Democrat

Arizona since: 1973.

Occupation: Community relations coordinator, La Frontera Center Inc., since 2003; clinical supervisor, La Frontera Child/Family Center, 1996-2003; coordinator, 1993-1996, and child and family specialist, 1991-1994, La Frontera Child/Family Center; foster parent and foster parent trainer, 1978-1988.

Marital: Married (Rudy Jones).

Children: 3 (former foster mother to 44 children)..

Religious preference: Did not respond..

Education: B.A., women’s studies and psychology, UofA, 1990; some graduate work.

Political experience: Sunnyside School Board, 18 years.

Legis exp: Senate since 2009, Democratic whip since 2009; House 2001-2008, assistant Democratic leader 2005-2006, minority whip 2003-2004.

Memberships: AZ Women’s Political Caucus; bd member, AZ Virtual Academy; Business and Professional Women’s Organization; bd chair, Center for Women Policy Studies; LGBTQ Behavioral Health Coalition; Healthy Families Advisory Committee; Compassion and Choices AZ; Juvenile Services Coordinating Council; Los Descendientes de Tucson; NCSL Women’s Legislative Network; NAACP; NOW; regional director, WILL/WAND; past president, AZ School Bd Assn; past chair, Council of Urban Bds of Education Steering Committee; past president, Nat’l Hispanic Caucus of School Bd Members.

Interests: Hiking, reading, karaoke and dancing.

Political influence: Pete Rios has been the most influential. During my time in the Legislature with him, I learned a great deal about the process and the history – both critical.

Job creation measures: Invest in education and health care.

Top Issues: Health care and rolling back the legislative assault on women’s rights.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: I favor extending the tax. Investing in education and health care is the most important act the Legislature can take to support a healthy future Arizona economy.

Illegal immigration: Nothing more needs to be done in Arizona. The federal government needs to take action.

Background & experience: My background as a school board member helped me learn the art of negotiation and compromise. My work in behavioral health and my time as a foster parent help me understand the impact of legislative policy on vulnerable Arizonans.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I believe that government has absolutely no role in the private lives of anyone, but particularly in the private lives of women.

Campaign finance: private.