Primary Candidates Share Their Views on the Issues: 2010 Arizona Primary Election

The main purpose of the Arizona Farm Bureau’s comprehensive Primary Election issue is to provide members with the best information on candidates running for political offices in the 2010 Arizona Primary Election on Tuesday, August 24. The agriculture-based information is designed to assist Farm Bureau members in making the best, informed decisions in the election.

This summer, Farm Bureau gathered the key information through its 2010 Primary Election Candidate Questionnaire.

Arizona Farm Bureau Executive Secretary Jim Klinker noted, “The election process is a time of learning for the candidates and the electorate. We want our members to learn more about who is running for office.”

Important Point to Remember

Only candidates in key races who face same-party competition in the Primary Election are included.

Editor’s Note: In the October issue of Arizona Agriculture, Farm Bureau will focus on the candidates in the General Election and the races of particular importance to agriculture.

Questions for Congressional Candidates - U.S. Senate & House of Representatives

What steps need to be taken to secure our borders?
Do you support changing the term “Navigable Waters” to “Waters of the United States,” and applying the Clean Water Act to All of those bodies of water?
Do you support regulating greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Air Act?
Do you support Card Check for union elections?

U.S. Senate Candidates

John Doughtery- D

No Response

Cathy Eden-D

No Response

Rodney Glassman-D

No Response

Jim Deakin-R

Remove the “Layered Defense” policy implemented by President Bush and place all available Border Patrol Agents on the border. Finish building the legally appropriated fence. Fund the legally appropriated E-Verify program. Remove incentives for people to come here illegally. Enforceable employer sanctions, E-Verify social programs such as un-employment, W.I.C., AHCCCS, Food Stamps and welfare. U.S. Citizens who are in need suffer when these services are burdened by non citizens.

I do not support expanding the reach of the federal government to extend into controlling, regulating or taxing all waters of the United States.

I do not support expanding the reach of the federal government to extend into controlling, regulating, or taxing green house gas emissions.

I support the right of the individual to work in the environment of their choosing. I also support the right of business owners and employers to hire legal workers of their choosing. If both parties do not see Unionization as a benefit, then each party has the right to find other employment or employees. I do not support open ballot “Card Check”, I also do not support harassment at the voting booth. Our Democracy is dependent on the safety and security of voters.

J.D. Hayworth-R

No Response

John McCain-R

The border with Mexico must be secured -- it is an issue of national security and the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of Arizona. Senator Jon Kyl and I have proposed a 10-point Border Security Plan that includes immediately deploying National Guard troops to the southern border and increasing the number of Customs and Border Patrol agents in Arizona by 3,000. It also calls for funding and support of Operations Streamline and Stone Garden as well as completing the border fence.

I oppose changing the term "navigable waters" to "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. Such modification represents a massive expansion of federal regulatory authority over all water bodies and a subversion of states' rights to regulate waters within their borders.

I was aligned with the Farm Bureau in my support of a Senate resolution to strip EPA of the authority to proceed with greenhouse gas regulations. I believed it was important for Congress to attempt to prevent the EPA from imposing massive new regulations that will damage our economy.

I strongly support a secret ballot in labor elections and unequivocally oppose “Card Check.”

U. S. Representative in Congress

District 1

Bradley Beauchamp-R

No Response

Russell Bowers-R

No Response

Paul Gosar-R

No Response

Sydney Hay-R

Complete the border fence. It cut the crime rate in San Diego by 50%. Deploy an increased number of National Guard Troops and Border Patrol Agents. Back them up with the latest in surveillance equipment, air support, better cell and GPS communications, adding additional horse patrol units, etc.

No. This could shut down major industries, costing jobs and devastating Arizona's economy while doing nothing for water quality. We need to bring science and common sense back to our environmental policies.

No. Carbon Dioxide is not a pollutant. It’s plant food. Global-warming fears have brought about legislation that would do next-to-nothing for the environment while costing jobs, increasing our energy dependence and further depressing the economy. And “Cap and Tax” legislation would redistribute wealth from our country to the third world.

