Clarissa Arellano-Thomas is both book-smart and street-smart about the state’s political scene. To the former point: She holds a Ph.D. in public policy. ‘Nuff said. As for the latter: She has been in the trenches for over two decades and knows just about everyone in El Paso County’s political pantheon, past and present – as well as a whole lot of people around the state.

It all began with a stint in the ’90s as a staffer in the district office of Republican former U.S. Rep. Joel Hefley, the 5th CD’s long-serving stalwart, and has led her to her current calling as vice president of public policy and communications for the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors. Along the way, she has picked up her share of accolades – including recognition by the Colorado Springs Business Journal last year as one of the city’s Women of Influence – and has earned the trust of a lot of connected people.

Yet, for the most part, she works outside the public’s eye. After all, looking after the interests of one of the state’s largest professional groups – keeping its members abreast of the latest political and policy developments affecting their industry – can be pretty obscure and complicated stuff. Like tracking legislation and regulatory policy – banking regulations, lending regulations, environmental regulations; you name it.

“We have to care about radon, water, flood mitigation,” she says, reflexively running down the list. “We have to know what’s happening so consumers are aware of changes that can occur that can affect their ownership of a home.”

All in all, she has acquired a good bit of perspective:

…Regarding politics at the State Capitol, for example, and whether it has changed in her 14 years working with the Realtors: “While things change, a lot really does stay the same. We always are looking for candidates and officeholders who understand homeownership, free enterprise and private property rights. In other words, Realtor issues. We don’t care if there’s an R or a D after their name.”

…On the political image of Colorado’s second city: “It’s too easy for people at the Capitol and in the Denver area to judge the Pikes Peak region based on just a few elected officials in any given election cycle. We’re a big and growing metropolitan area, and we’re a lot more complex than just that. “

…On being a first-generation American Latina – and a Republican: “There are  more of us out there than you might think. We are typecast politically because of a surname, which is ridiculous. Latino culture in Colorado, as well as across the country, is very diverse. We are a fast-growing component of the business sector, and many Hispanic Coloradans in fact identify with the Republican platform.”

…On her first political job in Colorado, as an intern and then a staff assistant for Hefley: “That’s where I first learned about the importance of constituent service. We had calls about everything – from the Clinton impeachment to potholes in front of constituents’ homes. When it came to the potholes, we would give them the number of Colorado Springs City Hall.”

Arellano-Thomas is still in touch with Hefley, too, as well as his wife, former Republican state Rep. Lynn Hefley: “I talk to them about once a month. They’re back in Oklahoma raising horses – but still following politics closely.”