Catherine Miranda

Democrat
Candidate for Arizona House in Legislative District 27
Phone: (602) 672-4298
Email: friendsforcatherinemiranda@yahoo.com
Twitter: @repcmiranda
21 E Saint Charles Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.

Age: 47. (10/05/64, Phoenix, AZ).

Arizona since: Birth.

Occupation: School bd member, Roosevelt School Dist; former asst principal, Cartwright Elementary School Dist; asst principal, Washington Elementary School Dist, 2006-2008; teacher/asst principal, Roosevelt School Dist, 2002-2006; co-founder of the Manzana Foundation that provides education to all students.

Marital: Married (Ben, attorney/legislator).

Children: 2.

Religious preference: Catholic.

Education: Master’s, educational leadership, 2004; B.A., elementary education, 2001.

Political experience: Active in local campaigns and South Mnt community; Roosevelt School Governing Bd, 2008; Committee to Re-Elect Ben Miranda, 2006, 2008; appointed to the Nat’l Hispanic Caucus for State Legislators Executive Committee; appointed to the Nat’l Assn of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Bd.

Legis exp: House since 2011.

Memberships: South Mnt Community College Advisory Committee; American Legion Post 41, Women’s Auxiliary; AZ Hispanic School Admin Assn; AZ School Bd Assn; AZ School of Curriculum Dev; Nat’l Assn of Secondary School Principals.

Interests: My husband and children and mentoring young men and women.

Political influence: My husband Ben has always been my primary source for guidance in political matters. My background in education has made it easier to understand issues which impact my legislative district. I have often been described as idealistic, and my husband has been instrumental in educating me on the “bare knuckles” of politics.

Job creation measures: Job creation in this century will focus on two factors embracing the need to connect with a global economy and the absolute essential of a well-trained, well-educated work force. We can debate until the cows come home about how we transition from the five “Cs” of the last century to the current economic scenario, but without a doubt, the quality of our education will dictate our success in job creation. Across the board tax incentives/exemptions, which are not targeted, will hurt job creation in the long run. Without a doubt our proximity to Mexico offers us an advantage over other non-border states. Texas has been proactive in its approach to trade with our southern neighbor and has seen the economic rewards. Health care has been a major burden on some Arizona businesses, and legislative policies must be tailored to assist those small business owners who cannot grow with our help.

Top Issues: Creation of a seamless education system must be a legislative priority because the matriculation of students from primary to secondary to college has seen obstacles. Education is interwoven with our health system. Changing demographics have made it clear that without a healthy and educated workforce we are destine to fall further behind in our ability to provide jobs for our younger generation and a good quality of life for seniors/baby boomers. The immigration issue especially as it impacts Dream Act students must be addressed in a manner that makes full use of these talented students who have much to offer our economy.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: It’s a matter of necessity that I support the one-cent sales tax. Our inability at the state Legislature to reform our tax system and create a well balance revenue structure will have dire consequences for Arizona in the future. Continuing the one-cent sales tax is a reflection of overreliance on one revenue source, but because of state tax policies we have no choice if we want to adequately support public education.

Illegal immigration: We cannot afford more immigration laws that provide extreme conservatives with symbolic gratification that their approach has been beneficial to our state’s economy. We cannot turn a blind eye to the negative image that Arizona has acquired because of these immigration laws. Aspects of the Utah Compact must be seriously considered and adopted, such as the “five principals.” Closing the doors of opportunity to bright and talented students from access to universities is illogical and a formula for economic failure. Attrition through enforcement has been a failure.

Background & experience: A lifelong resident and educated in my district has provided me with an opportunity to teach, become a school administrator and serve as school board member and state representative. This combination of home grown skills has been the foundation of service for my constituents. On another note, while I find service in the Legislature gratifying, “but for my ACL knee injuries,” I would be in the WNBA playing with Diana Taurasi. However I take consolation that much of my leadership skills emerged from involvement in sports.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I am pro-life. The issue of abortion cannot be addressed by legislation alone. It must involve moral persuasion and good education.

One last thing: Politics is not, nor has been, the center of my life. I respect and admire many public officials, but for democracy to thrive again in our system of government the true meaning of “public service” must be the driving force in politics.

Campaign finance: private.