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RANCHO RESORT MAINTANANCE POSITION General A1 Communications Cable Techs Health Care Sierra Tucson Eating Disorders Program Coordinator News ElsewhereState House: District 23: Democrat: Ernest BustamanteTucson, Arizona | Published: 08.02.2008
Name: Ernest Bustamante
Office seeking: State House, District 23
Party registration: Democrat
Age (DOB): 52 (12/23/1955)
Occupation/employer: Pipe fitter/Asarco
Family: Married to Martha Bustamante for 31 years. We have three children.
Religion: Catholic
Income: No answer
Residence: Mammoth
Education: Attended Central Arizona College
Offices held/run for: Arizona state representative (2003-04); Mammoth Town Council, Planning & Zoning commissioner; United Steelworkers Union, vice president (two terms); Democratic precinct committeman, Pinal County
Civic activities/organizations: Youth sports coach; Adelante Juntos Coalition; adult-literacy tutor; Pinal County Democrats
Why are you running? As our district grows, it is necessary that we have experienced leaders who know how to get the job done. I am running for re-election so I can continue working to rebuild our economy, invest in our children's education and make health care more affordable. These are the issues that I value.
The biggest issue facing my constituents (or potential constituents) is: The economy
Favorite local hangout: The candidate did not answer this question.
NPR or Fox? NPR
How long have you lived in Arizona? Lifetime resident of Arizona and the district.
What kind of vehicle do you drive? What kind of mileage does it get? Mazda Miata, 33 mpg
If I could have dinner with any living person, I would choose: Pope Benedict XVI
If I had my own reality show, it would be titled: "Ernest Bustamante: A Voice for Rural Arizona"
First job: Store clerk
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?
Taxes must always remain low.
Education: What kind of policy would you support to improve the standing of Arizona schools in comparison to the rest of the nation?
I will continue to support funding all-day kindergarten and investing in our universities. I also support a tuition freeze for students entering college. In order for companies to locate to Arizona, we must have an educated work force. Investing in education K-college is good economic policy. We must invest in our children now; they are our future leaders.
Transportation: Do you support or oppose the proposed 1-cent-per-dollar sales tax increase to pay for new roads and public transit?
Oppose.
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?
Have the federal government pick up its share of unfunded mandates in health-care costs and education.
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?
Yes, it should be expanded — especially for children. Expand the risk pool for small businesses and the self-employed to keep premium costs down.
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?
I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. The people of Arizona have already voted on this issue.
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?
Enforcing immigration policy is the responsibility of the federal government. Federal immigration policy needs to be completely revamped. Piecemeal state action in this area is counterproductive.
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 state should adopt a goal of increasing investment in solar and wind energy. Investing in alternative energy is good for the environment and the economy because it creates jobs. Arizona has the potential to become a leader in solar and wind energy.
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?
This issue would be the economy. During my first term, I was successful in expanding the Enterprise Zone Program to Pinal County. The primary goal of the EZ Program is to improve the economies of areas in the state with high poverty or unemployment rates. The program does this by enhancing opportunities for private investment. I also worked on a bipartisan basis with both Democrats and Republicans to restore funding to rural airports, which included San Manuel, Kearny, Coolidge and other rural towns statewide. Democrats, Republicans and independents all want a brighter future for Arizona. Together, we can move Arizona forward.
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