Bob Gardner, HD 21 (Colorado Springs)

State Representative Bob Gardner was elected to his third term in the Colorado House of Representatives in 2010, representing House District 21 which is comprised of southwestern and western El Paso County and northern Fremont County.  Representative Gardner was recently appointed chair of the House Judiciary Committee and also serves on the House Appropriations Committee, the House Local Government Committee, and on the Joint Committee on Legislative Legal Services.

In his three terms in the House, Rep. Gardner has been the sponsor or co-sponsor of bills across the issue spectrum—including legislation to assist fast growing school districts issue bonds for capital construction, increase the number of state trial court judges to address the backlog of commercial cases, simplify processes for businesses with the Secretary of State, extend the Arkansas River water bank program, assist our local RTA by limiting the amount of tax revenue the State may keep for its collection, and strengthening Colorado’s laws to protect victims of crime.  He has been a strong voice for business, spearheading the opposition to legislation that would damage business and our state economy.  During the legislative interim in 2007, Rep Gardner served on the Committee on Long Term Services for the Developmentally Disabled and is the primary sponsor of successful legislation in the 2008 session that provided increased employment opportunities and shortened the waiting list for services for the developmentally disabled.  As an orator, Bob has earned the reputation as one who can bring the House to silence by the power of his words.

Representative Gardner has been recognized for his legislative leadership by the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce as Legislator of the Year for 2007 and as Legislator of the Year by Alliance, a statewide advocacy organization for the developmentally disabled.  In 2010, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce recognized Representative Gardner as the top legislator for business issues.

Representative Gardner has practiced law in Colorado Springs since leaving Air Force active duty in 1989 and is a retired Air Force Reservist.  During his Air Force career, Bob served as an ICBM missile launch officer and later as a judge advocate assigned to the United States Air Force Academy law faculty where he taught procurement and business law.  From 1993 to 1997, he served as Chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party and General Counsel of the Colorado Republican Party.  While serving in the legislature, Bob continues to make his living practicing law.

He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and earned his law degree with honors in 1981 from the University of Texas School of Law.  In addition, he holds a Masters of Law in Government Procurement Law from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Office: 200 East Colfax Ave. Rm. 200, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-866-2191
Email: bob.gardner.house@state.co.us