to poor legislative decisions.
Educational choice will set the table for the "education monopoly" to either improve for the sake of our children, or fade into obscurity. We must ensure every student is given the greatest opportunity to succeed. Parents know what is best for their child. The money is already being spent in the realm of the education sector. Rather than having bureaucrats dictate to parents and children, where and how their children will learn, we need to empower families in this realm.
The government is not always the best steward of the funds entrusted to them. Financial accountability and prudent spending are essential to restoration of trust in our governmental institutions.
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.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Colorado House of Representatives District 49 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 4, 2024
