Max's Minute | Blogspot

As your Representative-elect for House District 45 and a Castle Rock Town Councilman, I want to address an issue that continues to impact our communities - public safety and immigration enforcement. Recently, Castle Rock took a stand by supporting federal immigration enforcement policies, and I fully support this decision. This vote wasn’t about politics - it was about protecting our families and restoring accountability. The reality is clear: sanctuary policies, which shield individuals who violate immigration laws, have emboldened criminal activity, strained local resources, and eroded public trust in the justice system. Let me be clear - compassion does not mean chaos. True compassion is protecting the innocent, securing our neighborhoods, and fostering a society rooted in justice. Turning a blind eye to illegal activity under the guise of virtue does not help our communities - it hurts them. This is not a partisan issue. It’s about ensuring law-abiding residents are prioritized ove...

Colorado is at a crossroads, and for many residents, the decisions being made in Denver are causing significant unease. As unchecked illegal immigration continues to strain local resources and compromise public safety, communities across the state are grappling with the unintended consequences of policies driven by blind moral posturing rather than practical solutions. Castle Rock, in particular, has become a focal point in the fight to address Denver’s failures, and the growing frustration among Coloradans is impossible to ignore. Castle Rock Pushes Back Against Denver’s Mismanagement Castle Rock has emerged as a leader in calling attention to the ripple effects of Denver's sanctuary city policies. Local officials in Castle Rock are stepping up to address challenges caused by Denver’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. As highlighted in recent reporting, the small but determined town is working to shield its residents from the unintended consequences of mas...

Governor Jared Polis’s decision to cut funding for critical pediatric behavioral therapy and resources for Colorado children with autism to fund the “Cover All Coloradans” program is a disgrace. This isn’t just bad policy - it’s a blatant betrayal of the very people our elected officials are supposed to serve: American citizens, especially the most vulnerable among us. Let’s be clear: “Cover All Coloradans” is nothing more than a sanctuary city policy wrapped in Medicaid branding. It’s designed to extend taxpayer-funded health care to illegal immigrants, and its costs are spiraling out of control. What started as a program serving 3,700 people at $34 million in 2022 has ballooned to an estimated 15,000 people and $51 million by 2025. Of that, $39 million will come directly from Colorado’s general fund - the same fund now being drained of money that should be used to support children with autism and other developmental disabilities (IDD). Our elected officials, who swore to represent th...

There are few traditions as cherished in Castle Rock as our annual Starlighting ceremony. It is more than just an event - it is a moment where our community gathers to celebrate the start of the Christmas season, to reconnect, and to reflect on the values that make this town so special. For decades, the lighting of the star atop the rock has symbolized the warmth, hope, and unity that define Castle Rock and its people. The Starlighting ceremony began in 1936, during a time when our nation was climbing out of the Great Depression. Local leaders came together to create a beacon of hope - a star to shine brightly over Castle Rock as a reminder of resilience, community, and faith in brighter days ahead. Today, that star still shines, a testament to the enduring spirit of our town and a tradition that links our past to our future. This year, I had the privilege of introducing Congresswoman Lauren Boebert to this cherished event. It was an honor to share with her the history and heart of Cas...

As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, I’m excited to share that I’m in the process of lining up five key bills to introduce. While I can’t reveal the full details just yet, I can promise you that these pieces of legislation will reflect the voices and concerns I heard while knocking door to door during the campaign. The conversations I had with residents across House District 45 - about property taxes, public safety, education, and infrastructure - continue to shape my priorities. Every door I knocked on offered a new perspective, a unique challenge, or a shared vision for a better future. Those moments remain at the top of my mind as I craft legislation that will directly address the issues that matter most to you. Each of these bills is being designed not only to benefit our district but to gain bipartisan support. I’m focused on solutions that are practical, achievable, and impactful—bills that will make a real difference for Colorado families while staying true to the...

As I wrap up my first week under the Capitol Dome, I want to share a few updates and reflections on this exciting new chapter. While the process of onboarding as a legislator is just beginning, I can confidently say that my team and I are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work for Douglas County and the people of House District 45. Unfortunately, the Democrat leadership has decided to delay the onboarding process until the Secretary of State officially certifies the recent election results. This means that I do not yet have an official office or phone number. We expect this process to be complete by mid-December, and I’ll share that information with you as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, I’m staying busy and using this time to ensure that I hit the ground running once things are fully operational. While the technicalities are being worked out, I’ve been building my legislative agenda by meeting with informed stakeholders and community organizations that represent t...

I am thrilled to announce that I have hired C. J. Garbo as my Senior Legislative Aide to help run my office and support our work at the Capitol. C. J. brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and professionalism to the role, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner as we work to serve the people of House District 45. C. J. is highly accomplished, with a diverse background that includes expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, public safety, and politics. His ability to navigate complex challenges and build high-performing teams has earned him respect across multiple industries. Most recently, C. J. played a key role in the Castle Rock Town Council races, where his strategic approach helped candidates connect with voters and articulate their visions for the community. His work in these local elections reflects his deep understanding of the issues that matter most to Douglas County residents. As my Senior Legislative Aide, C. J. will manage the day-to-day operations of my off...