While the focus seems to be on balancing the budget, what steps can the legislature take to bolster the economy, the jobs outlook and compete with other states?
We need to reform our tax structure so that Arizona becomes more attractive as a destination for businesses that are fleeing high-tax states like California. We also need to make it easier for existing businesses to grow, thrive, and add jobs. Ultimately, it isthe private sector that will lead us out of these hard economic times. Part of government’s role in this healing process should be to scrutinize our regulatory environment and ensure that we have placed as few obstacles in business’ way as possible. Of course, lowering taxes like the business property tax would go a long way towards improving our competitive position. Finally, while its not what you might automatically think about, we need to ensure a strong education system from kindergarten through our vocational and college systems. Employers are going to want to know that they are moving into a state with a strong and educated workforce, so the quality of our education system will play a part in their decision-making process as well.
On many key issues, including the budget, there seems to be a partisan one-sided approach to getting work done in the Legislature. What do you think can be done to improve the dialogue between various points of view to ultimately create better legislation?
I suppose the best way to start to answer this question is to ask another: Exactly what do we expect from our elected representatives? We have a right to expect that those for whom we vote for will accurately reflect our beliefs and positions. It won’t take long to decide if you agree with my positions on standing firm against illegal immigration, on building the state economy by opposing new taxes and cutting current ones, and by insisting on a balanced budget, on defending state’s rights and warding off federal intervention and regulation.
However, a legislator must continually address the competing interests of, different government agencies to privateadvocacy groups to local communities. In order to work effectively together, encourage dialog from all sides and ultimately reach a solution, one must have the skill-sets to achieve a consensus from multi-party conflicts. I believe this can be done through careful negotiation, the art of compromise, respect of all involved and a willingness to indeed find such a solution. This is what our founders did when they wrote the constitution.
Of course there are beliefs that I will not compromise on, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t common ground to be found. It is precisely this delicate balance of knowing what to give and what to fight for that makes an effective legislator.I believe I am successful because I have the integrity and courage to examine each issue and stand wherever myconscience and conviction demand I stand.
I promise you that I will always tell you the truth as I see it, I will always be available for your comments and questions, I will always be faithful to my promises, devoted to my constituency, dedicated to my work, and grateful for the opportunity to serve.
