Q&A with Les Thompson

Candidate Interview

Les Thompson, Arizona Senate

Ed. Note: Les Thompson is running for the District 25 Arizona Senate seat this year. He is recognized by the initials "LT," and The Arizona Conservative is recognized by "TAC."

Questions

TAC: What are the top issues facing the state this year?

LT: Budget, Illegal immigration, Water

TAC: The top issues in your district?

LT: Taxes and illegal immigration, unfunded state mandates

TAC: Do you consider yourself a pro-life conservative?

LT: Yes

TAC: Do you support or oppose tax increases to help solve the state's budget problems?

LT: Oppose

TAC: What is your opinion of the 2004 state budget approved by the legislature this spring?

LT: Budget is too large and the tax increase needs to be removed

TAC: Do you support or oppose Prop 200, the PAN initiative?

LT: Support

TAC: How do you evaluate the legislative record of the incumbent(s) in the seat you are pursuing?

LT: Not the taxpayers' friend

TAC: If the Clean Elections initiative makes it on the ballot, will you support or oppose it?

LT: I am currently using it but will not support at the polls.

TAC: How long can Arizona sustain the type of pressure on AHCCCS that raised the expenditure five-fold from 2001 to 2003, from $200 million to $1.2 billion?

LT: All indigent health care programs are growing at an alarming rate and must be better controlled!!

TAC: How can Arizona improve its K-12 education system and lower the high school dropout rate?

LT: Give local schools and teachers the help to run their classes. Respect for authority has to be re-introduced and demanded.

TAC: What social issues legislation is needed in 2005?

LT: Traditional families have to be strengthened and protected.

TAC: General comments: Please comment on any issue or topic not raised above:

LT: Illegal immigration has to be controlled and the state has to make every effort to help deal with it. Private property is a must and has to have more protection. Federal unfunded mandates must be stopped.