No. I am proud to have chaired the Save Our Secret Ballot effort in Arizona that will amend our state constitution guaranteeing your right to a secret ballot. It will protect Arizona businesses from forced unionism should Card Check pass in Washington.

Steve Mehta-R

A critical responsibility of the Federal Government is to secure our national borders. This can be accomplished through a combination of physical and electronic barriers, along with additional personnel – Border Patrol, local law enforcement, and state/national military assets, as needed. The exact regional strategy and proportion of these components would be determined by those most familiar with the circumstances and terrain in the region – local landowners and law enforcement agencies.

I am opposed to the Clean Water Restoration Act’s redefinition of “navigable water”, and the unprecedented authority it would give the federal government over all real and potential surface water in the US. This usurps landowner’s rights, State’s rights, and clearly exceeds the federal government’s Constitutional limits.

I am opposed to the “Cap and Trade” program, found within the Clean Air Act. The resulting increase in energy cost will be crippling to the fragile US economy, and the coal industry in my District (and elsewhere) will be devastated.

I am opposed to Card Check. The secret ballot and the workers’ right to vote must be preserved. If card check were to pass, it is likely that even more jobs will be moved offshore, due to the threat of unionization through intimidation (instead of current organizing elections).

District 3

Sam Crump-R

No response

Pamela Gorman-R

No response

Steve Moak-R

Having just visited the border I have strong confidence that we can secure the border and solve this problem. Keys to that success would include an 18-foot high wall, sensors, and cameras and coordinated with the border security agents. Operation streamline should be completely funded to also act as a detriment.

No, the Clean Water Act would grant virtually unlimited regulatory control over all wet areas within a state. This bill attempts to undermine state's rights and prevent state and local governments from making local water and land use decisions.

No, we must reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. I will work to promote new and expanded technologies such as hydroelectric, clean coal, wind, solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy solutions, all the while protecting our nation’s natural resources. Energy independence can be accomplished without cap and trade legislation.

No, I will stand in strong opposition to card check legislation. Stripping American workers of the right to a secret ballot is an insult to democracy. Tagging a bill as the “Employee Free Choice Act” and then including language that eliminates the secret ballot is deceptive.

Paulina Morris-R

First, we must enforce the law to assure everyone follows the rules. Second, a sufficient barrier should be created at the border to prevent illegal entry. Third, this is a geo-political discussion, not just a domestic one. We have an obligation to encourage Mexico to democratize their economy, and foster a middle class. Mexico’s economic development is important to our economy, as it is a natural market for the US. The focus of our government should be to protect our citizens, secure our border and encourage Mexico to pass legislation to open access to credit markets!

No. I support keeping “navigable waters” as a standard and limiting the expansion of federal authority. I have a record of curbing and reducing regulation and believe we must maintain state authority. Aside from CWA issues, the most important water issue for Arizona is the retention of our Colorado River rights and prevention of California encroachment in this area.

I have a consistent stance concerning regulation: it should be limited. Furthermore, my solution to manage emissions is to incentivize industry, not penalize industry. Overall, we need to be good stewards of the planet while not succumbing to reactive legislation or rubber-stamped regulation.

No Response

Vernon Parker-R

My comprehensive Secure the Border Now plan will secure the border, stops drug smuggling, and will stop the violence from Mexico from spilling again into Arizona. It is incomprehensible that our borders remain unsecured. The federal government screens legal immigrants and goods, including crops, with great vigilance. But we leave the back door to our country wide open. We need 3,000 National Guard troops deployed to the southern border immediately, and the majority of them should be deployed in Arizona. We need to complete a multi-layer fence along the border to stem the flow of drugs and violence, and we need to hire and train 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents who can relieve the National Guard. We also need 3,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to supplement the internal enforcement efforts to track down and deport criminal aliens. We also need $100 million in assistance for state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies who are bearing the brunt of our failed border security policy.

No, the recent decision by EPA to expand their own authority to the Los Angeles River is dangerous. Congress needs to reassert its authority of such decisions with careful review of potential repercussions. Agency bureaucrats should not determine the scope of their own authority. This effort is a dangerous precedent, and now watersheds across the country must be concerned about the agency's next move unless Congress acts. Quite frankly, this Congress will not stop EPA, and that is why this election is so important.

