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State House: District 26: Republican: Vic Williams

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.02.2008
Name: Vic Williams
Office seeking: State House, District 26
Party registration: Republican
Age (DOB): 45 (04/06/1963)
Occupation/employer: Business owner/Self
Family: One son, Trevor, 6 years old
Religion: Catholic
Income: Insufficient
Residence: Tucson
Education: GED/Some college
Offices held/run for: Treasurer, Pima County Republican Party, 2006-2008
Civic activities/organizations: Dove Mountain Rotary, N/W YMCA, Marana Care Fair, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club. As well, I have helped to raise funds for the Hearth Foundation, Project Graduation and several local service clubs.
Why are you running? To bring back accountability and to rearticulate the message of fiscally conservative government that reflects to the will of the people.
The biggest issue facing my constituents (or potential constituents) is: The number one concern that has been brought up to me time and time again as I have walked to over 6,000 homes in LD26 is illegal immigration.
Favorite local hangout: My breakfast table with my 6-year-old son, Trevor.
NPR or FOX? Neither, C-SPAN
How long have you lived in Arizona? Six years
What kind of vehicle do you drive? 1999 Chevy truck
What kind of mileage does it get? Lousy
If I could have dinner with any living person, I would choose: My mother or any of the three hostages that were just rescued from Colombia. Of course, I would pick up the tab!
If I had my own reality show, it would be titled: "Last Man Standing" or "Survivor."
First job: Doing odd jobs around the neighborhood when I was 6 years old.
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?
I support reducing taxation for individuals and businesses. However, the term "tax cuts" rings hollow unless such cuts are coupled with meaningful actions such as fiscally responsible governmental spending.
Education: What kinds of policy would you support to improve the standing of Arizona schools in comparison to the rest of the nation?
Arizona must work to fund teachers' pay to be at or above the national average. We must look to ensure that we have limited classroom sizes from K-4th grade.
Transportation: Do you support or oppose the proposed one-cent sales tax increase to pay for new roads and public transit?
I'm uncomfortable with the funding mechanism for "TIME." Transfer privilege taxes (i.e. sales taxes) unduly burden the working men and women of Arizona. We should look to develop new roads and public transit works funding through "pay at the pump" or developing a toll road system in Arizona.
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?
Cutting wasteful and frivolous spending across all state agencies.
Suspend new school construction while in deficit spending.
Suspend budget spending increases were possible while we remain in deficit spending.
Health care: Should the state expand government services to help those who lack health care? What other possible help could there be for Arizonans in the face of rising health-care costs, particularly for those who are self-employed or run small businesses?
I will work to have higher access to health care and develop methods such that more Arizonans have high-quality health coverage. Additionally I will work to use technology as a means of reducing the currently excessive costs. I will also use my time in the Legislature to develop an environment that encourages medical professionals to practice in Arizona and avoid legislation that discourages more doctors from coming to Arizona.
Marriage: Do you believe that marriage is only between a man and a woman?
Yes
If the answer is yes, do you support defining it that way in the Arizona Constitution?
I believe that our current state statues are sufficient in defining marriage as "between one man and one woman" and provide adequate protection to that institution.
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?
Arizona must continue to develop and enforce effective illegal-immigration laws, since our federal government refuses to take any formative actions regarding this matter.
Arizona should now look to develop funding mechanisms for these new statutes with the belief that the dollars spent on enforcement will lessen the impact on our overburdened educational, health services and law enforcement entities.
Arizona should work to develop a state-based guest-worker program that ensures protection for both the workers and the employers.
Arizona must work to ensure that whatever laws we develop are racially neutral and are enforced without bias.
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?
The Arizona state Legislature should play a role to ensure that our general economic development and current industry move forward to be harmonious with our environment.
Civility: What is one issue where you see the potential to work with members of the opposite political party on legislation?
The delegation of legislators from Southern Arizona, regardless of party affiliation, must work together to ensure our economic prosperity by fighting for the funding of the U of A, our medical center and our highway infrastructure needs.
How would you build support?
As Republican I will always try to serve the interest of Southern Arizona before party politics. I will set aside rhetorical debate and replace it with realistic solutions that work for the benefit of all.
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