Promises:

As I was canvassing the community to obtain signatures to get on the ballot, I had the opportunity to engage many of the residents from our district in conversation about the issues that worry them the most.  The number one issue that was raised was the homelessness epidemic which is pervasive in our district.  That is why addressing homelessness is the number one issue on my platform.  Although the issue is complex, and there is no magic bullet that can eliminate homelessness, I believe that there are steps that can be taken to curb the crisis.  Increasing mental health resources in our district is a top priority.  Many of the homeless suffer from mental health disorders and have nowhere to turn.  In conjunction, we need to increase job training resources.  It does no good to help someone get off the streets if they have no prospect of a good job to keep them off.  Lastly, we need to increase drug rehabilitation programs to address the addiction issues that plague many of those living on the streets.  These three combined factors will not only address homelessness, but will also reduce crime our community, and bring high wage, quality jobs to the district.

In addition to addressing homelessness, a major issue of concern for residents was the dramatic rise in rents over the past several years.  Many constituents described an increase of 60-80% without any substantial improvement to the property justifying such increases.  Others complained of having to pay fees for services that they did not benefit from.  For example, some residents pay parking fees, despite not having a vehicle, or using a parking spot.  As a legislator I will introduce programs to increase affordable housing, expand section 8 programs, and keep rents in check, particularly for the elderly and our most vulnerable. 

Many residents also expressed a desire to protect our right to early mail in voting.  The State legislature has recently passed bills that propose to eliminate mail in voting entirely.  Not only do I believe this is unconstitutional, it is also a fundamental attack on our most important democratic right.  By proposing that all voting take place in person, on election day, Republicans at the Capitol are disenfranchising thousands of voters who may be sick, incapacitated, or simply unable to take the time off to stand in line to vote on election day.  This cannot be allowed to stand, and I will do everything I can to ensure that Arizona’s successful mail in voting program remains intact.

Additionally, with the imminent release of the Supreme Court’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, the issue of Women’s rights, and more broadly, an individual’s right to privacy, have become a critical issue on this year’s ballot.  Having participated in several rallies promoting the freedom of choice, and seen first hand the broad support that this issue has across party lines, I promise to do everything in my power to ensure that Arizona remains a state where a woman has a right to choose, and all Arizonan’s have a right to privacy regarding their individual healthcare choices. 

Lastly, with the recent mass shootings in Buffalo New York, and Uvalde Texas, the issue of common sense gun regulations has also come to the forefront.  Arizona has a long history with firearms, and as a gun owner myself, I understand and respect the 2nd amendment.  However, that does not preclude the legislature from instituting common sense gun regulations to curb the cycle of firearm deaths, both intentional and accidental.  Although the Federal government has announced a “framework” for additional regulations, we can go further.  We can and should adopt additional common sense gun reform before Arizona becomes the latest scene of a mass shooting.  Things like raising the minimum age to purchase assault rifles, instituting and enforcing so called “red flag” laws, and banning high capacity magazines all protect an individual’s rights to bear arms, as well as protect our citizens and our children.  As a legislator, I will build coalitions with moderate Republicans to bring forth legislation which will help reduce the number of firearm deaths in our State.