3 Democrats vie for 2 nominations

On Aug. 24 residents across the state will go to the polls to choose representatives from both the Republican and Democratic Parties to face off in the November general election.

While many of these party nominations are automatic bids due to only one person running, several of the spots up for grabs have multiple candidates vying to represent their party in November.

Between now and the primary InMaricopa will run a series of question and answer sessions in an attempt to identify the candidates and examine the various races affecting Maricopa.

This week we are examining the three Democrats, Ernest Bustamante, Barbara McGuire and Ralph Varela, who are squaring off for two Democratic nominations in the battle for two seats in the Arizona Legislative District 23 House of Representatives.

Who are you?

Bustamante: I am a lifelong resident of District 23. I attended Central Arizona College and am currently employed at ASARCO, where I am a proud member of the United Steelworks Union, Local 886—serving two terms as vice president. My wife, Martha, is technology coordinator for the Mammoth-San Manuel Unified School District and an instructor at Central Arizona College. Together, we have three children.

As a legislator, I helped pass all-day Kindergarten, expanded Enterprise Zones in Pinal County, which created tax incentives in order for small businesses to create jobs, and worked on a bi-partisan basis to restore funding for transportation in Pinal County.

Before serving in the state legislature, I served on the Mammoth Town Council, where I built roads and was successful in receiving grant funding to improve our parks. I was also a Democratic Precinct Committeeperson for Pinal County and a former small business owner of San Pedro Valley Transport, a non-emergency medical transportation service.

McGuire: I am the daughter of a WWII navy pilot, an Arizona native born in Sonora-Ray, Arizona. I am a mother and grandmother, past Citizen of the Year in the Copper Basin area, a Salvation Army Unit Director of 19 years, a Sheriff’s Posse member, an NRA member, Civil Air Patrol member, an Elks member, and a past chamber of commerce vice president, member of the Copper Basin and Casa Grande Chambers of Commerce. I attended CAC and have 23 years experience in business. I have been recognized and honored by many communities and organizations. This will be my third term in the legislature, and I am at a point where I can make more things happen for District 23 based on experience, works in progress and rapport through federal, state and local governments. I am running as a Clean Elections participating candidate.

Varela: I have lived in Pinal County for 28 years. I received my master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University (1982). I have been married for 29 years and have two teenage daughters. I have been Chief Executive Officer for the Pinal Hispanic Council for twenty years. I have served on the Casa Grande City Council and the Arizona State Liquor Board.

Why are you running for office?

Bustamante: Arizona needs a new direction. Given the current economic climate, we need experienced leaders who know how to get the job done on day one. I am proud of my record of building bipartisan support on important issues that affect our district and being an advocate for education. I am running for office to continue working for Pinal County.

McGuire: This would be my third term. As a legislator gains a working knowledge, momentum and makes beneficial connections throughout the district and government, they become expert on issues and how to resolve them. My district will benefit from an empowered person rather than a rookie. I am the senior member in the House for LD23 and aim to be a leading person in the voice for rural affairs. I am an effective legislator and work hard to resolve issues and problems in LD23. I can bridge distances for cities and towns in LD23 to help them work together and with the state and federal government on issues affecting district 23. LD23 includes most of Pinal County, parts of Maricopa and Gila counties, and is home to about 329,000 people (based on 2008 data in 2009 report). Most of LD23 is Pinal County, and it will soon be the second largest county in Arizona.

What we do in District 23 is the future of Arizona. At the high level of growth that we will continue to experience, we must make careful decisions now to have a future that is right and bright. I will do my best in government to see that it provides the framework for adults and children and the elderly to be safe, to have a quality education, good economic prospects, improved healthcare and opportunity with better times ahead.  In this difficult year for all of us, I have battled to block sweeps that take funds from cities and towns. In cases where the legislature cut anyway, I am working on restoration. There are solutions without destroying institutions that provide the foundation for individuals and businesses to be safe, educated and prosper, and I will continue to press for those good solutions.

I want to make sure our district is a great place for us to live, work, raise our families, and retire in.

Varela: I am running for office because I strongly believe that new leadership is needed to address the dire conditions facing this great state. I am running because I feel I have a lot of skill sets and passion to make a difference. I know that given my past experience I can work in a bipartisan manner because it is something I have always done. Our rural communities deserve much better than what they are currently receiving.

What separates you from your opponents?

Bustamante: I am the only Democratic candidate that has served at both the local and state level as a councilmember and legislator.

McGuire: I have successfully sponsored legislation that did pass and is law, and, therefore, I have a proven track record in the public interest. Unlike other candidates, I have a long history of volunteer and community work without any pay. Some count their elected paid positions; I continue to serve 19 years as a Salvation Army Extension Unit Director and particularly enjoy creating the annual youth benefits known as Christmas Angel Tree gift programs and summer youth camps. I was also named Citizen of the Year for my community work. Local citizens and leaders know this, and I am proud to once again be endorsed by the Casa Grande Dispatch and Tri-Valley Central and their affiliated publications and websites.

