In the State House, I work with the Governor, citizens, businesses and across the aisle with other lawmakers on:
Economy and Jobs: I work in the legislature to improve jobs and the economy to promote economic prosperity and encourage business and investment in LD29 and Arizona. At the capitol I am a friend of business and middle-class families. I am endorsed by all major Arizona labor organizations. We must build a fair and prosperous economy that rewards hard work, not just corporations and the rich.
Border and Immigration: In the State House, I will push the federal government for tough immigration reform to fix our broken US immigration system and control the international border. Immigrants must be required to pay back taxes and a fine, learn English, and pass criminal background checks on the path to legalization.
Water and Planning: I serve on the Arizona House Water and Energy Committee. We must recognize water limits and plan better for our future. I have lead by example with water harvesting at our home. Arizona needs more encouragement of conservation and water harvesting, especially in new construction. We have an ethical responsibility to act to ensure our children and grandchildren have a long-term sustainable clean water supply.
Education: I am very involved and concerned about public schools with a daughter in TUSD. We must listen to and pay teachers more. I will stand ground to keep state bureaucrats out of local schools’ business. The legislature must better support Arizona’s universities as an important investment in our future. Arizona must also improve its State Lands system so it better serves education and conservation, not primarily big corporations. I have the endorsement of the Arizona Education Association.
Public Safety: As a south side neighborhood President, I’ve worked cooperatively with police for years to successfully reduce crime. I am endorsed by the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police and other public safety organizations. I served on the Arizona House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee.
Election Integrity: We must ensure everyone eligible can register and vote without hassle, that every vote counts and we can trust the outcome of all elections.
Transportation: I ride a bike and drive an efficient biodiesel powered vehicle and support clean cars & fuels. We need some new roads, but Arizona cannot build its way out of traffic congestion with roads only. We need more transit options. To improve safety, health and alternatives, Arizona needs stronger state laws for pedestrians and bikes. I will work with ADoT, the feds and railroad to realize Tucson-Phoenix commuter rail. I also back a metro-Tucson commuter rail system, from northwest-downtown-southeast, and also south to Green Valley and Nogales.
Health Care: We must cover as many people as possible, especially at-risk children, and protect important health care programs. I am endorsed by the Arizona Nurses Association and other healthcare organizations.
Equal Rights and Civil Liberties: The state must always respect and protect the rights of all, including the GLBT community. I support policies aimed at stopping racism, sexism and other discrimination. Arizona should always respect the Bill of Rights, and protect privacy rights and responsible individual freedoms.
Energy and Environment: In the House I will use my successful energy and environmental experience and planning skills to help improve quality of life. On energy independence, I have lead by example by producing solar power and hot water on the rooftop of our south side home. Scientists say global warming related climate change is making Arizona hotter and drier. We can and must do more to promote true energy independence by helping home and business owners to go solar, and even use small backyard or rooftop wind power. As an ecologist, I will help support and push state efforts to protect wildlife and habitat. The state must also do more to clean up Arizona’s growing air pollution problem, which is harming our health and economy. I am endorsed by the Arizona League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club-Grand Canyon Chapter.
Local Control: The Legislature must better respect city and county rights, and stop preempting local governments from protecting citizens.