Georgette Valle from Green Valley
Democrat for Arizona State Senate, Representing All of the 30^th District

Economy: What is your plan for reviving the AZ economy?

For economic prosperity, we must:

• Continue to invest in public-private partnerships that make Arizona a world leader in advanced technology and research, with assistance in commercializing viable businesses.
• Cultivate tourism in southern Arizona which depends on the beauty of our mountains and deserts and the hundreds of bird species which migrate through here and have Arizona as their habitats.
• Attract clean, green businesses.
• Continue to support Fort Huachuca as an economic engine that brings $2 billion annually to the AZ economy.
• Develop transportation and state land plans to support our state’s growth and create a dynamic Arizona for future generations.
• Expand access to health care, so that Arizonans will lead the nation in being healthy.

Small business: What will you do for small business?

I have become increasingly aware of the burden on small business in obtaining permits for new or additional facilities and will create one-stop centers for all permits. Those with entrepreneurial ideas must be supported!

Balanced budget: How will you balance Arizona’s budget in future years?

I support bonding for capital costs related to higher education. I will also require that every consulting contract held by government departments be reviewed. If they are not producing outcomes for our state, those contracts should be ended within 30 days.
Travel for state business should be curtailed, as video and telephone conferencing can accomplish most tasks.

Education: What are your proposed plans for improving education in Arizona?

• Raise standards for our public schools so Arizona students are prepared for advanced education and the 21st Century workforce.
• At all levels, put a special emphasis on science and math, and advocate creation of environmental education centers for our K-12 students.
• For K-12, increase the drop out age to 18.
• For students in four-year public universities, ensure that the tuition isn’t raised for those students during their four years.

Mining: What is your position on the Rosemont Mine?

On the mine, I have carefully reviewed arguments on both sides, which could be summed up as environmental concerns vs. economic concerns. In my view, these two positions are not in conflict. If the mine goes in, home values in Sahuarita, Green Valley, Sonoita and Patagonia all will be negatively affected, because of the presence of a new mine with its tailings in a nearby mountain range, the water use and the likely decline in water quality, and the impact of greatly increased truck traffic from construction and operations. The loss of value for thousands of homes outweighs creation of jobs by the mine. Further, because of negative environmental impacts, tourism, birding and other recreational use would decline, and would significantly reduce the flow of tourism dollars into southern Arizona.
Why destroy such important economic assets as real estate values and tourism/recreational dollars?

CAP water pipeline: What is your position on the CAP water proposal by Augusta?

As indicated above, I do not support the mine, and do not support their building the pipeline. We will need to find other ways to finance the CAP water pipe, just as we find ways to fund other infrastructure. I propose 1/3^rd from the federal government, 1/3^rd from the state government and 1/3^rd from our county government.

Taxes: Are you proposing raising taxes?

Given the state of our economy, its impact on middle-class families and the many retirees in our communities, I would advocate other approaches, such as bonding. Raising taxes would be the last option I’d consider.

Leaving Pima County: What about Green Valley and Sahuarita becoming part of Santa Cruz County?

First, Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckleberry has made it clear that such a transition could occur only with a very large payment to Pima County. Second, the low tax rates in Santa Cruz County are an illusion. If we were to receive the services we currently receive through Pima County, Santa Cruz rates would have to go up significantly. We don’t realize what we get from our taxes in Pima County—the convenient county center with numerous services, such as DMV, Health Department, Sheriff’s, good roads, a terrific library, flood management, fire protection through taxing districts.
Let’s be careful about what a few politically-inclined folks are wishing for!

Priorities: What are your priorities?

I support economic prosperity, improved education, access to health care for all, and environmental sustainability including water and alternative energy.

Immigration: Illegal immigrants continue to travel through Green Valley and live in the state of Arizona. If elected, what will you do?

I am in complete accordance with Rep. Gabriel Giffords on this matter. The federal government must step up to its full responsibilities in the immigration issue. I support the Border Patrol in their efforts to secure the border.
I advocate for (1) a guest worker program with time limits; (2) close collaboration with Mexico and Guatemala to support economic development in those areas from which most of our undocumented persons come and (3) a path to citizenship which meets all current requirements and increases the limits on immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala and other countries.
I support continued medical treatment of illegal immigrants and their children at emergency rooms with Federal funding, unless a change were to be made by Congress.

Health Care: You talk about health care being a priority; what will you support?

• A health care program that parents can purchase for their children at minimum cost.
• Legislation that will require insurance companies to insure people despite pre-existing conditions.
• Ensuring that our veterans, whether from World War II or Iraq and Afghanistan, receive all needed physical and mental health care from the Veterans Administration. We are fortunate to have an excellent facility in Tucson.