Ariz. State Representative: John Weil

Name: John Weil

Age: 58

Hometown: Yuma

Office running for: State representative

In district: 24

Political experience: None

Family: Spouse, Cristyn E. Weil

Party: Conservative Democrat

Please describe your platform:

I am running for state representative because I have the background, knowledge and skills to help solve Arizona's economic problems, support small business owners and put people back to work.

If elected, what is your first priority?

If elected, my No. 1 priority will be economic recovery and jobs for rural Arizona.

Who do you think is your biggest challenger and why?

Under the Arizona Constitution, District 24 has two members in the House of Representatives. In this election there are three candidates, myself and two incumbents, Republican Russ Jones and Democrat Lynne Pancrazi, running for two seats. I believe Arizona needs new leadership, and I am asking the voters to make John Weil one of their choices for state representative.

What do you think sets you apart from your opponent(s)?

I have been a small business owner in Yuma for the past 30 years. As a lawyer I have helped hundreds of small business owners and individuals with financial problems. As chairperson of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, I understand how small business owners are hampered by overregulation and overtaxation. I am uniquely qualified to help solve our economic problems and bring jobs back to Yuma and La Paz County.

What would you do to achieve more transparency in government, and should government officials be in charge of managing those efforts?

Our economic crisis has revealed the consequences of years of fiscal irresponsibility at the state Legislature. Runaway spending during the good years, tax breaks for special interests and questionable accounting techniques have bankrupted the state. I am committed to fiscal discipline, ending wasteful spending and increased accountability and transparency.

Public notices are regarded as one important way for the public to find out what is really happening in government. Newspapers currently not only print public notices but also operate a free, consolidated, online, searchable database. Some people advocate that public notices should be available only on government websites. Do you agree that the Legislature should change the current law to mandate that public notices be available only on government websites?

Many citizens lack access to government websites. Public notices still contribute to government accountability and transparency and should be retained.

What do you think is the biggest challenge right now facing Yumans, and Arizonans?

The biggest challenge is the economy and loss of jobs.

What would you do, if elected, to help change that?

1. Get government off the back of small business. Small business owners create two out of three jobs in America, yet in Arizona they are overtaxed and overregulated. To sustain small business owners we must get government off their backs, cut the red tape and eliminate unnecessary regulations.

2. Get Arizona in the race for economic recovery. Many states have already passed economic recovery legislation, including targeted tax credits for hiring persons receiving unemployment compensation and deal closing programs. These programs work and states that have acted are gaining jobs. Unfortunately, the Arizona Legislature has done nothing but sit on the sideline. If elected I will get Arizona in the race for economic recovery.

3. Strengthen public education. As a result of the cuts during the last session of the Legislature, Arizona has the lowest per capita funding for public education in the nation. Education is our future and we cannot attract good jobs without an educated work force.

What is one of your strengths? Weaknesses (something you'd like to improve upon)?

I retired as a colonel after 30 years service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, including voluntary active duty during Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I understand the challenges facing Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans. I am proud of the role that Yuma's military installations play in our national defense. As a member of the Arizona Military Affairs Commission I have worked to protect MCAS Yuma and Yuma Proving Ground and will continue that fight in the Legislature.

What is one thing that you want voters to know?

I believe it is wrong for elected officials to put the interest of their political parties ahead of the interest of the people. Partisan fighting has hindered Arizona's economic growth. I will work with both Democrats and Republicans to solve our economic problems.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

You can learn more about my background and my position on the issues by visiting my website: www.electjohnweil.com.