Election 2020: Meet Sally Boccella, Democratic candidate for Colorado State Senator representing District 23

Sally Boccella

By Kelly Ragan

Sally Boccella is the Democratic candidate running for State Senator in District 23, which encompasses Weld, Larimer and Broomfield counties. She is running against Republican candidate Barbara Kirkmeyer. 

Republican Vicki Marble currently holds the seat. 

How does the state senate work? 

The Colorado Senate is made up of 35 Senators from around the state who serve four-year terms, for a maximum of two consecutive terms. 

State Senators craft bills and vote on legislation during the legislative session.

The NoCo Optimist sent a questionnaire out to local candidates who will appear on the Weld County ballot. We will publish them as candidates respond. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I am deeply committed to my community and to service. Running for office is an extension of that call to service. I am running to support public policy that lifts up all people, and nurture relationships that foster inclusive and diverse partnerships like I have done throughout my professional career. (A note from the NoCo Optimist: Boccella works as a community organizer.)

As the daughter of an Italian immigrant, U.S. Navy veteran and Purple Heart recipient, I am a

first-generation American citizen and a first-generation college graduate. My family heritage and work ethic instilled in me the courage to pursue the American dream. Their experience inspired me to be an active participant in our democracy, to be of service to others, and to increase opportunities for all people.

What issues are most important to you?

COVID-19 has brought many existing inequities into light. There are disparities in education, income opportunity and healthcare that have been devastating to our society.

We have an opportunity to close the gaps that prohibit so many from success. We must accept climate change science and treat it as a major concern. An important responsibility to the people of Colorado is protecting our land, air and water. Colorado's public lands are not only our state’s source of recreation, but a strong source of our revenue. We must protect our state’s resources for future generations to ensure they enjoy our Colorado quality of life. I have supported protections against weakening the Environmental Protection Agency and the Endangered Species Act.

Healthcare is a right. The health crisis from COVID-19 has made it even more important to have a healthcare system that supports providers, healthcare workers and patients with efficiency and affordability.

If elected, what are the top three things you’d like to accomplish?

I am committed to economic development planning with a just transition for workers into innovative industries like geothermal heating and cooling and industrial hemp, an infrastructure recovery plan, and protection of workers’ rights.

How do you plan to do so?

My infrastructure recovery plan includes improving access to broadband. Particularly in this time, internet access is necessary for all Coloradans. Our income, our mental health, and the next generation’s education depends on it. I will work with my colleagues in the legislature to increase our funding to rural communities, and sponsor legislation that will allow communities to have control over their access to high speed internet.

Schools are the heartbeat of a community. We must invest in our schools along with industry for our communities to successfully thrive in the future. I will bring people to the table who can collaborate on how we can ensure funding for education throughout Colorado.

What relevant, previous experience do you have?

I am a proven community leader who can bring people together to get things done. As a constituent advocate,I supported important policy for mental health resources, equitable education, economic opportunities, and environmental conservation at all levels by establishing relationships with elected representatives, policy directors, community leaders, businesses, non-profits, and schools. I know that community voices are the key to success in policy, which is why I am committed to listening and being accessible to residents of SD23.

I currently serve on three Weld County School Board committees and deliver food commodities weekly for the Weld Food Bank. That experience has resulted in a deep connection to the district and the critical needs in our community.

What skills, training, resources, and expertise do you feel you have to offer?

I have a very diverse professional background, which gives me a unique perspective. I have worked in areas such as film, education, service industries, broadcasting and marketing, and other areas in between.

Being a non-traditional student and a first-generation college graduate, I was able to develop new relationships that expanded my view of the world and the challenges that people face based on their socio-economic situations.

What would you most like voters to know about you?

That my door will always be open. I will be accessible, and I will take those viewpoints into consideration before making any decisions.