Freshman Sen. Ted Harvey, R- Highlands Ranch, makes no secret that he spent his early twenties bathing in the ideology of former GOP President Ronald Reagan.

“During that time I became a strong advocate for individual liberty and freedom,” he said. “I believe in an individual’s ability to change the world."

On today’s issues, Harvey considers himself a protector of water and natural resources, especially for the Front Range, a region where resources, he believes, are often taken advantage of. He stays busy serving on several committees including Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy, Finance and Appropriations.

Harvey made the uncommon transition from political staffer to legislator. He worked for a time with the Independence Institute, and he was at one time the House of Representatives’ reading clerk before being elected to the House District 43 in 2001.

Despite being a military brat, Harvey completed most all of his schooling in Colorado.  He graduated from high school in Colorado Springs and received his bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University, and completed his masters at the University of Colorado in Denver.

Harvey is the quintessential family man. He will never miss an opportunity to spend time with his wife, Janie, and their two children.

The senator enjoys spending time with his family at their condo in the mountains. He also used to be a ski instructor through a program at his church, but to Harvey’s chagrin, he has not been able to ski in years because the Legislature meets during prime ski season.

Despite that, Harvey loves being the legislative voice for his constituents. He noted that the most frustrating part of being in the Senate is watching the Democrat majority limit individual freedom and break down traditional family values.

Harvey has been known to introduce controversial bills that often do not make it out of committee, but in doing so, he suggests that he’s opening up debate and hoping to push issues forward.

“I believe in traditional American values, the free market system and the individual’s right to pursue a dream without cumbersome government interference,” Harvey said.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to help people through my work here.”