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State House: District 29: Democrat: Daniel Patterson

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.02.2008
Name: Daniel Patterson
Office seeking: State House, District 29
Party registration: Democratic
Age (DOB): 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 for nearly a decade.
Education: Michigan State University, BS(2)
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
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 (or potential constituents) is: Economic justice and improving our weak economy.
Favorite local hangout: Barrio Brewing.
NPR or Fox? NPR
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, our one car family has a VW Passat TDI, which gets 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.
Taxes: In general, do you see tax cuts as a good way to grow the economy during the economic downturn, or would you prefer to either raise taxes or see them stay the same to avoid cutting government programs?
Generally, stay the same, with more focus on economic justice where the rich pay more of their fair share.
Education: What kind of policy 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.
Transportation: Do you support or oppose the proposed 1-cent-per-dollar sales tax increase to pay for new roads and public transit?
I wish I could support it, but no. I support needed transportation improvements but cannot support raising the sales tax 18 percent in this tough economy, especially while wealthy developers get an inside deal to avoid paying fair impact fees. Sales taxes are already high, approaching 10 percent in some Arizona communities, and they hurt lower-income people the most. Sales tax revenues are also volatile and unreliable, declining when the economy is down. I am also disappointed the plan is very heavily biased toward huge roads, with much less money for clean transit, which in this energy and economic climate is a mistake.
Economy: The state's budget shortfall next year may be in the neighborhood of $2 billion. How would you balance the state's financial obligations with the constitutional requirement that Arizona have a balanced budget?
Cut wasteful spending, while protecting essential public interest programs. We should end the cut of the education equalization property tax, as scheduled and earlier agreed. We must also find safe and smart ways to cut the bloated prison budget. I am backed by labor unions and working people, and will work cooperatively at the Capitol to solve economic problems.
Health care: Should the state expand government services to help those who lack health care?
Yes. The cost of health care has skyrocketed and is too expensive. Doctors are charging too much, and people cannot afford it. I am endorsed by the Arizona Nurses Association, and in this down economy, more people need help on health care.
What other possible help could there be for Arizonans in the face of rising health-care costs, particular for those who are self-employed or run small businesses?
We must use a mix of public and private insurance programs to cut the costs of health care so everyone can afford it.
Marriage: Do you believe that marriage is only between a man and a woman?
No.
Immigration: Several proposals have passed on the state level to deal with illegal immigration. In general, 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.
Environment: "The environment" follows "immigration" as the top concern of Arizonans in most public opinion polls. What policies, if any, can be passed at the state level to address these widespread concerns?
As an ecologist who has worked for environmental and energy policy and solutions for most of my adult life, I have a wealth of experience on energy, water 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 also improve state water law to better protect our long-term water security and restore our rivers.
Civility: What is one issue where you see the potential to work with members of the opposite political party on legislation? How would you build support?
I will build support by listening, respecting everyone and always considering all sides of the issues. I see great urgency and potential in working with everyone to reform our energy and environmental policies, to enhance our economy, security and quality of life.
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