Welcome to everyone, particularly those who have been referred here by the AZ Democratic Party's website.
When I wrote the original post about the LD18 candidate forum on Thursday, I was very tired, and the post reads like that.
Therefore, the purpose of this post is to provide a more readable summary. If you are interested in the raw report of the forum, the original post is here.
To regular readers of this blog - no new material is covered in this post.
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On Thursday evening, approximately 300 interested residents met with Tammie Pursley (D) and Mark Anderson (R), 2 of the candidates for LD18 State Representative. Russell Pearce (R), the third candidate, was invited and confirmed his attendance with the organizers, Mesa ACORN, but was a last-minute no-show.
The format of the forum, held in the auditorium at EVIT in Mesa, was unusual for this type of event. The audience was responsible for asking all of the questions.
During their opening statements, both candidates stressed their committment to education issues. Mr. Anderson cited his experience in the legislature as Chair of the House K-12 Education Committee and Mrs. Pursley cited her own experience as a career public educator at the junior high and community college levels.
Mr. Anderson's (referred to as 'MA' after this) signature phrase from his opening statement was that the theme of his campaign is "the proper role of government."
Mrs. Pursley's ('TP' after this) signature phrase was "public education is the bedrock of our democracy."
During the evening, the audience's questions covered a variety of topics, but the most common area of interest was education and children's services.
TP used these questions to express her support for the public education system, and for Governor Napolitano's recent proposals to reduce the Arizona's high dropout rate.
She also advocated fully and equitably funding the school systems and programs such as KidsCare.
MA used the opportunity to tout his efforts to create and nurture the state's charter and religious schools, as well as school choice programs. In addition, he supports a preventative approach to addressing many of the social problems in the state, such as faith-based marriage training and character education.
On other issues -
...Both candidates displayed a strong willingness to meet with community groups to listen to and address their concerns. Rep. Anderson showed off his high school Spanish to the strongly Hispanic audience; Mrs. Pursley told of her efforts to become bilingual.
...The issue of the spousal rape bill was brought up early on in the forum. Mr. Anderson said that he was not familiar with the bill. Mrs. Pursley stated that she would have sponsored it.
[Note: This is an area of interest to many people, so let me be clear - One of the legislators (Mark Anderson) most responsible for killing the bill in committee last year publicly denied knowledge of it. Fortunately, it was reintroduced and passed during the most recent session.]
[Note2 - My own district's (LD17) Laura Knaperek was also one of the gang of four that killed the bill last year. Arrggghhhh!]
...Also of some significance, though I didn't realize at the time, were the candidates' responses when asked if they supported the initiative question on the November ballot to raise Arizona's minimum wage.
TP unhesitatingly expressed absolute support for it.
MA hemmed and hawed somewhat, but after saying that he didn't think it would accomplish much, stated that he would vote for it.
The audience was enthusiastic but courteous. Other than a couple of pointed questions directed at Rep. Anderson, the crowd was respectful of both candidates, applauding when appropriate.
The applause was a little louder and a little longer for Tammie Pursley, though. :)
The candidates were also courteous, toward each other and toward the audience, though Tammie Pursley did score points with the audience by reminding people of Russell Pearce's absence.
Overall, the forum was informative and entertaining, and I hope that after the primary there is another forum, attended by all candidates.
Thanks to everyone who read this. Any comments/criticisms are welcome, though please keep them civil.
Good night everyone!
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