Age: 55
Party: Republican
Occupation: business owner
Why are you running for re-election?
I want to continue my years of service and provide District 10 residents and the nearly 6 million people of Arizona a leader who has the experience and integrity to lead this state through a troubling time.
What experiences qualifies you for the position?
I have been the House Speaker for four years and was speaker of the House during the 2001-20002 economic downturn that followed the Sept.11 terrorist attacks. That experience provided a guide to the decisions that need to be made today. I have spent 14 years in the Legislature with the goal of ensuring government is responsive to the people and responsible with their money.
What do you think is the most important issue of the election?
The economy and the troubles Arizonans are going through is the most important issue today. I sponsored and passed a stimulus package to get money into the hands of Arizonans. I also worked on a bill to bring jobs to Arizona by pushing a jobs package to bring more producers of equipment used in solar technology to the state. After passing the House, the bill died on the final day in the Senate. Getting that bill passed and signed by the governor will be a top goal of mine in the next session.
If elected, what would you want your relationship with ASU to be?
I have a great relationship with ASU president Michael Crow. I have spent a great deal of time with Dr. Crow discussing his vision for ASU. And now, the House has convened a committee to look at the funding inequities for the state's three universities. I support that effort as ASU often faces funding challenges as one of the largest universities in the nation.
Why should ASU students want to elect you?
I have spent the last 14 years trying to ensure ASU had the resources to provide a quality education. Drastic tuition increases have become an unfortunate way of doing business for the Board of Regents I have opposed those increases and will continue to do so.
What is the No. 1 change you would want to see in your district?
I want the residents of my district and all of Arizona to have the opportunity to prosper, the ability to find good paying jobs, attend schools that fit a child's need and live in a neighborhood protected from the unwarranted interference of government.
What would your contributions to the community be?
I want to leave Arizona in a better position to meet the future and allow families and businesses to prosper. That is my guiding goal every legislative session.
