Alumni Board Scholar Profile: Q&A with 2007 Scholar Greg Sobetski

Boettcher Scholar Year: 2007
Hometown: Littleton
College/Degree: University of Denver; BA, International Studies and Spanish, MA, International Economics

Tell us about your current work and how long you’ve been doing it. What is your favorite aspect of your current occupation?

I’m a senior economist with legislative counsel staff at the Colorado State Legislature. I focus on state economy and fiscal policy for legislators and forecast the state prison population. I often write portions of the Blue Book before elections.

I most enjoy TABOR (Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights) work, as it is complicated, interesting, and strongly affects policy. My favorite part of my job is being part of the policy making process and helping policy makers understand the likely consequences of policy they are debating. The best policy work happens when people focus on good outcomes, as opposed to partisan stands.

What role has being a Boettcher Scholar played into where you are and what you are doing now?

I wanted to contribute to the wellbeing of the people who live in Colorado, a beautiful place to pursue happiness. Going to a great school gave me the education I needed to do my work well. My work helps legislators do their jobs as well as possible, and this helps me to meet my contribution to the State of Colorado. I’m a welcoming, “state-riotic” person.

Tell us about your involvement in activities, organizations, or groups outside of work.

The thing I’ve spent the most time on over the years is volunteering as a high school debate coach and judge. Helping high school kids to think about policy is formative for them. I’ve been able to meet some brainy, often weird, but endearing young people.

What’s the best advice you’ve received and what advice do you have for current graduates entering your career field?

“Never lose track of the people you intend to serve.” Now at a desk job, I often interact with legislators, but not the public. The elected officials who serve are literally responsible to their constituents. I strive to remember what I do affects Coloradans, even if I don’t work with the constituents directly.

If you could have dinner with one person or a few people from history, whom would you choose and why?

Harriet Tubman, her life was incredible! Her perspective would speak to a part of American history that is seldom taught. I would love to hear stories from her life.