General Election Candidates Share Their Views on the Issues: Part II
State Representative – District 22
Eddie Farnsworth-R
No Response
Steve Urie-R
Q1 Yes! Federal law is codified into state statute all the time in order for the state to enforce the federal law on a state level. A primary example of this is the Federal Fair Housing Act. In addition, AZ is not the first state to take action against illegal aliens. The CA Penal Code 834.B which has been on the books since 1994 states the same thing as AZ's SB1070.
Q2 It would depend on the purpose and the location. With 83% of AZ land held as public, government, tribal or federal lands, I would be reluctant to lock up additional private land as public lands in perpetuity unless there was a public benefit. I would support a open space conservation if its purpose was for a wild life corridor, a riparian habitat, a water shed, a buffer between urban and agricultural uses. But, if the purpose is simply to keep people (the public, ranchers, lease holders) off the land, I would not be in favor of the land restriction. In short, prior to any conversion of State Trust Land to open space preservation, the must be a public benefit to the people of AZ.
Q3 Absolutely not!
Q4 AZ needs to remove the barriers to expanding existing businesses or attracting new businesses to AZ with high paying jobs or an large investment into capital equipment by eliminating the 25% personal property tax, reducing the corporate tax and reducing the percentage of assessed evaluation on real estate owned or occupied by targeted business groups. Otherwise, AZ will be dominated by the service oriented industries and be tied to the boom or bust cycle of the construction industry.
State Representative – District 23
John Fillmore-R
No Response
Frank Pratt-R
Q1 Border enforcement is a responsibility of the Federal Government and it will always remain so. Arizona’s role should be one of support and law enforcement duties as they would protect citizens from any criminal activities. The role of the Arizona Legislature should be one that would encourage a reasonable and fair solution to immigration problems that have not been addressed by the Federal Government.
Q2 State Trust Land that has been held in stewardship by agricultural interests should be examined on an individual basis. Any improvements to Trust Land should be compensated at reasonable market value. Special attention should be directed to the consideration of the long-term investment and continuity required to put together a successful agricultural venture.
Q3 No. Funds contributed by members of an organization for the use of any specific purpose should not be swept into general fund. Those funds were collected for a specific intent and not for general use. If funds were collected on behalf of the lettuce growers, for example, then the funds should remain for research, promotion, advancement, etc., for the lettuce growers.
Q4 Arizona needs to promote the economy and grow new jobs. I believe that the secret to success in Arizona is a state that is low in taxes, litigation and regulation with strong right-to-work laws, economic freedom and new and more innovative ways to cut wasteful spending.
Ernest Bustamante-D
Q1 The state must play a role in supporting our federal government on immigration. Unfortunately, our federal government has failed to act. This is an unfair burden on citizens and law enforcement. The border is a national security and international economic issue that can only be solved by Congress.
Q2 Arizona should continue to protect and conserve its land for future generations. However, we must take into consideration the economic impact and potential for development for these future generations such as water supply, roads, and schools.
Q3 We must be forward thinking about the budget and that requires re-thinking and reforming the tax code. A reformed tax code will spur economic investment, create jobs, and protect agency funds from cuts to public safety and education to prepare our students for the global economy. We need tax reform now.
Q4 As State Representative, I was successful in expanding the Enterprise Zones in Pinal County, which creates tax incentives for small businesses to create jobs. Many businesses in Pinal County have taken advantage of this program. I will continue to introduce similar legislation that encourages economic development and job creation.
Barbara McGuire-D
Q1 No. We need a comprehensive solution at a national level. More security along the border. Crack down on criminal cartels and stop human trafficking by coyotes.
Q2 We need to strike a balance between highest and best use and conservation while respecting the concept of trust and the needs and interests of the beneficiaries.
Q3 Only with voter approval.
Q4 We will need to have a fair tax system. The current system relies too much on property tax. We need to have incentives. States with the best tax systems, among other advantages, including sufficient capital and labor will be the ones attracting new businesses and most effective at creating a strong economy and employment.
