Clean technology, small business keys to future

DENVER – Don Marostica is always up for a challenge.

But his current challenge is one that might daunt even the most courageous. In late July, Marostica, a former Republican state representative from Loveland, accepted an appointment from Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter to serve as the state’s economic development director during the toughest economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Marostica, 61, recently responded to an e-mail request to answer some questions about his appointment and share his plans for helping shape the state’s economic future.

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Q: Given the difficult economic times and uncertainty still ahead, was it a hard decision to accept that appointment to be the state’s new economic development chief?

A: It wasn’t a hard decision. I looked at this position as a challenge. I feel that I could better contribute my passions and skills to the state of Colorado in a more meaningful way. Every effort the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade spearheads creates jobs and gets people back to work. That’s meaningful to me.

Q: Was it personally challenging to weigh what you might accomplish in your new role versus what you might have accomplished as a legislator?

A: Both positions were equally intriguing. Over a three-year period, I passed over 50 bills and resolutions that were signed by the governor. However, as I weighed the potential for Colorado’s future – and putting people back to work – it became clear the direction I should pursue. I have three grandkids and I want their future to be filled with as many opportunities as the state of Colorado has afforded me.

Q: What are the key economic things that must happen to get Colorado back on a more sound financial footing?

A: As I take on my new role, the clean-tech sector is one of my top priorities. It needs to progress forward at a rapid pace. Under Gov. Ritter’s leadership, this sector has created thousands of jobs and diversified the state’s energy portfolio.

Colorado’s travel and tourism industry is another growth area. It plays a great part in the overall health of our economy. Colorado welcomed a total of 50.6 million domestic visitors in 2008. These visitors spent $10.9 billion while traveling in the state.

Also, creative industries are vital to the state. Creative enterprises and creative occupations account for over 186,000 jobs in the state.

Q: You’ve been quoted as saying the key to bringing Colorado out of recession is to start replacing the 100,000-plus jobs lost over the last year. How can that most quickly be accomplished?

A: I’m looking at how Colorado can expand businesses – especially small businesses – in the state. OED also needs to work hard at retaining the businesses we have. That is why I’m reaching out (and collaborating with strategic economic partners) to First Data and Frontier Airlines (recently purchased by Indiana-based Republic Airways). Colorado has a stake in protecting these jobs, as well as preventing future job losses. We can’t be content with sitting on the sidelines and taking a wait-and-see attitude.

Q: You co-sponsored Senate Bill 228 in the last legislative session that repealed the Arveschoug-Bird budget cap. Supporters of the bill said it would help untie the state’s hands as it climbs out of the recession. Do you think that stand – unpopular with your fellow Republicans – led to Ritter’s appointment offer?

A: I have a reputation as a problem-solver and I think that’s what Gov. Ritter respects. As a state legislator, I displayed a willingness to work with all those who were interested in finding practical solutions to the challenges facing our state. I plan to continue working in this pragmatic fashion.

Q: The Republican House Minority Leader (Rep. Mike May, R-Parker) recently named Rep. Kent Lambert of Colorado Springs to replace you on the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee. Lambert has been called “a true fiscal conservative” and a staunch defender of TABOR. Do you think TABOR must be repealed if the state is going to move out of the last tier of states when it comes to funding roads, education and Medicaid?

A: I respect Rep. May’s wisdom in this matter. After all, Rep. May selected me as well. I wish Rep. Lambert every success. His success on the JBS is the state of Colorado’s success.

I support TABOR; the formulas don’t work along with people’s personal income. I’m looking forward to the outcomes from the Fiscal Long-Term Stability Committee. I believe the committee members are doing everything they can to understand the financial complexities Colorado faces, and determine what actions will be needed to create sound fiscal policy for Colorado’s future.

Q: Are you optimistic that Colorado will show significant progress in emerging from the recession by the end of 2009? And if not, what’s your expectation of when that might happen?

A: I don’t think the current slowdown is going to be over this year. This recession was years in the making and will take some time to resolve. Colorado is fortunate to have an abundance of assets such as natural resources, intellectual capital and a highly educated workforce. It is imperative that we work together to build on these strengths and remain ahead of the economic curve.