September 28, 2006 2:18 PM

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter

Mark_Wolf(Q) You were involved in family notification after the Columbine shootings and later served on the Columbine commission. What kind of memories did the tragedy at Platte Canyon evoke for you?
Bill_Ritter(A) One of my clearest memories of the Columbine shooting is the face of the students at Columbine as they were being evacuated from the school. It was the picture of innocence lost. i feel terribly for the victim's family in the Platte Canyon shooting, and my thoughts and prayers are with them today. I also feel deep sympathy for all of the students who were impacted by yesterday's violence. We need to do all we can as a community to wrap our collective arms around them.

Mark_Wolf(Q) In the wake of what happened at Platte Canyon, would you propose any additional measures relating to school security?
Bill_Ritter(A) I don't feel we know all we need to know about the situation to begin proposing measures to address the situation. I believe we should always be involved in a public dialougue about how we as a society can prevent such tragic incidents.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Via e-mail from Emily: What are your plans to create an alternative energy industry in Colorado. We need energy independence and a new industry which will create jobs here in Colorado.
Bill_Ritter(A) I believe that Colorado is poised to become a leader in the generation and production of renewable energy. We have the resources and the research partners to move forward in the development of wind, solar and biofuel energy. For a more detailed discussion please check out my New Energy Economy plan on my website at www.Ritterforgovernor.com

kristof65(Q) One of the things that has upset me most about this tradgedy is that already, just over 24 hours after this ordeal began, it is already being politicized with Democrats accusing Repuplicans, and vice versa for "allowing" this to happen. Are you going to politicize this event as well as part of your campaign?
Bill_Ritter(A) No. I will not politicize this incident. This is a tragedy all the way around.

Mark_Wolf(Q) via e-mail from David: If a bill landed on your desk proposing to repeal the "make my day" law, would you sign it? If so, why?
Bill_Ritter(A) I would not sign the bill.
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Bobster(Q) I read that your favorite movies are Crash and Blazing Saddles, why those two?
Bill_Ritter(A) I thought Crash dealt with a very sensitive subject -- the right and wrong assumptions we make about people--in a very real and honest way. Blazing Saddles, on the other hand, dealt with the topic of race and race relations, particularly using stereotypes, in a very funny way. I came out of both movies saying "This is one of the best movies I have ever seen."

Mark_Wolf(Q) You were recently the target of a Republican attack ad in which a tearful African-American mother whose 4-year-old daughter was killed by a hit-and-run driver called you a liar and said you'd given the convicted motorist a "slap on the wrist" penalty. While even Republican Attorney General John Suthers has praised your 12-year-record as Denver district attorney, how do you defend yourself against such ads, given that more may be coming?
Bill_Ritter(A) I will continue to respond as I have in the past. I am proud of my record as District Attorney. The people in my office worked very hard every day to protect the community of Denver. While I was the DA, my office sent over 12,000 people to prison. It is not a statistic I brag about, but I don't apologize for it either. I am sad that Trailhead and other Beauprez allies have chosen to exploit the tragic death of a small girl for political gain. Finally, we will do everything we can to point out the false and/or misleading nature of any advertisements, as we did in the ad you mention.

Bill_Ritter(P) I am sorry I was unable to answer all of your questions. I type a little too slowly to be much of a blogger. Thanks for your attention to this race. Bill
Mark_Wolf(P) Thanks to Bill Ritter and for all the good questions.