Primary countdown: Raymond Petrulsky, candidate for Pinal County Supervisor, District 4

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: Raymond Petrulsky, Republican candidate for Pinal County Supervisor, District 4. He is running against Nancy Discher, Fred MacKenzie and Anthony “Tony” Smith. To see these candidates in a July 21 candidates’ forum click here (supervisor's portion at end of this video), here (majority of the supervisor forum) and here (closing remarks by unchallenged Democratic contender).

Name: Raymond Petrulsky
Age: 48
Occupation: Special projects coordinator
Residence:  Arizona City
Family: Wife, Michelle; daughter Keely Petrulsky
Education: Graduate Central Arizona College
Hobbies: Sports
Favorite quote: “Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.” — Plato
Heart’s desire: To see Pinal County set an example for all other counties in America; specifically in the area of job creation and growth.
Political experience: Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives 2008 versus Raul Grijalva, Democrat.  

Why are you running?

Pinal County has been in the clutch of Democrats for quite some time. We need more conservatives at the county level. Our unemployment rate is too high and our graduation rates (63 percent) are the lowest in the United States. Many of our residents are commuting two hours each day to find a decent job. I am a businessman. I have successfully managed an operation of 300 people in Casa Grande. I am the former president/CEO of Choice Resources Inc., an Arizona-based corporation. I have the business acumen to get Pinal County working again.  

What is your biggest election challenge?

The mayor of Maricopa announced his intent to run for this seat last year. He had the full advantage of campaigning while serving as mayor. I am a working man. It is difficult to run for public office trying to serve the public and work to support your family at the same time.

If the voters want more help for the middle class, they must elect middle-class officials. I work 60 hours per week for my current employer. I will do the same for Pinal County if elected.

Why should Maricopans vote for you?

I will be the first person up, the last person to go to bed working for them. I will be working on holidays and serving the public’s interests all over the world. We need middle-income jobs and fewer minimum-waged employers. Pinal County is loaded with low-paying jobs.

We need to lure employers to Pinal County. Maricopans have been stung the hardest by the economic collapse a few years ago. Many houses are vacant and this means lower property values. Jobs will bring people in the communities to stabilize them. This election is all about the economy. Pinal County has a chance to set the standard for decades to come.

Who are you voting for president?

Mitt Romney

What is the most pressing issue facing Maricopa? What would you do about it?

The city of Maricopa has been in explosive growth mode since 2000. The political leaders failed to plan properly and this resulted in lower property values and a stagnant local economy. Many residents are tired of commuting to Phoenix and Tucson.

Creating a positive environment for middle-income job growth will be the forefront of my political campaign. One of Maricopa’s biggest employers is a casino; the other large employers are a water company and an electric company. This has to change if Maricopa wants to build property values. 

What should be the county’s biggest funding priority?

The widening of SR 347 or an alternate route to I-10. Hands down.