Again, the bureaucratic expansion of power under this administration is troubling, and Congress is at fault for not clearly defining the scope of EPA's authority. I oppose the efforts of EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and I oppose the Cap and Trade legislation passed by the House. However, the debate over greenhouse gas emissions is business of the Congress, and the EPA is charting a bold course that needs to be checked by the legislative branch of government.

Absolutely not. I will oppose all efforts to repeal the secret ballot for union elections. Unions pushing this legislation have the audacity to say the secret ballot is not needed when forming a union, but that it is critical for dissolving a union. Preserving the secret ballot is a critical to future is industry in America as the legislation before Congress also gives the government authority to intervene in negotiations between employers and employees if negotiations drag on for more than 120 days. This legislation, if passed, will have a chilling effect on the growth of U.S. manufacturing and service sector job creation. At a time when 20% of our workforce is out of work, our priority should be to get them back to work by reducing taxation and regulations, not driving jobs to other countries.

Ben Quayle - R

No Response

Jim Waring-R

We need to secure the border immediately and finish the border fence. We also need to increase funding for law enforcement on the border. This will help in providing rural areas a safer work environment. A radar program I’ve supported in 2006 could be implemented at low cost of approximately $50 million. The marines have been using it and have cut incursions to zero.

I’m opposed to changing the term “navigable Waters” to “Waters of the United States” and applying the Clean Water Act to those bodies of waters. The problem is that it could potentially bring bodies of water such as irrigation canals and stock ponds under control of the Federal government.

No, I do not support regulating greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Air Act. Capping carbon emissions would put Arizona at a competitive disadvantage as much of our energy comes from coal.

I am not in favor of card check for union elections. I believe this would be unjustifiable government intrusion in the private-sector workplace. I also believe this would take away employee privacy and cause coercion by union organizers.

District 5

Susan Bitter-Smith-R

We must provide the federal resources required to have the necessary numbers of adequately trained border agents, the required fence completed in all border sectors, and the necessary surveillance equipment in order to insure that we have true border security. This is a federal responsibility that has not been met by the current Congress.

Absolutely not! As President of the Central Arizona Project Board, I have joined other state leaders in writing Congress and submitting testimony in opposition to this move in this Congress and in previous sessions. The damage to Arizona's economy if the Federal Government were to gain control of our canals, irrigation facilities, dry stream beds, and more is catastrophic!

Absolutely not! The best example of the damage to Arizona that any move by the Congress or the EPA to continue to limit emissions can best be demonstrated by our state's Current battle to save the Navajo Generating Station. Any move to additionally tax, control, or place additional restrictions on emissions will create economic havoc for the State not only in additional energy costs, but additional water costs, which in turn insure that the cost of doing business in Arizona will skyrocket. As CAP Board President, I have been actively engaged in fighting both Congressional and agency moves to increase the invasiveness of the Clean Air Act.

Absolutely not. This country was founded on free and fair elections free of public intimidation.

Chris Salvino-R

No Response

David Schweikert-R

No Response

Jim Ward-R

We must build border fencing similar to Israel, construct vehicle barriers, have the proper number of boots on the ground at the border itself (3,000 at a minimum), leverage technology with the deployment of SBInet projects and attack drug cartels on the border and through Mexico with the Merida initiative.

No. By changing the term to "waters of the United States" the CWA would be expanded to include all types of waters and all activities that affect waters; this would expand the power of the Federal government while at the same time expose farmers to uncalled for litigation and bureaucracy.

No. Once again it is an over-extension of the Federal government, whether it be through Cap and Trade legislation or through attempting to regulate particulate matter.

No. The right to a secret ballot should be preserved so that workers are not coerced by either side of the table and businesses should not be forced to have a government run panel mandate compromises the free market would never yield.

District 08

Jesse Kelly-R

No Response

Brian Miller-R

No Response

Jonathan Paton- R

We must secure the border and make sure residents of Southern Arizona feel safe. I support a multi-layer border protection plan that includes walls, technology, and more agents on the border. We also need to enforce existing immigration laws.

