Meet the Candidates: Lisa Otondo - Arizona House District 4

Name: Lisa Otondo

Age: 51

Office running for: state representative, Legislative District 4

Family: Daughter of Robert F. and Mary A. Otondo

Party: Democratic

Education: Master's degree in international public administration, Monterey Institute of International Studies; B.S. in international policy studies

Employment: Realtor, Century 21 Action Group

To what organizations do you belong? National Association of Realtors, Yuma Association of Realtors

What in your past experiences helps qualify you for this seat? I was born and raised in Yuma County and come from a close-knit farming family. I have worked in both the public and private sectors. I am a former public schoolteacher and businesswoman with the time, dedication, education and competence to do the job right.

If elected, what is the one issue on which you would focus to improve Yuma's quality of life? How? Job creation and economic development will be my focus. I will work to attract business opportunities to the area and support education and skills training in order to develop our workforce.

What do you think is the biggest challenge right now facing Yumans, and how would you change it? Economic development is our greatest challenge. I will work to support education and skills training, so that we can bring jobs to rural Arizona. I want to prevent further budget cuts to universities and colleges, so that middle-class families can afford to educate their children. I believe we must develop our work force in order to diversify, develop and strengthen our economy.

What would you do to make government more accessible? Accessibility to information and to elected officials is of prime importance. As your elected state representative for District 4, I will be dedicated to reaching out to you, my constituents, informing you about current legislation and listening to your concerns. I will have a website, return calls and emails, keep an open door policy and be accessible. I plan on being extremely involved during session and interim session, so that you will have strong representation at the state Capitol.

Who is your personal hero, and why? My mother, Mary A. Otondo, was a loving wife and mother, a veteran, a registered nurse and a strong advocate for public education. She dedicated her life to serving her family, community and country and did so with grace and integrity. Her strength, bravery and faith never wavered, even during her battles with cancer. My family and I are forever grateful to Yuma School District 1 for having named a school in her honor.