Most recently I quickly worked a bill through the legislature which passed and saved Superior thousands of dollars. Only a skilled and connected lawmaker could have done this. My legislation for community stabilization was passed with the renter foreclosure rescue bill, which was particularly important for Maricopa, Casa Grande and Queen Creek. Efficient water re-use and streamlining of mine permitting jobs and an environment bill passed.  This impacts jobs favorably in all of LD23, including Florence and Casa Grande. Worked saving jobs and communities by bringing together federal, state and local governments to work out and implement an environmental cleanup plan for the copper area, which was paid for by the company involved, thus avoiding an NPL EPA listing.  Have been working for rural tie-ins to the metropolitan transportation system and driving funds for transportation and road projects in LD23. Pushed for restitution for disabled social security victims when defrauded by payee service. Recently got a promise to re-open the Veterans Affairs Office in Casa Grande. Resolved communities’ gas and electricity supply and control problems. I continue to fight for restoration of funds to education and public safety. I have continuing legislation moving forward on jobs through reinvestment of capital gains, wildcat dumping, transportation, vicious dogs, senior care, education, growth and natural resources and other fronts.

I have also sponsored or co-sponsored legislation for consumer protection, public safety, schools, immigration, environment, workers’ rights, HOAs, business accountability, senior issues, veterans’ benefits, tribal water rights and more.  I presently serve on the committees of Environment and am ranking Democrat on Military Affairs and Public Safety. I have, in the past, served on the committees of the Environment, Human Services, Natural Resources and Public Safety and the Interagency Council on Long Term Care as well as the Ad Hoc mining committee. I am well versed in the functioning and variety of committees where most of the legislative work occurs. 

I am constantly on the go, dealing with information, deadlines, bills and meetings. My schedule, during the months the House is in session, is always 10-12-hour days plus a commute. The rest of the year my schedule is 24/7. I travel around the district, holding office hours and meeting with constituents.

The committees on which I currently serve are environment, along with public safety and military affairs as a ranking member.

Varela: I have twenty years as Chief Executive Officer for a non-profit behavioral health organization, which has been run as a solid business. I have seven years in city council that has given me the ability to understand the needs of communities and the value of operating within our means. I have served in numerous civic service organizations that have taught me the value of staying connected with individuals and communities. Finally, I am an independent thinker who is not afraid to speak my mind and vote with my conscience.

Why are you the best person for the position?

Bustamante: I’m an experienced legislator with a proven record of building bipartisan support. In order for our district to receive its fair share of funding, it is imperative that we have representatives who can work across the aisle to find solutions to the challenges we face.

McGuire: I am a woman, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a Salvation Army director of 19 years. I was raised in a multi-ethnic mining community, and I have been a successful business owner for 20 years. I have the perspective of a baby boomer being part of and helping Arizona through transformational times. I have established solid relationships and have great experience in the legislature to benefit District 23. I have possibly more endorsements and recorded voter approval than any other candidate has had for this position. I work well with others and have proven that I can reach across the aisle to get legislation passed and issues resolved.

Varela: I am the best person because I have strong leadership and experience. I am also committed to being a strong advocate for rural Arizona and working hard to ensure all voices are heard. I have always worked hard on focusing on strengths, being proactive, listening, learning and working together in a collective manner. I have strong management skill sets, and I approach issues with a strategic focus. It is important to listen to what rural communities need instead of dictating what needs to be done. I have always worked hard on developing partnerships and doing no harm.

What are your top three priorities if elected? How do you address these priorities if elected?

Bustamante: Jobs. Education. Growth.
We need to invest in infrastructure. This creates jobs and stimulates our economy. In addition, we must also encourage entrepreneurship and create incentives for small business to hire new employees. I will continue to support initiatives such as the Enterprise Zone Program, a program I expanded in Pinal County, which offers tax incentives for businesses to create jobs.

As state representative, I helped pass all-day Kindergarten and voted to invest in our university research facilities. I believe education is a long-term investment that can stimulate our economy when workers take advantage of an educated workforce. I support raising standards by increasing the number of college prep courses in high schools and integrating technology into school curriculum. However, none of this can be done without talented teachers who are paid a competitive wage. As a father of two children in college, I understand the importance of investing in our children and making education affordable. We must seize the moment to be innovators and leaders in education. The future of our state depends on it.

Working with local communities, we must accommodate growth in a flexible and efficient manner that respects the integrity of the natural areas, improves the highway system and protects the region’s water resources. We must also recognize that each community in Pinal County is unique with its own set of opportunities and needs, therefore requiring their own growth policy.