No. This would lead to great regulation and go beyond the scope of the Clean Water Act.

No. Congress never intended the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

No. I sponsored the Save Our Secret Ballot measure, which will appear on the ballot in November. The unions are currently fighting my bill in court, which would enshrine the right to a secret ballot in the Arizona Constitution.

Questions for State Senate and State House of Representative Candidates

Do you support Arizona taking action to enforce federal immigration law?
Do you support dedicating State Trust Land for open space and conservation?
Do you support sweeping dedicated agency funds to help offset general fund budget deficits?
What can be done at the state level to attract new business or help existing businesses expand?

State Senate Candidates

District 3

Ron Gould-R

Lake Havasu City

Yes

Reduce the corporate income tax and abolish the personal property business tax

Thomas Howell-R

Kingman

I support comprehensive immigration reform. I feel we need to enforce the laws we have on the books. The first act of an immigrant should not be an illegal act. In addition, we need to recognize our needs for agricultural

workers and make sure we have a solid program to deal with those needs.

Yes

No Response

District 5

Sylvia Allen-R

Snowflake

Yes, it is more than just following the law it is also about rather our country will remain sovereign. Immigration must be done in an organized manner within the law. The bottom line is we must secure the border before we will solve the problem.

No. We need the state lands for school funding, and what minerals, or natural resources that can be utilized for jobs and other revenues. The state has enough "open space" that the Federal Government controls.

No, I think it is a very short term fix that in the long run cost us more. We must face the fact that we do not have enough revenue and the only answer is to reform all agencies and programs. I believe we fund the critical needs of the State, by reducing regulations, downsizing, privatize, individual responsibility, etc.

It is not government that has created this country. It is hard working people who take a risk, use their ingenuity and if government gets out of the way they will find ways to create jobs. I think we create an atmosphere of fair and equal taxes, fewer regulations, reform zoning, permitting, etc., after all how did the pioneers do it?

Bill Konopnicki-R

Safford

Yes, I voted for SB 1070. Something has to be done to get the Federal Government to respond to AZ problems. I worked behind the scenes to be sure the heavy regulation of the bill was changed to make it business friendly.

No as it was originally proposed. The best option is best use and farmers and ranchers have always been great stewards of the State Trust Land and that should be how it is done in the future. My bill HB2146 was designed to help if the land lease was by ranchers and farmers.

No. The state stole the money from the dedicated agency funds and caused a tax increase by taking the funds that were paid by people and groups. It’s not fair and the practice must stop.

Start with making AZ a business friendly state by reducing regulations on all businesses. We have to make AZ tax friendly as well. My bill HB 2481 to exempt taxes on fertilizer and pesticides is a beginning.

District 23

Matt Byers-R

Florence

Yes. Please read my blog at www.mattbyers4senate.com

I do personally, but I do not support fully mandating it as law. I believe it should be open to the private sector allowing the free market to decide. Not publicly, if I understand the question. Historically in Arizona and nationally private citizens using private resources do very well in regards to conservation. Regardless, I believe it should be open to private interests.

No. I believe it would be and has been unnecessary.

Scrap the current tax system and replace it with a 3% flat tax with few deductions. Take the corporate tax down as low or eliminate it altogether with a reduced corporate property tax

Steve Smith-R

Maricopa

No Response

District 25

Gail Griffin-R

Hereford

Yes. When the federal government fails in their responsibility to protect the citizens of Arizona then it becomes a state responsibility. I live close to the border. The break-ins and drug traffic is scary. I support the Cattle Growers 18-Point Security Plan.

No. Open Space designation of State Trust lands is not in the best interest of the Trust. We have enough open space in Arizona. We have less than 13% of land in Arizona in private hands. I would support a no net loss plan of private property.

No. I support the Department of Agriculture and I would not support the sweeping of their funds.

Restructure of the tax policies in Arizona is what is needed. If we reduce taxes we can attract new business, help existing business, stimulate the economy and provide a good business environment that will put people back to work.

