Q&A with Judy Burges

Candidate Interview

Judy Burges, Arizona House of Representatives

Ed. Note: Judy Burges is running for one of the District 4 Arizona House of Representatives seats this year. She is recognized by the initials "JB," and The Arizona Conservative is recognized by "TAC."

Questions

TAC: How do you rate your chances to win in the upcoming Republican Primary?

JB: Very good.

TAC: What are the people of your district telling you about their current House representation?

JB: Unfortunately, many individuals in this district don't know what kind of representation they are receiving.

TAC: Both of your opponents are in favor of tax increases and both of them supported the governor's budget bill this year. Is this the kind of fiscal representation that benefits Arizona?

JB: No, run-away spending sent the budget out of control and has set the people of this district up for one of the largest tax increases in the history of our state -- even greater than prop 301 or 204. I'm not sure what opponents don't understand about special interest and pork barrel spending. Can a leopard change its spots? I don't think so. Until the people of this district make a change, good people who are trying to take their job at the legislature seriously will have to deal with the constant battles of over spenders supporting the governor.

TAC: What are the top issues in this year's election?

JB: The out of control budget, illegal immigration, water.

TAC: Should the Clean Elections system be replaced? If so, what is the solution?

JB: While opposed to using public money to finance political races, I am inclined to say no. This is the only way that good conservatives can run for public office. Challengers to "big spenders" often find it difficult to collect enough donations to wage a successful campaign. People have a tendency to want to support the incumbent.

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

JB: Yes, PAN is a small step in the right direction.

TAC: How long can Arizona sustain a border invasion which quintupled AHCCCS costs from 2001 to 2003?

JB: Newspaper accounts indicate that AHCCCS currently has 65,000 illegals enrolled in the system. Out of a population of 5 1/2 million people in our state, 960,000 have qualified for public-funded assistance to the tune of $1,200,000 -- p 600 percent from 2001. Protect Arizona Now should help with this problem.

TAC: What committees would you want to serve on, if elected?

JB: Finance and Natural Resources

TAC: What are some of the bills you would introduce, if elected?

JB: I would like to take a long look at the tax structure for business. We need to create a climate that will encourage new businesses to invest in Arizona's future. Such as reducing government regulation that strangles economic growth and costs us jobs.

TAC: If the legislature could not hold down the size of state government in the last couple years, with serious revenue shortfalls, will it ever be able to do so?

JB: Yes, it's time to get the lawyers out and bring in the people with business expertise. People who are dedicated to putting the citizens of this state first instead of their own special interest.

TAC: What social issue legislation is needed in 2005?

JB: Private property rights needs to be a priority. Stiffer sentences for criminals that commit crimes against children and the elderly. Tort reforms for doctors and nurses.

TAC: What can be done about Arizona's high crime rates?

JB: Get behind our law enforcement agencies. Encourage citizens to become aware of what is happening in their own neighborhoods and report suspicious activities. Illegal immigration has driven up major crimes by 45 percent and home invasions by 41 percent. Unfortunately, along with those who come here to do honest work, we receive the other benefit -- those who choose to come and commit crimes against our citizens.

TAC: What can be done about Arizona's poor K-12 system and its nation-leading high school dropout rate?

JB: It is important that we stop passing students on to the next grade when it is obvious that they have not mastered the current grade level. Parents must be put back in charge of their children's education and empowered to make prudent decisions as to school choice -- public, private, charter or home school. Dan Lips stated, ''these improvements could mean the difference between a lifetime of hope and learning and a lifetime of illiteracy and despair.''

TAC: General comments: Please comment on any topics not raised above.

JB: Overcrowding in our federal and state prison systems can be directly attributed to illegal immigration. It's time our government stepped up to the plate and took responsibility for securing our borders as outlined in the Constitution. When 8,000 to 10,000 individuals from 130 different countries cross our borders every night, that is a large scale invasion.