Arizona since: 2004.

Occupation: Retired; owner, Andrea Dalessandro, CPA, tax accountant, 1981-2006; asst professor, Rutgers; The State University of New Jersey, (taught a wide variety of accounting courses including governmental accounting); asst accounting professor, The City University of New Jersey, 1986-1987; corporate tax accountant, Josephson International (NY, NY), 1983-1985; senior tax accountant, Price Waterhouse, 1981-1983; mathematics teacher, Jersey City Board of Education 1970-1981.

Marital: Married (Andrew, retired).

Children: 1.

Religious preference: Catholic.

Education: Doctoral candidate, business, NYU, 1987-1993; taxation, Pace University, 1984-1986; M.B.A., professional accounting, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 1981; administration and supervision, The City University of New Jersey, 1976-1977; M.A., mathematics education, The City University of New Jersey, 1975; B.A., mathematics education, The City University of New Jersey, 1970.

Political experience: Elected Democratic precinct committeeman since 2005; elected Democratic state committeeman since 2006; treasurer, Jeff Latas for Congress, 2006; Democratic candidate for LD30, representative, 2008 and 2010.

Memberships: Sahuarita at Anamax Park Coordinator, since Jan 2010; www.Beyond-Tucson.org; American Assn of University Women scholarship chair; charter member, Sahuarita Elks Lodge # 2851; Southwest Assn of Buffalo Soldiers; Running and Winning Friends of the Santa Cruz River; Sierra Club; Tubac Rotary; Sky Island Alliance; volunteer, Wade Carpenter Middle School (Nogales); judged senior projects at Nogales H.S.; League of Women Voters; retired, Nat’l Education Assn; retired, AZ Education Assn; American Red Cross (blood and platelet donor); Alliance for Retired Americans; Christian Foundation for Children and Aging; bd member, Town of Sahuarita; AZ Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Bd.

Interests: Civil discourse, fiber arts including Navajo weaving, reading.

Political influence: State Rep. Lena Saradnik. I observed her as a very prepared and thoughtful representative in 2007. Sandra Day O’Connor for her efforts with O’Connor House for finding common ground that will lead to a better future for Arizona. Current State Rep. Katie Hobbs for her commitment to sound values and for her professionalism.

Job creation measures: First of all, I would encourage everyone I encounter to stop the inaccurate rhetoric that hurts the people and businesses of southern Arizona. To say that we are in a danger zone with open borders is just not true. This inaccurate talk severely and negatively impacts our businesses, especially tourism, real estate and small businesses as well as our future growth in economic development that is so desperately needed.

Top Issues: Jobs and economic development with a public education system to support their growth.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: Although sales tax is my least favorite form of taxation because it is regressive, I support the extension only because K-12 public school funding has been so drastically cut by the GOP led Legislature. Sixty percent of the revenue generated will go to K-12 education. $100 million will go to transportation projects including roads and mass transit. This will provide jobs that we desperately need. Another important provision bans the “sweeping” of HURF funds, which has had a negative impact in all of LD2, especially in Tucson and Nogales.

Illegal immigration: Comprehensive immigration reform on the federal level is long overdue. An orderly guest worker program needs to be implemented.

Background & experience: As a teacher, I prepared to make sure our kids have a good public school education; as a CPA/tax accountant, I prepared to work to diversify our economy with green, renewable energy and high tech jobs; as a small business owner, I prepared to help small businesses grow to create jobs; as an environmentalist, I prepared to ensure that our air is clean and that we have enough good quality water; as the wife of disabled USMC Vietnam veteran, I prepared to develop programs to honor, respect, and support our veterans.

Pro-life / pro-choice: We should be working together to reduce the number of abortions. I fear that the defunding of Planned Parenthood will have the opposite effect.

One last thing: I will provide a strong, articulate voice for all people of LD 2 with my prepared, professional experience.

Campaign finance: public.

Arizona since: 1973.

