Age: 51
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Teacher/State Representative, District 10
Why are you running for office/re-election?
I want to continue to serve the people of District 10. These are serious times, and we need to elect people that will protect funding for education and critical safety net services during this economic downturn. When the economy improves, I will work for our children and our future by investing in education, by diversifying our economy and by investing in the infrastructure necessary for sustainable growth.
What experience qualifies you for the position?
In addition to fulfilling the age and residency requirements, I have now successfully served my first term in the Legislature. I have been a teacher in the Washington Elementary School District for 29 years and have lived in Phoenix since 1960. I love this state. It’s where I grew up, went to school, married and raised a family, and I have spent my entire adult life advocating for children and education issues. I believe these experiences help guide my work at the Capitol.
What do you think is the most important issue of the election?
The most important issue of this election is the economy.
If elected, what would you want your relationship with ASU to be?
I intend to continue to be a partner and advocate for ASU students and faculty.
Why should ASU students want to elect you?
I am asking students to support my campaign because I believe that education is an investment in our future. I support increasing the state share of university funding to try to make college more affordable and accessible for all. I supported reducing the cost of textbooks and look forward to working further in that area. I also supported the university stimulus project to bring more jobs to the Valley while building capital projects for the university. I am asking for their vote because I will work in a bipartisan manner to get things done.
What is the No. 1 change you want to see in your district?
I want to see the families that are already in or facing foreclosure find a reasonable solution that will keep them in their homes.
What would your contributions to the community be?
I believe in public service and that each one of us has a responsibility to serve in some way. It’s is my hope that by my example and through my interest in serving, more young people might be motivated to participate, that people might change their perceptions about politics in general and together we will move forward to make Arizona a safer, more prosperous place to live, work and play.