Craig Smith-R

Huachuca City

No response

State House of Representative Candidates

District 1

Noel Campbell-R

Prescott

No Response

Karen Fann-R

Prescott

Yes. It is a matter of national security for the whole country.

No. We have plenty of "open space" with our federal lands. State Land was established to fund our educational system.

No. This is why they are called dedicated. Funds were established for specific projects and regulatory purposes, not to be swept for general funds.

Reduce business and personal property taxes and reduce unnecessary regulations which hinder business from growing. Make Arizona a more business friendly state to bring new jobs.

Andy Tobin-R

Prescott Valley

Yes, I support 1070.

Not without compensation to the beneficiaries.

No. Sadly, only in a crisis.

Reduce taxes, please support the revised Jobs bill now being circulated and ask the governor to call us back into session to pass a jobs bill NOW.

State Representative – District 3

Ray Cullison II-R

Kingman

No Response

Doris Goodale-R

Kingman

Absolutely. We must first and foremost protect the citizen's of Arizona; we must contain cost to the state for illegal immigration; we will protect our state.

I believe we must reform State Trust Land operations. I believe we have sufficient land set aside for open space and conservation. We can all live together with cooperation.

No. We must reform state government to live within revenues without wholesale raiding of other agency funds. We should not pass the problem of state overspending to our cities, towns, counties and other agencies

I support the revised Jobs Recovery Plan as proposed by the House of Representatives. We must work to reform our tax code.

Nancy Mclain

Bullhead City

Yes. The federal government has let AZ down by not securing our border as effectively as has been done in TX and CA. If they won't do it, we must.

Not all State Trust Land. There may be certain areas that could be considered, but it would need to be on a case by case basis. Then, who would pay so that the beneficiaries are not affected.

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.

We need to reform our business tax structure, including repealing the personal property tax. The House had a plan last year, but the Senate wouldn't hear it. I've already signed on in support of a similar effort for next session.

State Representative – District 21

Tom Forese-R

Gilbert

No Response

J.D. Mesnard-R

Chandler

Yes.

To a limited extent, but allow for grazing and/or appropriate compensation to the trust.

I do not support this

Reduce the tax and regulatory burden on business.

Venessa Whitener-R

Queen Creek

Yes, I support Arizona enforcing the federal immigration law. Arizona has the responsibility to keep its communities safe from human smuggling and drug trafficking. The Federal Government has not shown the responsiveness to the increased drug issues as well as the burden it places on Arizona's budget. The Federal Government has sat idle in both enforcing the current law and addressing immigration reform. This issue has evolved over recent years and must be addressed from different directions.

I do support the State Trust Lands. We do not want to find ourselves in a mess like Oregon regarding this issue, but I also feel Arizona can manage these lands successfully with input from the beneficiaries (including school districts) and from those involved in lease agreements.

No, I do not agree with sweeping funds. I am currently a school board member and unfortunately know this too well. It is very concerning that our Legislature had to resort to this. The budget deficit should have never gone that far. The 2009 session was made up political infighting and no one had the political will to balance the budget, therefore allowing the deficit to balloon and sweep agency funds.

There is a job bill currently still on the table that needs to be passed. This bill would restructure business property tax and incentivize companies bringing in high paying jobs that have a positive multiplier affect on our economy. We must focus on the sectors that are growing: BioScience, Energy, Technology/Research and Small Business.

State Representative – District 22

Eddie Farnsworth-R

Gilbert

No Response

Laurin Hendrix-R

Gilbert

No Response

Paul Howell-R

Gilbert

Yes

No Response

Brett Petillo-R

Gilbert

No Response

Kelly Townsend-R

Gilbert

Absolutely! As the President of the Greater Phoenix Tea Party, I worked diligently with legislators to make sure this bill passed, and continue to support the bill by accompanying

Provided the purpose of the trust land to generate funds for public education is being adequately met, then yes.

I will first champion the Arizona Constitution’s requirement that our State does not spend more than it generates, and will work to reverse voter mandates that allow spending beyond funding amounts. I believe we need to create a reasonable budget, and then adhere to it.

