Estes Park man runs for HD 49

Estes Park school board member Doug Frisbie is seeking the Democratic nomination for House District 49, the legislative seat now held by Republican Kevin Lundberg of Berthoud.

Frisbie, 62, is known locally for starting nonprofit foundations. The Estes Park Salud Foundation provides affordable medical and dental care for residents of Estes Valley. Breakthrough Abroad takes American high school students to developing communities overseas where they can do community service.

The candidate also has a background in political science and criminal justice. He taught political science at Miami University (Ohio) from 1969 to 1973 and later founded consulting businesses that worked with law enforcement agencies. He has also worked for state and county government and private industry.

"I see so much potential in northern Colorado," Frisbie said about his reason for seeking state office. "I see so much that can be done that isn't being done."

Frisbie said he would like to find solutions for affordable health care and ways to improve local economies. He also wants to maintain local control of education and continue excellence in higher education, both of which are being eroded, he said.

The candidate said health care costs are so high that small businesses cannot afford to provide health insurance, or employees cannot afford the premiums if health care is offered.

Frisbie has lived in Estes Park for 13 years. He has served on the Park R-3 Board of Education for seven years and is currently board vice president.