El Paso County Commission District 2
“Raised in Colorado, Bernard ‘Bj’ Byers is a dedicated and active member of the Colorado Springs community. Coach Bj, as the parents and players of his basketball team know him, currently lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, three children, four cats, and two dogs. He loves playing basketball, attending concerts, and long-distance running.
He has a multifaceted approach to community engagement, from his role as a bank manager to running a nonprofit youth basketball program, Colorado Storm. He has previously served as a board member on the Colorado Springs Civic Engagement Committee, Colorado Springs Rising Professionals, and served as Chair for the Public Art Commission of the Pikes Peak region. He is currently serving on The Resource Exchange (TRE) board; a nonprofit focused on supporting and advocating for families and children with various disabilities.
Working within the community, Bernard has grown concerned about some of the issues he has seen persisting in El Paso County. As County Commissioner for District 2, he will focus on education, improving public safety, and infrastructure. Bernard is passionate about listening to the needs of the community, actively involving the youth, and responding to issues with innovative and effective plans.”
Candidate Responses
1: Strongly Disagree
2: Somewhat Disagree
3: Does Not Apply to the Position
4: Somewhat Agree
5: Strongly Agree
Yes, some.
Yes, entirely.
- Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
- Education
- Securing Democracy
Do you believe that healthcare is a human right?
This shouldn’t be a question in my opinion and really shouldn’t be a political question but unfortunately it has become one.
Will you support the expansion of Medicaid and the Colorado Health Care Option to cover more uninsured and underinsured Coloradans?
I strongly support the the expansion of Medicaid and the Colorado Health Care Option to cover more uninsured and underinsured Coloradans.
Will you create/support policy to address the rising costs of prescription drugs and medical services?
Do you support access to comprehensive health care that includes reproductive freedom for people with uteruses?
Will you ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to education, employment, health care, and social services in Colorado?
Do you support the separation of church and state and the protection of religious freedom for all faiths and beliefs?
Will you fight to address and correct the systemic racism and discrimination that affects communities of color in Colorado?
Will you ensure that LGBTQ+ Coloradans are treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of society?
How will you protect and expand the civil rights and liberties of all Coloradans?
Not just becoming a voice for those who are being affected but finding ways to create legislation to protect those in the future.
Cost of living, housing costs, and homelessness were the top issues in a recent Colorado Polling Institute Poll. What would you propose to remedy and address these issues?
Research reasons that the increases are occurring and try to help with addressing those items I can influence as an elected official.
Do you support workers’ rights to organize, bargain collectively, and earn a living wage?
Will you work to reform the tax system to make it more progressive and fair?
Will you fight to fully fund public schools?
Although County Commissioners do not make legislation or policy that shape the funding sources going to public education, I will ensure that discussion and decisions made regarding property taxes, TABOR and housing/neighborhood development are made with public education funding impact as a significant factor in my decision making.
Will you fight to ensure that every child has access to early childhood education, universal pre-K, and full-day kindergarten?
Will you advocate for the expansion of public higher education opportunities and affordability?
How will you support the implementation of high academic standards and assessments that measure critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
Finding ways to inform the public on why these standards are important and why these should be fought for.
Will you combat the climate crisis and advocate for renewable energy?
Will you protect Colorado’s water quality and quantity, especially in the face of drought and population growth?
Will you fight to preserve and enhance Colorado’s public lands, wildlife, and biodiversity?
Will you promote environmental justice and ensure that all communities have a healthy and safe environment?
What is your position on the current immigration policies and practices of the United States?
The US was built on the strength of immigration. We must find ways to protect those who are trying to find a better way of life for themselves and their families.
How will you ensure that the state of Colorado is ready and robust to face the threats of natural disasters, cyberattacks, terrorism, and foreign aggression?
Help create/enhance an audit system to focus on prevention maintenance for these items. Planning ahead while focusing on the present.
How will you ensure that Colorado is a state with social and economic safeguards to maintain a decent standard of living and adequate nutrition for our aging population?
Finding ways to partner with local organizations to help standard of living. I would find ways to promote these groups and create a cooperative environment to acheive a common goal.
