Leach looks to take activism to elected office

Active in government from the sidelines, SaddleBrooke resident Vince Leach wants to take his game to the floor of the Capitol as a member of Arizona’s House of Representatives. Leach is competing with Oro Valley residents Mark Finchem and Jo Grant to be one of two Republican candidates vying for the two vacant House seats in the Nov. 4 general election. 

Vince Leach
Candidate, House of Representatives
www.VinceLeach.com

Age: 65

Family: Married 42 years, one son

Education: BS political science/history, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

City of residence: SaddleBrooke

Arizona residence since: 2009

Hometown: Coloma, Wis.

Profession: Sales/sales management

Prior elected office held: None

Community involvement: Activist at the state, county, county community college, school board, HOA and Catalina Foothills Church.

Hobbies: Reading, distance walking

Why are you running? I believe in active involvement in community affairs as the path for making our state better. I have been involved as a citizen activist in many areas of government, working on behalf of conservative causes. My experience ranges from work at the school board to county government to the state Legislature, the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.

What differentiates you from your opponents? The scope of my background ranges from agriculture to the metals industry, from the sales level to the management level. I have effectively grown sales and business units by preparing a plan of action and then putting it into use, making changing only as situations warrant, achieving the desired results. I brought this same attention to detail to my citizen activities and will do the same campaigning and then serving as a legislator.

What qualifies you to serve in this capacity? My experience in sales, sales management, business management, business ownership, and actions in Arizona policy has provided me with the background to be an effective legislator that can get things accomplished.

What will you do for Maricopa if elected? I will do for Maricopa what I will strive to do for all of LD 11, that is, 1. Jobs – Growing the job market is of prime importance as it primes the pump and starts a wealth building cycle. It is the rock on which a solid citizenry and government can function efficiently. 2. Less taxes – Government should not take $1 more than needed to efficiently serve the citizens of the state. More money in the hands of the citizens means more and faster growth of the economy. Arizona is currently spending ~7 percent of the general fund on interest payments on state debt. This needs to be lowered to reduce taxes. 3. Smaller government – Government functions best when the free market is allowed to function properly. Government needs to step away from the “enforcer of rules and regulations” and more to being an “enhancer of jobs and private sector jobs.”

What do you like most about campaigning? Meeting residents of the district one-on-one, in groups or forums and taking their questions.

What do you like least about campaigning? There is not enough time to meet everyone in the district and learning of their concerns.

What politician do you admire most, and why? Ronald Reagan. Reagan obtained legislation to stimulate economic growth, curb inflation, increase employment, and strengthen national defense.

What is your favorite sports team? Arizona Diamondbacks