McGuire: Jobs, Public Safety and Education
I have pending, proposed and passed legislation, a voting record available to review, and I serve on committees where these issues are affected.

Varela: My top three priorities would be the state economy/job creation, education and Immigration. We need to focus on fixing the budget woes, creating sustainable jobs, ensuring that the education of our students is first rate, and that we collectively find proactive solutions to the immigration problems we face.

What are you qualifications for the position?

Bustamante: My qualifications include experience as a councilmember, state legislator, union vice president, small business owner and father.

McGuire: I have been in the legislature for two terms. I am tough, politically smart and no rookie. I am connected and have established working relationships that benefit my district within local, state and federal governments and within all factions in the legislature. I am known as the “go-to person” to get things done for LD23, including Maricopa, a shining city with a bright future that I am very proud to be representing. I am a woman, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a Salvation Army director of 19 years. I was raised in a multi-ethnic mining community, and I have been a successful business owner for 20 years. I have the perspective of a baby boomer being part of and helping Arizona through transformational times. Have established solid relationships and have great experience in the legislature to benefit District 23. I have possibly more endorsements and recorded voter approval than any other candidate has had for this position. I work well with others and have proven that I can reach across the aisle to get legislation passed and issues resolved.  I have a record number of earned endorsements this time around. My endorsements are as diverse as the Farm Bureau to the NRA to the AFLCIO and AFSCME to the Arizona Chamber to the AEA teachers, realtors and healthcare professionals, law enforcement, fire fighters and more. I am enjoying hearing firsthand what is on people’s minds from all across LD23.  Please see McGuire2010.com for more information.

Varela: I served almost seven years as council member until I resigned to run for the Arizona House of Representatives. I also served five years on the Arizona Liquor Board Commission. I have twenty years of management experience as Chief Executive Officer for the Pinal Hispanic Council. I have a master’s degree in social work with an emphasis on administration.

What are the three most important issues facing your Maricopa area constituents, and what would you do to address each?

Bustamante: Maricopa families want jobs that pay a decent wage, a quality education for their children and a safe environment to raise their family. As state representative, I will work to ensure that we keep our tax dollars in community. This means offering incentives to small business to encourage job growth, investing in infrastructure and funding education at all levels from kindergarten to college. I believe that education and the economy are directly linked. When you invest in students, you are investing in the future workforce. Let’s invest in our children now!

McGuire: I rather think there are at least five areas of concern to Maricopa right no:. Jobs, Community Stabilization, Public Safety, Education and Transportation.

Something that affects all services to citizens are cuts by the legislature. In this difficult year for all of us, I have sponsored capital gains reinvestment legislation to create jobs. I have been a strong advocate of education and am endorsed by the AEA. I am ranking member for Military Affairs and Public Safety. I believe strong support for public safety is necessary as the bedrock to enable our communities, economy and education to function. I have battled to block sweeps that take funds from cities and towns. Maricopa as a city experienced exceptional growth, and all its money is important to fund this dynamic growth and fund current services. Although Maricopa is not that reliant on state money, where the legislature cut anyway, I am working on restoration. There are solutions without destroying institutions that provide the foundation for individuals and businesses to be safe, educated and prosper. 

Of particular interest to Maricopa, I have been working for rural tie-ins to the metropolitan transportation system and driving funds for transportation and road projects in LD23. I recently was a featured speaker at a federal steering committee meeting held nearby regarding the hi-speed rail project that would benefit Maricopa. I did meet with the mayor and consultant to strategize to support the commercial airport project. I am particularly hopeful and will help our local college systems, including CAC at Maricopa, to transform and flourish in their ability to prepare our rural students with the advantage of a four-year university degree without having to leave, if one is not within their reach or ability to do so. I am sensitive to the immigration problem within the Golden Corridor as it affects Maricopa and want a federal solution that will be in the best interests of American jobs and public safety. My renter foreclosure protection bill, which became law on July 29, was touted in the Maricopa news as important for community stabilization. I have also been in the news having been successful in getting a promise by the state to reopen the Veterans Benefit office handy to Maricopa and Casa Grande, which was closed with recent cuts. With voter help, I will resist further cuts to essential services, but, at the same time, I work for efficiency in government. My credo has always been Efficiency, Accountability and Responsiveness in a government that serves the people.

Varela: Job creation—It is important to continue focus on economic development, supporting existing businesses (all businesses), developing small business incubators and attracting clean industries.

Maintaining housing values—avoiding losing more ground on falling housing values—economic development and creation of new jobs, strengthening existing businesses, creating stronger business friendly regulations.

The railroad grade separation—The railroad traffic twice every 35 minutes creates traffic problems, puts school children at risk and can be hazardous. This will need funding at the federal level to create an alternative road structure.

Submitted photos