State Representative – District 24
Russ Jones-R
Q1 I believe that we should have a uniform rule of engagement for law enforcement at all levels for dealing with illegal migration into the U.S. through Arizona. The rules should, however, be fully compliant with both our State and the U.S. Constitution. Furthermore, just as in the amended Arizona law, the enforcement should only be when in the normal course of carrying out their duties, Arizona law enforcement personnel come into contact with individuals who are suspected of violating Arizona statue in some manner. The manner and behavior of the law enforcement personnel should be respectful and not violate an individual’s civil or constitutional rights. I believe for the most part that the House amended version of 1070 accomplished that. That being said I continue to have problems with the Arizona Employers Sanctions mandates. Its focus on legitimate businessmen and women, while ignoring those who knowingly employ individuals unlawfully needs to be further addressed in future sessions of the legislature.
Q2 I certainly believe that a reasonable amount of strategically located State land should be preserved for conservation and recreational use for all Arizonans, so as to maintain her grand vistas, preserve her natural beauties. That being said, less than 15% of Arizona’s land is fee simple and in private hands. I’ve long maintained that State Land Reform should be aggressively and cooperatively pursued, so that Federal and State land can be exchanged and so that surplus State land can be placed on the market in a fair and reasonable manner, not the current case by any means. If we were to aggressively move forward with this concept, we could in perpetuity invest in Education as was I believe intended by the framers of our State constitution.
Q3 Absolutely not, I believe that those funds should be held in trust with a small amount set aside to cover any and all administrative costs to the State as Trustee.
Q4 To do this question justice would take a lot more than 200 words, but I’ll touch on just a couple areas. First and foremost, business seeks to operate in places where the political, fiscal and regulatory climate is stable. None of these factors are currently the case in Arizona. Very few of our State legislators appreciate these immutable prerequisites for attracting and encouraging investment. As a result the legislative environment in Arizona is toxic to the interest of business and must change for us to be successful. We are no longer competitive with other states cost wise either. Our business taxes and fees, coupled relatively high personal income taxes are the major culprit. In addition, Arizona only graduates about 70% from high school, leaving us a below average workforce.
Lynne Pancrazi-D
Q1 Our borders are broken and we most definitely need to secure them. Arizona needs the Federal Government to enforce the laws on the books concerning illegal immigration and pass a new comprehensive immigration plan that includes a pathway to citizenship. SB 1070 came about because of our states frustration with the Federal Government’s inability to deal the issue. We have gotten the attention of the federal government and the outcome of the courts will determine where we go next.
Q2 State Trust Land is to be used for the education of the children of Arizona. It is to be used for the best possible return to the state. We have cut public education 1.2 billion dollars (without my support). In this economy we need income from our State Trust Lands. I can’t support this at this time.
Q3 The money isn’t ours to sweep. The funds we are taking away from agencies have been dedicated to programs and personnel. We swept state parks to the point that many have had to be closed and counties have had to take over others.(hidden tax and lost revenue to communities) We have swept ADWR to the point that it is going to be difficult to protect our state’s water. If we cut anymore from ADEQ there is a possibility the Federal Government will come in and take over. We have created hidden taxes with the increase in fees these agencies have had to begin charging for services. I will continue to fight against the sweeping of agency funds.
Q4 Small business is the back bone of our state and that is where our focus should be. We need to close loopholes in our state budget and look for sources of revenue that haven’t been looked at in the past. These dollars need to be used to pump up small business. Give them incentives to hire and expand. We should also go back and look at some of the tax incentives we have given to businesses in the past and see if they have provided what they promised and put hooks in all future tax incentives we provide like we did for the solar tax credit.
John Weil-D
No Response
State Representative – District 25
Peggy Judd-R
Q1 Yes, public funds are not available to feed, house, educate and treat medically so many people who do not pay taxes or contribute to our economy. We should work with Mexico through a controlled border with clear points of entry and stop cartels and terrorists sneaking in as common immigrants.
Q2 Open space and conservation is rarely the best use for land. People’s needs must be met, before we think of the good of the flora and fauna. These dedications must never infringe on existing rights of proven and responsible lessees who are already in position to use this land.
Q3 Agency funds that have a history of not being utilized should only be used to fill shortfalls in matters of life and death. Each agency could also have an opportunity to gift their overages to programs they feel are worthy. But sweeping to the general fund is wrong.
Q4 Incentives such as tax breaks, access to established and ample infrastructure, willingness to modify rail and highway system to accommodate shipping and relax the rigid regulations that keep them from operating efficiently. We need to be prepared to accommodate them for the sake of getting their business.
