Primary countdown: Anthony Gonzalez, candidate for Pinal County School Superintendent

The primary election is Aug. 28 and early balloting is underway. InMaricopa.com is publishing two to three Q & As at a time done with candidates in primary races.

Today: The Pinal County School Superintendent’s race. Republicans Jill Broussard of San Tan Valley and Anthony Gonzalez of Maricopa are running.

Name: Anthony Gonzalez
Age: 29
Occupation: High school science teacher
Residence: Maricopa
Education: I completed my undergraduate work in chemistry and graduate work in education at the University of Arizona.
Hobbies: I am an avid guitar player, and classic car enthusiast.
Favorite quote: “I must study politics and war so that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.” – John Adams
Heart’s desire: I want to improve the overall education system in Pinal County. I want to make it the shining light in Arizona. Currently our leadership has not lived up to the expectations of the citizens.
Political experience: I am not a politician, but a concerned citizen running to make positive changes for our community.

Why are you running?

I am running to make positive changes in the educational system. The current system wastes too much of your tax money and is so politicized out of Florence that we haven’t seen any improvements. It is time to bring the right ideas to school boards, where they work within the system.

It is time to make teachers the best they can be and reach out to our private and business community to get them actively involved in education.

What is your biggest election challenge?

My biggest challenge is that I am not a politician, I am an educator so unlike the current superintendent I do not know how to sneak into office without being elected.

Why should Maricopans vote for you?

Maricopans should vote for me because I represent them. I currently teach in Maricopa, live in Maricopa and I am active within the city. I have come to really enjoy the people and its citizens who have supported me and asked me to run for this position. I have lived in The Villages, Cobblestone Farms, and the Acacia Crossing communities in Maricopa.

Who are you voting for president?
I will support the Republican Party nominee.

What is the main role of the county superintendent of public education?

This position has many roles that are equally important. Here is the job description from the county website. By statute, the county school superintendent's responsibilities include fiscal services for school districts; overseeing special school elections; appointing board members to vacancies on public school and community college governing boards; serving as superintendent of county accommodation schools; and establishing and administering service programs as requested by school districts.