Questions presented by The Arizona Republic

Why are you running for office?

I am running because I believe that I am the best person to represent District 22. I am a strong, common-sense conservative leader with solid family values, real-world business experience who believes that serving public office is about representing the interests of the entire community– not special interests or self interest.

Our current legislators have developed reputations for being bullies and unwilling to listen to not only their constituents but also their peers. They have passed unconstitutional legislation in an attempt to force 'their solution' on the taxpayers which could result in tremendous additional costs. They have attempted to block legislation that was needed to improve the safety and congestion of our highways and streets. They have blocked legislation that would have put habitual violent criminals away for life. They refuse to make spousal rape illegal, yet they were able to make it illegal for a mother to breast feed her child in public. They even attempted to protect and reward deadbeat parents who effectively hide in an effort to avoid paying child support by releasing them from any financial obligation after only 3 years. As a result, and with just cause, they have lost the respect from their peers and constituents and are therefore ineffective and should no longer be able to represent the voters of our district.

What is the best piece of political advice you ever received?

The best piece of political advice I ever received is to 'stay in touch' with the people. Be involved and stay involved. Don't allow the job to be more important than those you represent.

Which living or current politician do you most admire, and why?

The current living politician I admire the most is Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn. Senator Coburn has had the foresight and courage to address tough issues in Congress because it was the right thing to do, not because it was politically expedient. Senator Coburn is a strong conservative who put the interest of his constituents before special interests.

What is your favorite book?

Naming my favorite is the most difficult question on this survey. Besides the Bible which serves as a guide for the way I live my life and raise my children, it would probably be Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. By the way, he would be the 'politician I admire the most'.

What is your favorite place in Arizona?

My favorite place in Arizona is my home.

What do you perceive as the three most significant challenges facing the next Legislature?

The 3 most significant challenges facing the legislature are:

1. Securing the border and stopping the epidemic of illegal immigration.
2. Ensuring that our state government lives within its means.
3. Keeping taxes under control so that we can continue to encourage economic growth and prosperity.

What should state government be spending more on?

I don't think our current government should spend MORE on anything. However, there are key areas that always need attention: illegal immigration, education, healthcare and transportation and unfortunately, the department of corrections.

Less on?

Services for illegal immigrants.

What taxes should be cut?

Property taxes should be cut or capped in addition to income and sales taxes.

Increased?

None.

Do you support the proposed marriage amendment to the state constitution?

Yes.

Does growth pose a threat to the supply of future water? If so, what should be done about it?

I believe that as long as we continue to ensure that future growth has adequate water supplies, then we should be okay. We run into a problem when we approve development without ensuring that the growth associate with it does not have a sustainable water supply.

What, if anything, should Arizona do to improve health care for its citizens?

We have very good healthcare available in Arizona. However, there is always room to improve. We need more nurses, more research, more healthcare facilities, the latest available technology and medicines, more education and training facilities, etc.

Do you support using state funds for bioscience research?

Yes.

Are undocumented immigrants a net benefit or detriment to Arizona?

I disagree with the premise of the question – i.e. that we look at the "benefit" or "detriment" of illegal aliens to determine whether or not these are people we want in our society. It makes no difference because they are here illegally and therefore they have no right to be here in the first place. That said, I believe that the influx of illegal aliens into our state has contributed directly to the fact that Arizona now has the highest per-capita crime rate in the country.

What, if anything, should the state do about stemming illegal immigration?

State and local government need to make a commitment to enforcing our immigration laws. At this point, these laws remain largely unenforced by a large percentage of law enforcement. I believe we also need to recognize that if the federal government refuses to secure our southern border, then we need to be prepared to do something. To refuse to do so will be a detriment to Arizona citizens.

Should community colleges be allowed to give four-year college degrees?

Yes, I'm sure they should. However, the question, as always is, how will we pay for it? I believe we should consider allowing them to provide 4-year degrees in the areas where we have the greatest needs such as nursing and high tech.

Do you support the use of vouchers? Why or why not?

Absolutely. I believe parents should have the choice regarding the education of their children.

Do you support all-day kindergarten? Why or why not?

Yes, I would support voluntary all-day kindergarten. Although it is going to cost additional money, I believe more education is always a good investment.

Should the AIMS test continue to be required for graduation? Should it be toughened?

We have to have some form of measurement with regards to the performance of our schools. AIMS is the measurement we have at the moment.

However, I am also in favor of children getting an 'education' which includes developing a desire to acquire knowledge and to explore their talents and the possibilities. We have to be careful to protect that goal while simultaneously ensuring our children our prepared to compete in global job market.

How do you think the Flores case should be settled by the Legislature?

Quickly, but I also believe that this is a policy decision that is best left to elected officials, not unelected judges.

Assume you are the Chair of a legislative committee. You are hearing a bill that you sponsored and you already have the votes to pass the bill. Discussion on other bills makes the committee hearing run late and you have to adjourn for floor session. A citizen has driven in to speak in opposition to your bill but there isn't time. What do you do?

I would let the citizen speak.