Augustine Bartning

Republican
Candidate for Arizona Senate in Legislative District 24
Phone: (480) 269-2024
Email: augustine@bartning2012.org
Website: www.bartning2012.org
Twitter: @Abartning
(Mail: PO Box 44795, Phoenix, AZ 85064)

Age: 32. (10/09/79, Phoenix, AZ).

Arizona since: Birth.

Occupation: Associate, Yescalis Campaign Strategies, 2012; consultant, Replenish Enterprises, since 2008; consulting associate/director, Institutional and International Strategies, Keeling & Associates, 2006-2009; administrative coordinator, Health Services at Columbia University, 2004-2006.

Marital: Single.

Religious preference: Catholic.

Education: B.S., foreign service, Georgetown University, 2002; Brophy College Preparatory, 1998.

Political experience: AZ state chairman, Teenage Republicans (TARS) fundraising for Quayle for Congress, Paton for Congress, Monti for Mayor and Barry M Goldwater Statue Project. First personal campaign for elected office.

Memberships: Coca Cola Scholars Alumni Advisory Bd, Ship for World Youth Alumni Assn, American Political Science Assn, NASPA Foundation.

Interests: Hiking, biking, and traveling.

Political influence: John Shadegg. While in my third year at Georgetown University, I attained an internship in his office at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. My experiences there taught me about the challenges of responding to a variance of opinions. In March 2001, a U.S. spy plane crashed in China, and Congressman Shadegg gave me the opportunity to write the first draft in response to a letter. I was quickly humbled by his feedback and precision. He consistently sought to understand and cohesively respond to his constituency, and those are characteristics that I would hope to emulate if elected.

Job creation measures: Promote the privatization of services and the private sector for job creation, and provide new incentives for Arizona entrepreneurs and out-of-state businesses to invest in new plants, research, equipment, and workers here in Arizona. We are one of the top states for attracting entrepreneurs because of our low business and property taxes as well as minimal worker’s compensation costs. We must continue to make this state an ideal place to start new businesses in these innovative sectors, and we may need to lower taxes even further to remain competitive.

Top Issues: Education and efficient energy solutions. Our public school system needs less bureaucracy and more accountability. Among primary and secondary schools, we must give families a choice and improve student success and learning in struggling institutions. Two possible ideas are merit pay for high-performing teachers and options through education savings accounts. Arizona needs to become a leader in efficient energy solutions and our policies must continue to support that development. The link between higher education and technology firms is phenomenal. We must continue to legislate for policies that offer incentives for local, higher-skilled training.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: I oppose extending the temporary sales tax because it burdens businesses and lesser income families. Now that the budget is balanced, the Legislature should be able to continue balancing revenues instead of placing the burden on residents.

Illegal immigration: Secure the border. As a state, we are limited in the role that we can play, but we must enforce federal immigration policies and protect those residents who have come here through legal means. We should also seek and approve policies that make it easier for small business owners to hire residents at fair and competitive wages.

Background & experience: After spending four years in Washington, D.C. as a Georgetown student, I took my degree and new skills to South America where I worked with not-for-profit foundations. Coupled with several years in the private sector working for a higher education consulting firm, I have experienced a number of different areas that better prepare me for policy-making, especially in education.

Pro-life / pro-choice: Protect the life of the unborn.

One last thing: I am ready to receive input from constituents and lead us to effective resolutions, approaching each problem with an open mind and sound critical thinking — something every Arizonan expects from their legislators. I am a native Arizonan – born in St. Joseph’s Hospital – and my grandfather was a pioneer in the Litchfield Park area before Arizona even achieved statehood.

Campaign finance: public.