I believe we need to attract business to Arizona such as natural gas storage, solar power, specialty health care services, and tourism. However, because of the current tax structure in Arizona, our State is unable to attract and keep various industries or small businesses. I will work to provide relief from, or total removal of regulation and tax burdens to make Arizona a more competitive State. In addition, the illegal immigration issue plays into this problem, as undocumented workers hold jobs that would otherwise be available to Arizonans. Focusing on this issue needs to be a top priority.

Steve Urie-R

Gilbert

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.

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.

Absolutely not!

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

Ernest Bustamante-D

Mammoth

No Response

Barbara McGuire-D

Kearny

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.

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.

Only with voter approval.

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.

Ralph Varela-D

Casa Grande

No Response

State Representative – District 25

Ken Davis-D

Benson

No Response

Patricia Fleming-D

Sierra Vista

No Response

Ruben Ortega-D

Hereford

Yes, I support action that forces the federal government to obey their responsibilities, and oppose any unfunded mandates to our local law enforcement.

Yes, as long as those lands are acquired at fair market value and those monies go to education in rural school districts.

I very much oppose the robbing of dedicated monies.

Increase attention to the many rural areas of the state to visit as tourist destinations (you pick them farms).

Peggy Judd-R

Willcox

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.

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.

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.

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

Sierra Vista

Yes. We need to provide a secure state where we can live and raise a family.

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.

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.

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.

State Representative – District 30

David Gowan-R

Sierra Vista

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kurt Knurr-R

Elgin

Yes

Not for conversation, but I do support using State Trust Land for open space and conservation.

Reduce government regulation and lower taxes.

Parralee Schneider-R

Tucson

No Response

Doug Sposito-R

Sonoita

Businesses should obey the law. But immigration problems should not be solved on the backs of business owners. Our current republican legislature, in my opinion is one of the most openly hostile towards business I’ve ever witnessed.

The State land is to be sold or leased to the highest bidder and those monies dedicated towards public education. I believe there is land worth preserving but it should be purchased by the interest groups who wish to preserve it so the land and the monies can be used as our constitution requires

NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT, NEVER.

Make our corporate and business taxes competitive for the southwest. Eliminate the business personal property taxes and replace the anti business anti worker legislators at the capital with candidates such as myself who has run his own small business for 20 years.

Ted Vogt-R

Tucson

No Response

Questions for State Attorney General Candidates

Is it appropriate to sweep dedicated agency funds to help offset general fund budget deficits?
Is it appropriate to use eminent domain power to take private property for economic development?
Do you support Arizona taking action to enforce Federal immigration law?

David Lujan-D

No, particularly when those funds have been collected for a specific industry purpose.

No response

No Response

Felecia Rotellini-D

No. The monies in dedicated funds consist of fees or assessments collected for a specific purpose; they are not general fund dollars. The purpose of these funds is specifically spelled out in legislation. If the Legislature needs to tap into dedicated funds, they must be required to modify the enabling statute. Arizona should pass legislation prohibiting the practice of sweeping dedicated funds because it is unfair to taxpayers who paid the fees and denies them the benefits they’ve paid for. Several courts have already struck down legislative attempts to sweep dedicated funds.

No. Arizonans deserve strong protection of their private property rights. The power of eminent domain should be used responsibly and only in a way that allows communities to develop infrastructure that’s necessary in a growing state and to selectively clean up true nuisance properties that put communities at risk.

Arizona must use all available resources to stop the violent drug cartels operating on our border and ensure that nothing illegal crosses our border, whether it’s guns, drugs, money or people.

Tom Horne-R

No, funds are collected for specific purposes and those should be respected.

No, private property should not be taken except for legitimate public purposes, and with full compensation.

Yes, law enforcement should enforce all laws, and just as local governments expect their laws to be respected, they should respect federal law.

Andrew Thomas-R

No Response

Question for Corporation Commission Candidates

Why should Arizona Farmers and Ranchers support you in your bid for Corporation Commission?

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.

Renz Jennings-D

No Response

Jorge Luis-Garcia-D

No Response

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.

Barry Wong-R

No Response