Fri, Jan 09, 2009
MEDLEY COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION PROFESSIONAL General Drexel Height Fire District Firefighter Part Time Employment AVIVA Children's Services Monitor: Parent-Child Visits Tucson RegionState Senate, District 27: Republican: Bob WestermanTucson, Arizona | Published: 10.05.2008
Name: Bob Westerman
Office seeking: State Senate, District 27
Party registration: Republican
Age: 58
Occupation/employer: Senior manager/Raytheon
Family: Married 37 years, 2 grown children
Religion: Methodist
Income: Yes
Residence: Tucson
Education: B.S. electronic technology, Southern Illinois University; M,S. supply chain management, University of San Diego
Offices held/run for: Currently precinct committeeman Arizona/lost in primary for Congress, CD 42 California 1992.
Civic activities/organizations: Former reserve Los Angeles County deputy sheriff/American Legion
Why are you running?
Year after year Arizona remains ranked at the bottom of the nation in education. I'm running to make fixing our education system a priority since it directly impacts our children's future and Arizona's economy. I want to use my 35-plus years business experience to tackle this problem as well reducing health-care costs and fixing the state budget.
The biggest issue facing my constituents is: Education
Favorite local hangout: Lil' Abner's
NPR or FOX? Both.
How long have you lived in Arizona? 15 years
What kind of vehicle do you drive? What kind of mileage does it get? Chevrolet Silverado Diesel Truck. I get about 16 mpg (not towing).
If I could have dinner with any living person, I would choose: David Petraeus
If I had my own reality show, it would be titled: "Are You Smart Enough To Be An Arizona State Legislator?"
First job: Delivered newspapers
Do you see tax cuts as a good way to grow the economy during the economic downturn, or would you prefer to raise taxes or see them stay the same to avoid cutting government programs?
Given today's economic environment the focus should be on reducing government costs, not on taxes. Once we have stabilized the state budget, lower capital gains provide one of the best proven methods of providing growth in research/development, new companies, and expansion of business. I would support the repeal of the State Equalization Rate property tax because I feel the entire school funding issue needs to be reformed. As soon as possible, Arizona needs to simplify its overly complex tax structure.
What policies would you support to improve the standing of Arizona schools in comparison to the rest of the nation?
It starts with how Arizona manages educational funding. The effect of the 1980 funding formula revision was to gain equity among school districts by leveling downward. Additionally, in the 1990s the Arizona Legislature focused on restricting the growth of educational costs and tying increases in funding to desired outcomes, permitting only minimal increases most years and no increases in 1994 and 1997. While I understand school finance is a complex issue since it touches on the areas of tax policy, local control of education, and social equity, I feel we need to revisit our education funding formula if we are to develop an effective public-financed school system.
With the transportation tax off the ballot and the federal transportation trust running dry, how would you pay for growing transportation needs?
I opposed the plan based on the funding mechanism which required increased sales taxes. Sales taxes are the most regressive taxes we have, they impact lower-income earners the most and they are already too high. Although dedicated public funding already exists (ARS 28-5606, Imposition of Motor Fuel Use Tax authorizes a fuel use tax of 18 cents for non-commercial vehicles), if Arizona is to encourage economic growth, we must improve our infrastructure, particularly our aging roads. The best answer is to use funds made available from reducing government costs. If this is inadequate then I would review the fuel tax as a means to fund acceleration.
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?
Because the state did not reduce budgets sufficiently in 2008 (the budget still increased 11.5% from 2007 to 2008 and will be increased 1.5% in 2009), in 2009 all state programs will have be reviewed for additional reduction opportunities. With revenues continuing to fall short of expectations the 2009 budget is already in jeopardy. I would support increasing K-12 funding which is showing only a 2.6% increase from 2007 to 2009. I would target reducing departments with lower priorities like the Department of Administration which is showing a 13% increase. Prior to cutting programs I would review any benefits from consolidation of departments.
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?
I agree more Arizona citizens need to have access to quality health care and the biggest obstacle in providing adequate care is cost. Simply put, the more we can lower the cost of health care, the more health care becomes available.
I believe the Legislature has the ability to reduce the cost of health care through tort reforms, establishing electronic record systems, and addressing health-care mandates. They can also affect the overall health-care industry by reviewing and effecting changes to related regulation.
Do you support the constitutional amendment on this year's ballot defining marriage as between one man and one woman?
I believe the definition of marriage is between one man and one woman. I do not, however, support a change to the state constitution.
What should the state's role be when it comes to controlling immigration and mitigating its effects?
The employer-sanctions law is a good example. It helps eliminate one of the primary drivers of illegal immigration. I also think Arizona should consider a well defined guest worker program that addresses specific Arizona work force issues such as agriculture.
What policies can or should be passed at the state level to address clean air, water and natural open space preservation concerns?
The Legislature should interface with private business in developing programs that lead to affordable alternatives of activities that damage our environment and provide incentives to incorporate environmentally friendly policies. They should take an active role in coordinating environmental programs with counties and cities.
A critical component of Arizona's future is water (including effluent). We must continue to provide adequate funding to support the ADWR mission. Additionally, we should petition the U.S. Congress to amend Arizona's Enabling Act, which currently inhibits the proper management of Arizona land. The state should have the ability to allow trades between the Land Department and local communities, and enable land exchanges for conservation purposes, dispositions for environmental mitigation and sales of conservation easements; provided sufficient safeguards are in place so that trust land will continue to be used to primarily benefit education.
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