Why I am Running

I want to be your state representative because I am appalled at what the Republicans in power are doing to our state. The devastating impact that bills coming out of this legislature have on families, the disabled, seniors, jobs, education and healthcare is unconscionable and it needs to stop. Our representatives should work for us, but in order for that to happen we must first change the focus and priorities of our legislature. I want to be part of that change because I know that I have the experience to make it happen.

I served 18 years in the State Senate and I am living proof that it is possible to put party differences aside and produce positive results. Friends and colleagues from both sides of the aisle have encouraged me to run for the House of Representatives because of my solid record in building bi-partisan support for bills with teeth and integrity. We need to pull together to get Arizona back on track and let those who are self-serving either politically or financially find venues other than the state legislature to promote themselves.

As a Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board member I am faced with policies and budgets from our legislature that gravely damage our school systems. As your representative I will work to rectify this, make education accessible to all, and put the focus on 21st century jobs and skills so that our students can compete in the global economy.

During my years in the Senate, I also fought for working families, small businesses, seniors and the disabled. I was instrumental in the launching of ASU West. Lela Alston Elementary School was named after me in recognition for the work I did for my community. I taught for 35 years in Phoenix Union high schools and understand the challenges facing families because they are also my issues. I raised and educated my children in Phoenix, am a product of public education from kindergarten through graduate school and am a native Arizonan with roots grounded in our state's history.

My decision to run is an act of passion and concern, not a stepping-stone to any other position, elected or otherwise. To build a stronger Arizona, we need legislators who can hit the ground running and understand what it means to negotiate, choose battles, find common ground and produce results. I have done it all before and I want to do it again for district 15. I ask for your vote so that together we can build the Arizona that works for and supports all citizens.