Democrats appoint Lakewood resident to House vacancy

State Rep. Max Tyler, D-Dist. 23

LAKEWOOD – County Democrats appointed Lakewood resident Max Tyler to replace retiring state Rep. Gwyn Green of Golden.

Green announced last month that she would resign her District 23 seat effective June 1, foregoing the last 18 months of her third term.

“I sought the vacancy committee appointment to replace Gwyn Green in House District 23 because it’s important to maintain a strong voice for the diverse communities of our district,” Tyler said Thursday.

“I’m struck by our economic and cultural diversity. We have the two thriving cities of Golden and Lakewood. We have Molson/Coors and Caridian (formerly Cobe Labs). We have NREL and the Colorado School of Mines providing national leadership on renewable energy

“We have horse stables and senior high rises, mini-mansions and mobile home communities. We also have the Jeffco Action Center, the superb volunteer social service agency, and Camp George West. It is truly my responsibility to fully represent all the voters of our 37 precincts.”

Tyler long has been a workhorse for Jeffco Democrats and Green’s campaigns and has served as District 23 chairman. The Ward 2 resident also is active in city politics.

“One advantage that I think Max has is that he has worked so closely with Gwyn Green since she has been in the legislature,” said Pat Waak, chair and executive director of the Colorado Democratic Party.

Tyler was the only applicant to go before the committee. One other application was received, but it was withdrawn before the vacancy committee began its work.

“I think it must have been so daunting that nobody else stepped forward,” Waak said. “I heard that it was unanimous, so no one else had the courage to take him on.”

Tyler owns The Star group, a local technology-consulting firm. He previously was chief information officer for Anton, Collins Mitchell LLP, an accounting information systems company. He also Owned Campro Inc., a network and computer support company that served small businesses.

He is a University of Denver graduate.

“I came to Colorado to attend and graduate from the University of Denver and have lived here ever since,” Tyler said. “For the past 35 years I’ve made my living as a business owner. I learned how to take on big, established competitors, negotiate with banks, take risks create jobs and meet a payroll.

“However, running a business successfully includes nurturing and supporting the people who create your success. This is the perspective I will take with me to serve the citizens of HD-23 in the legislature.”

Green said she is leaving because of health issues and to spend more time with her grandchildren.

“It is time to leave you and let someone who has the health and the stamina fill this seat, such an important seat for my district” Green told her colleagues in the House as announced her decision from the House floor.

District 23 encompasses a swath of north Lakewood from Sheridan Boulevard to Youngfield Street and stretches into Golden.

Green championed children’s safety issues, health care and education issues in her four and a half years in the state legislature.

Green first was elected to the legislature in 2004, defeating Republican challenger Ramey Johnson by less than 4 dozen votes. Green and Johnson went toe-to-toe again in 2006 and Green won by a wider margin in a pivotal election that widened the Democrats. hold on the state legislature.

Green was re-elected last November, easily out-polling Republican Mary Lynn Wagner with 56 percent of the vote after campaigning as “Fightin’ Granny Green”.

In her years at the legislature, Green sponsored a bill to have courts evaluate sexual predators to determine whether the offenders present a danger to the community. She also sponsored bills to increase funding for services for victims of crime, and another to hold insurance companies accountable for 100 percent restitution if they unfairly deny coverage.

“I have fought hard for those who need it most,” Green said.

Green has lived in Lakewood and Golden for 40 years.