Two candidates, Rosanna Gabaldon (D) and Mark Workman (R), are running for AZ State senate for LD2. Andrea Dalessandro (D), Daniel Hernandez (D) and Deborah McEwen (R) are running in the general election for two seats in the Arizona House of Representatives District 2, which includes Sonoita, Elgin and Patagonia. The PRT profiled Dalessandro and Hernandez previously. The candidates were provided questions or topics by email. Some answers have been edited for space.
Rosanna Gabaldon
Why are you running for LD2 State Senate?
My work is not yet done. I am most honored when my efforts help provide services to our most vulnerable and our youth. I have been successful in bringing ideas from southern Arizona to the Capitol because that is what we need, a little common sense and straight from the heart.
What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?
Support for Public Education – We owe it to our children to provide a safe school environment and the opportunity for a well-rounded and balanced quality public education. Adequate funding is the key to achieving our goal.
Investment in economic development in southern Arizona – I will continue to address the funding needs for our roads and infrastructure. Together we will encourage the legislature to take advantage of the opportunity of investments in the infrastructure of the State Route 189 Mariposa Rd. We must find revenue for much-needed road infrastructure, especially in our rural communities.
What do you think are the top three issues facing the constituents in Eastern Santa Cruz County (Patagonia, Sonoita, Elgin & Canelo), and what will you do to respond to them?
We won’t get anywhere if we don’t listen to each other. The three top issues for Eastern Santa Cruz County concern: the lack of support for public education, the need for protection of our unique environment, and finding meaningful employment for our youth. During my eight years at the House, I have brought attention to various environmental issues and advocating for funding for the area.
Name: Rosanna Gabaldon
Residence: Green Valley, since 2004
Education/licenses/certifications/military: Central High School, Phoenix, AZ
Recent employment: AZ State Representative
Community organizations/activities: SE AZ Citizens Advisory Board of the International Boundary and Water Commission, Guadalupana Lab School Board, Friends of the Green Valley Library, SE AZ Advisory Board for Chicanos Por La Causa, Salvation Army Advisory Council Green Valley, S Pima Council First Things First, Tucson Pima Arts Council, Green Valley Sahuarita Community Food Bank, Community Foundation of Greater Green Valley, Local fraternal organizations, Town of Sahuarita Parks and Recreation Commission, Town of Sahuarita Economic Development Commission.
Previous public office/service: 2009 – 2012 Sahuarita Town Council
Learn more at http://www.votegabaldon.com
Mark Workman
Why are you running for LD2 State Senate?
I am tired of the partisan fighting and lack of progress from our elected officials. I believe a person can either complain about a problem or try to fix it which is why I am running for office.
What are your top goals, if elected to the State Senate?
Clearing paths through partisan gridlock and over-regulation plaguing businesses and suffocating our hard working communities. Re-focus legislation on our children who are our future and the teachers who guide them on the path to success. Protecting the constitutional rights of all Arizona citizens and providing the resources necessary for the safety of the citizens of our great state.
What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?
Over-taxation with a low return on investment of those tax dollars. Providing the necessary legislation to stimulate business success and additional employment of the district’s citizens.
What is the biggest challenge that you see to economic growth in Santa Cruz County?
Most businesses in small communities are family owned and operated, providing for their friends and family in that community. We must work with these businesses to help them expand beyond the town or community they reside in through various state-sponsored marketing programs to help boost tourism and visibility.
What do you think are the top three issues facing the constituents in Eastern Santa Cruz County (Patagonia, Sonoita, Elgin & Canelo) and what will you do to respond to them?
I will work to provide equal access to better health care. I will also work to provide better access to broadband communications through necessary infrastructure projects. As a graduate of Tombstone High School I understand the impact of tourism on a community, I believe the state needs to do more to market the amazing tourist destinations throughout our state including the wine district in eastern Santa Cruz County.
Name: Mark Workman
Residence: Sahuarita, Three years
Education/licenses/certifications/military: 23 Years Active Duty US Air Force, 3 Degrees including MBA, FAA Airframe and Powerplant license
Recent employment: Retired
Community organizations/activities: 10 years as a victims advocate for the base Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, 10 Years Volunteering with the Special Olympics, 6 Years volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association Children’s Camps
Previous public office/service: None
Learn more at: www.workman4you.com
Deborah McEwen
Why are you running for LD2 State House of Rep?
When our county and district regions are listed as last in economy and scholastic scores for the past ten years it is time to look for new representation that can have a positive impact. Stagnant business development against an ever growing population of county workers reflects an imbalance of citizen-to-government economy. LD2 needs better technical opportunities in a district where 3 billion dollars of produce industry flows through each year. We all should welcome less government and more economic and scholastic opportunities in our lives.
What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?
Addressing our new educational opportunities and technology challenges for our children and teachers. It’s time to look at out-of-the-box solutions to prepare our children for higher paying jobs and opportunities. Not everyone needs to go into debt with a college education when they can obtain high paying jobs through tech and journeyman educational programs right in Santa Cruz and Pima County.
What is the biggest challenge that you see to economic growth in Santa Cruz County?
Today the challenge is just opening back up to full speed without excessive government regulation or tax burdens. Liability protection from frivolous lawsuits to small business needs to be supported. Finally, expanding technology, broadband and support services to our produce industry not only helps that industry but also creates higher paying jobs.
What do you think are the top three issues facing the constituents in Eastern Santa Cruz County and what will you do to respond to them?
A lack of support services and updated infrastructure currently hinders economic security and growth. Neighboring cities prosper from your tourism venues. That equates to lost income and lost tax revenue for building your infrastructure and amenities. Inequitably formulated property taxes are burdensome and need to be adjusted to fit the real estate and demographics. Promotion and expansion of tourism will be a priority and I will work with fair and equitable tax policies for our district.
Name: Deborah McEwen
Residence: Rio Rico, Three years
Education/licenses/certifications/military: BA Sociology, Retired Certified Forensic Examiner and Laboratory Assessor
Recent employment: Federal and State Criminal Justice Forensic Science and Quality Assurance Manager
Community organizations/activities: Arizona Grassroots Coordinator Convention of States
Previous public office/service: None
Learn more at: mcewen4az.com