Dave Joseph: Frustrated with extremism in Legislature

I am running to represent you in the Arizona House because I share your frustration with the actions of our Legislature. They have been ignoring our economic problems while pushing an extreme social agenda.

As a successful small business owner and actual job creator I am fiscally conservative.

By re-investing and re-focusing limited resources, I have turned around television stations that were on the verge of bankruptcy. I will use the skills successful in my businesses to create the most efficient, customer-focused government possible.

I am very familiar with the issues that affect our district, having lived here for over 20 years.

As the father of three exceptional daughters and an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of a great public education system. In education the only measurement in which Arizona leads the country is in cuts. I will fight for investment into all levels of our schools, colleges and universities, not just to provide our young people with the tools they need, but also because businesses will not locate here if they cannot find qualified workers.

Be assured, however, my metric for success is the results our schools deliver, not spending per student.

My business background also keeps me focused on making sure every dollar delivers a maximum return. This means we will stop wasting money on private prisons that cost us $1,600 more annually per inmate. It means we implement the mandated health-care exchanges in a way right for Arizona, targeting well care as a way to cut costs without endangering our fellow citizens.

For the past several years I have been working with the Regional Transportation Authority of Pima County. I have seen firsthand members of area governments working together to solve problems. I have also been impressed by the focus of the RTA in successfully delivering projects on time and on budget, with the staff focused on maximizing the impact of each dollar. I will put these important ideas to work for you as your representative.

My work with the RTA has also given me insight into the critical role transportation plays in our economic development. Over the past several years the gas tax that largely funds our road repair has been diverted by the Legislature. I will work to see that these funds are restored and invested smartly.