Parker: Our next governor must defy the odds
by Vernon Parker
Vernon Parker is exploring a run for governor.
1. Why stop just short of saying you are declaring your candidacy for governor?
I want to know what the voters think about my potential candidacy. If they prove to be interested in a fresh voice and a new face for Arizona and the GOP, I will run. If not, I will thoroughly enjoy continuing my service as mayor of Paradise Valley.
2. What do you think voters are looking for in selecting our next governor?
New, bold and innovative ideas. Someone who has defied odds all their life who wants to help Arizona defy the odds it now faces. Someone who can bring people together as opposed to tearing them apart. And definitely someone who is not a career politician.
3. How would you address the $3 billion gap between state revenues and expenditures?
I would start by leading by example. If cuts are necessary in state agencies, then Gov. Parker's office would make similar-sized cuts. One of my top priorities as governor will be to phase out the corporate income tax and recruit new industries to Arizona. After irresponsible spending increases in the past, some are afraid to shrink government now. I am not.
4. You say a weak border is a threat to Arizona. What can the governor do about gaining control of the border?
A governor can coordinate state agencies to make sure all our resources are brought to bear effectively. A governor can lead the effort to end the policies of sanctuary cities.
5. What do you think of the job Gov. Jan Brewer has done in her first nine months?
She inherited a mess. We spent billions more than we had during the boom times. Now, those bills are coming due, and we don't have the money to pay them. I am opposed to the idea of raising taxes like the current governor has proposed. We need economic growth and history has proven that raising taxes stifles economic growth.
6. What would be the first thing you'd do as governor?
Pray that I would not fall into the trap of wanting to please the Establishment. Pray that I would always be true to the people of the state of Arizona.
from http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2009/10/05/20091005aztalk-newsmaker05.html
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