Candidate for State Representative, HD3: Stephen White

Stephen D. White, LCSW

March 19, 2009

House District 3 Vacancy Committee:

I would like to introduce myself and to express my interest in the open House of Representatives seat recently vacated by Representative Anne McGihon. My name is Stephen D. White. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver and I love my community. I live in the Observatory Park Neighborhood with my wife Michelle and our three children.

The loss of Rep. McGihon will be felt throughout the state. Her leadership on Health and Human Services and Legal Services have been crucial to the reforms undertaken by the majority. I would bring a fresh perspective to the seat Rep. McGihon has held since her appointment in 2003, while continuing her steadfast work on access to quality healthcare and education.

Since graduating from the University of Denver with my Master of Social Work in 1997, I have had the pleasure of working in both public health and public education. While working at The Children’s Hospital of Denver in the Department of Psychiatry, I was able to see first hand how important access to healthcare and healthcare coverage is. When citizens are not able to attain adequate hospital service or aftercare, we are not a truly free society. The same is true for our children’s education. As a member of the Mental Health team in the Cherry Creek Schools District, I am witness every day to the struggles that are presented to our students, families, teachers, administrators, and communities. Every child has the right to an education that prepares them for the challenges of the 21^{st century. In facing these challenges head on, our schools need strong advocates to support public education, to partner with them to eliminate the achievement gap, to fix No Child Left Behind, and to fully fund preschool programs and full-day kindergarten.}

Tackling the issues that challenge us demand a leader who can work with business, community members, education leadership, all while listening to the needs of our community in House District 3. Representative McGihon’s loss will certainly be felt, I would like to soften that blow and continue to serve House District 3 with professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication to our house district.

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you , answer any questions you may have, and discuss my vision of leadership, hope, and progress for HD 3 and our state.

Respectfully,

Stephen D. White, LCSW

Click here to return to the HD3 Vacancy Election resource page.