Sat, Jul 04, 2009
RANCHO RESORT MAINTANANCE POSITION General A1 Communications Cable Techs Health Care Sierra Tucson Eating Disorders Program Coordinator Tucson RegionState Representative, District 29: Democrat: Daniel PattersonTucson, Arizona | Published: 10.05.2008
Name: Daniel Patterson
Office seeking: State Representative, District 29
Party registration: Democratic
Age: 37
Occupation/employer: Ecologist and southwest director, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility
Family: Married with one daughter
Religion: Unitarian Universalist
Income: $30,000
Residence: Santa Rita Park Neighborhood, Tucson.
Education: Michigan State University, 2 B.S/ degrees: Natural Resources & Agriculture Policy and Law; Environmental Communications
Offices held/run for: Tucson planning commissioner, Pima County Board of Adjustment
Civic activities/organizations: President, Santa Rita Park Neighborhood Association; Arizona Political Leaders Fellow, Center for Progressive Leadership. Volunteer, TUSD.
Why are you running? Because I've been in the district a long time working to help people, and because I love Tucson and Arizona. Our future depends on new progressive leadership at the state Capitol, and I'm running to solve problems, help people and build bridges for positive change.
The biggest issue facing my constituents is: Economic justice and improving our weak economy.
Favorite local hangout: Barrio Brewing.
NPR or Fox? NPR, but I get my news from many diverse sources.
How long have you lived in Arizona? 15 years
What kind of vehicle do you drive? What kind of mileage does it get? Usually my bike, which uses zero gallons per mile. When I do drive, it's a VW Passat TDI, which can get 35 mpg in the city and runs on non-petroleum, clean biodiesel fuel made in the USA.
If I could have dinner with any living person, I would choose: Barack Obama
If I had my own reality show, it would be titled: "Working Hard for Family and the Public Interest"
First job: Auto mechanic.
Do you see tax cuts as a good way to grow the economy during the economic downturn, or would you prefer to raise them or see them stay the same to avoid cutting government programs?
We should keep taxes about the same for working people, with more focus on economic justice where corporations and the wealthy pay more of their fair share.
What policies would you support to improve the standing of Arizona schools in comparison to the rest of the nation?
I have a daughter in TUSD. I volunteer at her school and listen to teachers. I have the endorsement of the Arizona Education Association, and in the Legislature I will work for stronger investment in public schools to attract and retain more quality teachers, and cut class sizes.
With the transportation tax off the ballot and the federal transportation trust running dry, how would you pay for growing transportation needs?
I support needed transportation improvements but cannot support a sales-tax-only plan in this tough economy, especially while wealthy developers avoid paying fair impact fees. Growth must pay for itself. I will listen and work with the governor, Republicans, business leaders and everyone to develop a future-thinking transportation plan that is funded fairly from a variety of sources.
The state's budget shortfall next year may be in the neighborhood of $2 billion. It must be balanced. How do you do that? Raise taxes/which ones? Cut programs/which ones?
Cut wasteful spending, while protecting essential public interest programs. We should end the cut of the education equalization property assessment, as scheduled and earlier agreed. We must also find safe and smart ways to cut the bloated and expensive prison budget. I have business experience, and I am backed by labor unions and working people. The time for change is now. I will listen and work cooperatively at the Capitol to solve economic problems.
Should the state expand government services to help those who lack health care? What else can or should the state do in the face of rising health-care costs, particularly for those who are self-employed or run small businesses?
Yes. The cost of health care has skyrocketed, and people cannot afford it. I am endorsed by the Arizona Nurses Association and Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, and in this down economy, more people need help on health care. We should use a mix of public and private insurance programs to cut the costs of health care so everyone can afford it.
Do you support the constitutional amendment on this year's ballot defining marriage as between one man and one woman?
No.
What should the state's role be when it comes to controlling immigration and mitigating its effects?
The Legislature must push Congress and the feds for an overhaul of our failed federal immigration system. I support the governor's efforts to bill the feds for uncovered costs to Arizona from the failed federal system. The state must also watch to ensure we do not have an exploited immigrant-labor underclass.
What policies can or should be passed at the state level to address clean air, water and natural open space preservation concerns?
As an ecologist who has worked for energy and environmental solutions for most of my adult life, I have a wealth of experience on energy, water, wildlife and the environment. My family and I "lead by example" by producing solar power on our rooftop. The state should also "lead by example" by going green on all state-owned buildings, and better investing in clean alternative transit, both of which will help our environment and economy. We must reform our state lands system, and also improve state water law to better protect our long-term water security and restore our rivers. I am endorsed by the Sierra Club-Grand Canyon Chapter and Arizona League of Conservation Voters.
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