Name: Scott Gibson
Age: 30
Party: Libertarian
Occupation: Finance
Why are you running for office/re-election?
Given our current choices between one political party that seeks to control all aspects of our economic lives and another that seeks to control all aspects of our personal lives, I feel it is my responsibility as an American to offer the people of Arizona another choice.
What experience qualifies you for the position?
There are really only two qualifications for a candidate to be an effective representative of the people: passion and principle.
I am a Phoenix native who was watched my state – my home – transform from one that once held sacred the principles of individual freedom and personal responsibility to one that with each passing day becomes more and more socialist.
What do you think is the most important issue of the election?
The most important issue facing us today is political apathy. We live in a free republic, and it is our responsibility to keep it that way. If you think your vote doesn't count, you're wrong. If you think you can't make a difference, you're wrong. Take action.
If elected, what would you want your relationship with ASU to be?
As an ASU alumnus, I have a special relationship with the University by sharing in the camaraderie among its students, graduates and faculty. I would reach out to citizens associated with ASU in the promotion of political and social activism, true freedom of speech on campus and the freedom to responsibly keep and bear arms on campus.
The current generation of students is experiencing a widespread political awakening, and I will do all I can to inspire and support this.
Why should ASU students want to elect you?
My campaign is a philosophical one, and what students should ask themselves is, "Will this candidate do all he can to protect my rights?" Every vote I make and every piece of legislation I propose will be an expression affirming our constitutional rights.
What is the No. 1 change you want to see in your district?
The important change I'd like to see in my district, and across Arizona, is the decentralization of the public education system. It is not the state government's responsibility to educate our children, and their attempts at it have abject failures…we have shifted the responsibility of educating our children away from those who would be most effective at it – parents.
The freedom to choose where you send your kids to school promotes competition, and competition increases the quality of services rendered.
What would your contributions to the community be?
I believe that my candidacy, regardless of whether I win or lose, will inspire other concerned citizens to become more active in the political process. Be it volunteering for a candidate you truly believe in, and not simply the lesser of two evils, running for office, or even simply writing or calling your representatives regularly, can have an enormous impact on the democratic process.
