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State House: District 29: Democrat: Patricia Puig

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.02.2008
Name: Patricia Anne Puig
Office seeking: State House, District 29
Party registration: Democrat
Age (DOB): 54 (07/30/1954)
Occupation/employer: CNA
Family: Married. Daughters Emilie and Veronica; grandson Luis Fernando
Religion: Catholic
Income: $25,000
Residence: Tucson
Education: Nursing assistant. Pharmacy technician. Political science/history 2009
Offices held/run for: Unsuccessful bid for state House in 2006
Civic activities/organizations: After the election, the Humane Society
Why are you running? Several issues. Health care, education, transportation, animal welfare
The biggest issue facing my constituents (or potential constituents) is: The economy.
Favorite local hangout: Athens on Fourth Avenue, Fronimo's, Guero Canelo on South 12th Avenue.
NPR or Fox? Candidate did not answer.
How long have you lived in Arizona? Birth
What kind of vehicle do you drive? Toyota Corolla. What kind of mileage does it get? 25 -30/mpg
If I could have dinner with any living person, I would choose: My family has been on hold since December. Otherwise, EVERYONE
If I had my own reality show, it would be titled: "USofA, A Melting Pot."
First job: Medical arts pharmacy
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 them or see them stay the same to avoid cutting government programs?
When you are not doing well financially, how does spending help? I would like to see them kept the same for the time being.
Education: What kinds of policy would you support to improve the standing of Arizona schools in comparison to the rest of the nation?
Teachers are opposed to the AIMS test; they should get rid of it. Who would know better than a teacher? Pima County needs its fair share of school funding. Not all students will be able to attend college because of finances, or because they cannot keep up with college life, so I think more vocational courses and college prep courses.
Transportation: Do you support or oppose the proposed 1-cent sales tax increase to pay for new roads and public transit?
No.
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 the Arizona have a balanced budget?
Let's start with the tax cuts.
Health care: Should the state expand government services to help those who lack health care?
Yes.
What other possible help could there be for Arizonans in the face of rising health-care costs, particular for those for are self-employed or run small businesses?
Give Rx companies a tax break for helping those with free Rx or 25% of the cost (for those without insurance).
Marriage: Do you believe that marriage is only between a man and a woman? If the answer is yes, do you support defining it that way in the Arizona Constitution?
Candidate did not answer this question.
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?
We are a melting pot. I think we should make room for those who want to work and be productive, respect our people and obey our laws.
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?
Increase public transportation, keep encouraging car pooling and bicycling, and on certain days you do not drive. For example, if your license plate number ends in 1, you do not drive on Monday. (They have that in Mexico City, and probably other cities.) Also, make all license plates at each address end with the same number. Make it harder for new developments and encouraging building in the city.
Another thing that might help with the gas crisis and the environment is having four days per (work) week. That would probably be more practical than that of the license plate, since we would need a very efficient transportation system to make this work.
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?
Transportation. Animal rights.
Gas prices have gone up 2 1/2 times since 2001. This would help with more jobs.
Animal rights through activists and growing public support. People who mistreat animals will PROBABLY mistreat people.
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