The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, in partnership with UCCS's Center for Studies of Government and the Individual (CSGI) will be hosting a debate for Pikes Peak Region’s most competitive state legislative race. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear the candidates from Senate District 12 as they answer questions and discuss issues directly affecting business and higher education. State Representative Marc Snyder (D) and County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf (R) will share their perspectives on a number of issues facing the Colorado legislature and their competing visions for Senate District 12.
This event is open and free to the community. Parking is free and light refreshments will be provided.
About the Speakers
Stan VanderWerf and Marc Snyder
Stan VanderWerf:
Stan VanderWerf serves District 3 on the Board of County Commissioners. His district encompasses central and western El Paso County. Commissioner VanderWerf is founder of several small businesses and previously served 28 years in the US Air Force. He is active in the community providing award-winning expertise to many local and national non-profits. He is married to Betsy and has two children, Erik and Carolyn. His hobbies include mountain climbing, skiing, and flying. Among his professional achievements, VanderWerf received the Industry Cluster Team Award from the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and the El Pomar Institute. He is a Bronze Star awardee for his service in Iraq and a Legion of Merit awardee for his military service. Stan is a Distinguished Graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces achieving a Masters Degree in public policy and budgeting. Commissioner VanderWerf has been assigned around the world having served in Korea, Iraq, and Germany. He served in NORAD NORTHCOM at Peterson Space Force Base, at Schriever Space Force Base, is a former director of the Air Force’s C-130 E/H program office, and served in the acquisition directorate of Special Operations Command.
Marc Snyder:
Marc Snyder has served a12-year tenure – six of those as mayor – on the Manitou Springs City Council, from which he retired in January 2016. Marc obtained his law degree from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia and began his legal career as an attorney for a title services company in Rockville, Maryland. In 1995, Marc opened the doors to his own practice, specializing in wills, trusts, and estates law, specializing in helping families with adults or children who have disabilities. Marc was elected city-wide five times in Manitou Springs: twice as an at-large city councilor and three times as Mayor. Over the past two decades, he served as a leader and a member of more than a dozen county and regional entities working to improve local transportation, health, economic development, building, sustainability, urban renewal, restorative justice, and military care.