Occupation: Currently a candidate for LD2; council member, Town of Sahuarita, elected May 2009, resigned to run for LD2 Jan 2012; Pima County Library staff, 2005-2009; IPC Hospitalist Company staff, 1999-2004; bank teller, Wells Fargo, 1983-1997.

Marital: Married (Arturo, manager).

Children: 1.

Religious preference: Catholic.

Education: Central High School, 1978.

Political experience: Participated in Democratic Party since 2007; past bd member, Hispanic Elected Local Officials; past bd member, Nat’l League of Cities.

Memberships: Current council member, South Pima Regional Partnership Council – First Things First; current bd member, South East AZ Citizens Forum Bd – Int’l Boundary Water Commission; current bd member, Friends of the Green Valley Library; current advisory bd member, Green Valley Sahuarita – Community Food Bank; past bd member, Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC); past member, Nat’l Assn of Latino Elected Officials; past bd member, Community Foundation of Greater Green Valley; past officer, Sahuarita Elks Lodge.

Interests: Reading and volunteering for community activities.

Political influence: My sister, Susy Bravo, has been the most influential person in my political development. Her can-do attitude, her encouragement to participate in the community, her willingness to discuss the important issues, and her inspiration to protect the rights and liberties of the citizens in our community. Also I would give recognition to my mother who has helped me to find my voice.

Job creation measures: As a legislator, I would support the economic development along the Sun Corridor and work to develop more trade opportunities with Mexico.

Top Issues: Early childhood development, because if our children are ready for school, they will be set for life. Secondly, the state of Arizona should work to meet its goal of safe-yield through sustainable water supplies.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: I am in favor of extending the temporary sales tax to continue our support of our educational programs.

Illegal immigration: I am in support of comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level, and I support the Dream Act. The border should be secured at the border.

Background & experience: I served as a council member for the town of Sahuarita. My experience at the local level has prepared me to address the concerns of our local citizens.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I will oppose legislation that interferes with a woman’s access to abortion.

One last thing: I am an energetic and committed individual who has demonstrated the ability to plan, execute and see projects to the end. I have extensive experience working with volunteers where the challenge is to motivate and coordinate individuals from all walks of life. I will bring a fresh set of ideas and the skills necessary to work together to accomplish the goals of LD2 and the state of Arizona.

Campaign finance: public.

Arizona since: Birth..

Occupation: No response.

Marital: Married (Melissa, music teacher).

Children: 2.

Religious preference: Catholic.

Education: B.S., physical science, NAU, 1999.

Political experience: Precinct committeeman.

Memberships: AZ Education Assn.

Interests: No response.

Political influence: I became politically aware during Regan’s second term. So while it might be a cliché for a Republican to site Regan, it just happens to be the case.

Job creation measures: Of the three things needed to create jobs — capital, management and labor — the state can have the largest impact by supporting efforts to ensure a qualified work force. Create an environment and public attitude that will encourage employers to locate in Arizona with confidence that the state in cooperation with other jurisdictions will expedite and assist with regulatory processes.

Top Issues: Transforming education; fostering a collaborative relationship between the state, counties, cities and towns.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: I will be voting “yes” on the Quality Education and Jobs Act should it be on the ballot. While I do not believe it to be the ideal solution, the state is not currently meeting its obligations. Arizona needs to fundamentally transform funding for public education, and I am committed to working towards that goal. Yet we cannot neglect our responsibilities in the interim.

Illegal immigration: Immigration and border security are related but separate issues. Arizona needs to focus its resources on the areas where we can have the greatest impact mitigating the economic consequences of the federal government’s failure to manage the border. We need to insist that Arizona be compensated for impact of federal actions.

Background & experience: K-12 and higher education represents over half of the state budget. As a teacher, an association officer and board member, and a district professional development facilitator, I have been involved to some degree at all levels of education. These experiences will allow me to be a leader in a meaningful transformation of Arizona’s public education system.

Pro-life / pro-choice: All life is sacred.

One last thing: I am a third generation Arizonan. I want an Arizona where my future grandchildren will be proud to say they are fifth generation Arizonans.

Campaign finance: public.