Age: 40
Party: Libertarian
Occupation: Financial Advisor
Why are you running for office/reelection?
I think its time that Arizonans embrace REAL change in November. Since my opponent is a Democrat and it is possible the Democrats will gain seats in the Arizona legislature and U.S. Congress, I would point out that since the Democrats have been in power in Congress they have failed to end the illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, repeal the PATRIOT Act, abolish the Department of Homeland Security and restore the Bill of Rights. The more things change, the more they stay the same. If elected I will work tirelessly to support the rights of individual Arizonans and would not compromise my principles. People can be trusted to make the important decisions about their own lives. The Democrats, especially my opponent Debbie McCune Davis, does not.
What experience qualifies you for the position?
I have more than 10 years of political experience participating in grassroots political ballot initiative campaigns and served as a director on the board of directors of a condominium complex I lived in Mesa for 10 years. I also presently serve as an officer of the Maricopa County and Arizona Libertarian Parties.
What do you think is the most important issue of the election?
The economy hands-down. It’s obvious that government, not the private sector, is the reason for our economic downturn. If elected, I will work diligently to remove Arizona’s tax burden, which hinders economic growth. The first tax I will work to repeal is the state income tax.
If elected, what would you want your relationship with ASU to be?
It will be a friendly one with the students but, unfortunately, it might turn adversarial with ASU faculty. I believe that the state school systems are inadequate to address the educational needs of the 21st century and, consequently, support the complete separation of school and state. With government running educational institutions, education becomes a political, rather than a personal, decision.
Why should ASU students want to elect you?
I support their ability to choose the kind of education that they want to have. Not only run or even mandated by government. Education should be a personal and not a political one.
What is the No. 1 change you want to see in your district?
Elect a Libertarian. I believe that I represent the true wishes of the people of District 14 since they want a member of the Arizona Legislature dedicated to consistently preserving and protecting their individual rights and limiting government strictly to that role. Not the status-quo of interest or divide-and-conquer politics the Democrats and Republicans subscribe to.
What would your contributions to the community be?
Aside from working in the legislature I would also work diligently to work to get to know the residents of my district better. I would be very active in maintaining contact and explaining my reasons why I vote for or against certain bills and would address any concerns District 14 residents have directly and honestly.