Primary countdown: Patrick Gatti, Congressional District 1

The primary election is Aug. 28 and early balloting is underway. Between now and Aug. 20, InMaricopa.com will publish two to three Q & As at a time done with candidates in primary races.

Today: Patrick Gatti, Republican candidate for Congressional District 1. He is running against Gaither Martin and Jonathan Paton. Click here to see Martin and Paton participating in a July 21 candidates’ forum.

Name: Patrick Gatti
Age: 69
Occupation: Self-employed
Residence: Show Low
Family: Single; one son, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren
Education: Three years college; marketing & advertising
Hobbies: Sailing, woodworking, lead-glass art
Favorite quote: “That’ll be the day,” John Wayne
Heart’s desire: To see Obama out of office.
Political experience: 21 years as a member of the city council, two years as mayor pro-tem

Why are you running?

This gives me the opportunity to express my views on state, national and international views. I see the direction that this country is headed and I want to be in a position to be able to redirect us back towards the Constitutional establishment that we began when we first started. We have lost our identity as a country.

What is your biggest election challenge?

First, getting past the primary and then defeating the Democratic challenger. One step at a time. 

Why should Maricopans vote for you?

CD 1 is supposed to be the largest Congressional District in the United States. As with an area that this large, there are varied issues that will exist. I have met with individuals from each county of which there are eight, and I have listened to all of their concerns. I know that I can and will represent everyone in the district equally and fairly.

Who are you voting for president?

Mitt Romney

What is the greatest challenge facing the country? What would you do about it?

The economy without a doubt is the most important issue that must be turned around. We have to get people in the private sector back on the payroll making money to be able to buy homes turning the housing market back on track and paying property taxes, buying cars, helping the automobile industry to turn around. The absence of all these are what have caused the denigration of our economy. 

What are your plans for immigration reform?

First we have to secure our borders. A very interesting point is that Mexico staunchly defends its southern border. It’s almost as if Mexico wants its residents to go to the U.S. so they do find work and send a reasonable amount of money back to their relatives in Mexico. But more to the point the porous border has allowed and will continue to allow unwanted individuals into our country.