David Stevens-R
Q1 Yes. We need to provide a secure state where we can live and raise a family.
Q2 Only if there is reasonable compensation to the state trust. This trust provides for money for many primarily K-12. The state trust is designed to raise money through use or sale. Both of which benefit the state and the residents.
Q3 No. If the money collected was a use fee. That money should be used for the purpose in which it was collected. Every agency has taken a budget reduction over the last two years and the next year does not look much better. We will do everything we can to minimize the sweeps if they occur next year.
Q4 We had a jobs bill that was stopped in the Senate that would have gone a long way in attracting new jobs. We will not stop this effort and the best way is lowering taxes on businesses. It works every time it’s tried. All of the federal tax cuts of the last six years will sunset this year and it will have an impact on the economy next year.
Patricia Fleming-D
No Response
Ruben Ortega-D
Q1 Yes, I support action that forces the federal government to obey their responsibilities, and oppose any unfunded mandates to our local law enforcement.
Q2 Yes, as long as those lands are acquired at fair market value and those monies go to education in rural school districts.
Q3 I very much oppose the robbing of dedicated monies.
Q4 Increase attention to the many rural areas of the state to visit as tourist destinations (you pick them farms).
District 26
Vic Williams-R
No Response
Terri Proud-R
Q1 Yes, I believe Arizona has a duty to protect its citizens in this state.
Q2 I need to investigate this more
Q3 No, we need to repeal Prop 105 to help balance the budget to avoid having to sweep certain funds.
Q4 We should cut our taxes and eliminate the business property tax.
Nancy Young Wright-D
No Response
State Representative – District 30
David Gowan-R
Q1 Yes! When the federal government fails in its duty to secure its borders and keep its citizens safe, I believe that duty falls to the State to secure its borders and protect its citizens.
Q2 I believe we need to dedicate land in our open areas for our farmers and ranchers. I also believe we need to sell-off more land than we have in the past 100 years.
Q3 No, but we've done it out of necessity. I believe that we should be forced to repay those funds as soon as there is money available.
Q4 The best way to do this is by reducing the tax burden on business, like corporate income tax, personal business property taxes, and business land property taxes. By doing this, current businesses will be able to expand, and hire more people on, while new business can establish themselves here, and hire new employees from Arizona. Thus expanding our tax base, and hopefully lowering everyone else’s tax burden. Also, if the business property tax is lowered more than 16% in the future, I will fight to make sure the agriculture property tax is lowered with the business tax to the same amount.
Ted Vogt-R
No Response
Question for Corporation Commission Candidates
- Why should Arizona Farmers and Ranchers support you in your bid for Corporation Commission?
Brenda Burns-R
I have a business background and served 16 years in the State Legislature (1987-2002), including leadership positions of House Majority Leader and Senate President. I have a very positive relationship with farming and ranching industries and the issues of concern to them. I led successful efforts in regulatory reform and earned an award from the SBA as a “leader in regulatory reform.” I oppose “Cap and Trade” or similar measures which will artificially increase energy rates. I am rated ‘Friend of the Taxpayer’ by Americans for Prosperity, and will demand accountability and keep rates as low as possible for Arizona’s ratepayers.
Gary Pierce-R
My main priority on the Commission has been, and will continue to be, keeping utility rates stable, balanced, and as low as reasonably possible for Arizona ratepayers.
My family farmed in Elfrida, AZ and energy was a huge variable expense. As a former elected Yuma County Supervisor and a small business owner with over seventy employees, I assure you that I know what many of you face every day in your businesses and at home.
I support all generation and do not discriminate between electrons of Nuclear, Coal, Natural Gas or Renewable Energy; we need the cheapest electrons with a balance of clean energy solutions.
David Bradley-D
The Corporation Commission is about creating jobs now and preparing for our future. Twenty years as the CEO of a $6M business, eight years each in the legislature and US Navy and 53 years in Arizona have provided me with the practical experience and broad knowledge base to be an effective, fair and conscientious Corporation Commissioner. I want to work to diversify our energy resources, plan for our inevitable growth and protect our environment and utility consumers to ensure that Arizona is well positioned to build a business friendly and ecologically sound future. Please visit my website, www.bradleyforarizona.com for information.
Jorge Luis-Garcia-D
No Response
