Ernest Bustamante: Representing Legislative District 23

Dear Editor:

This letter is in response to Mr. Bill Bridwell who writes (see related letter) that union experience represents “only a narrow special interest.” I respectfully disagree. Union members are teachers, nurses, fire fighters and law enforcement officers. These individuals represent a wide range of hard-working citizens. They represent the fabric of America, and we cannot move forward as a county or state without them. They deserve our respect and appreciation.

As a candidate for State Representative in LD 23, I am proud to have received the endorsement of the AFL-CIO, Arizona Education Association and the Arizona Fire Fighters Union.

Working families, like myself, want lower taxes and expect their government to be efficient and accountable. I believe, by cutting wasteful spending, government can operate efficiently and effectively while maintaining vital services for children, seniors and veterans.

During this tough economic climate, we must prepare our children to compete in a global workforce. That is why as State Representative, I voted to support all-day kindergarten and investing in our universities. I also 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.

Some of my legislative accomplishments include working on a bipartisan basis to restore funding for rural transportation in Pinal County. I also successfully expanded the Enterprise Zone Program in Pinal County, which created tax incentives for businesses to create jobs.

As I meet with voters on the campaign trail, the issue that is on everyone’s mind is the economy. Voters are looking for leadership and they deserve legislators who are ready to lead on day one. In his letter, Mr. Bridwell fails to mention that none of the Republican candidates in LD 23 have ever been elected to any public office.

As a candidate for State Representative in LD 23, I offer my own range of service: as Council member, working on local issues like building roads, planning and public safety; as a Union Vice President, fighting for health care for working families and better wages for workers; and as a State Representative with a proven record of working on a bipartisan basis.

It is an exciting time for Pinal County to move forward, and fortunately we have experienced, Democratic candidates with proven records, fighting for working families, who can lead us there.

Thank You,

Ernest Bustamante
Candidate for State Representative LD 23

Submitted photo

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