Macario Saldate

Democrat
Candidate for Arizona House in Legislative District 3
Phone: (520) 336-4939
Email: msaldate@cox.net
3314 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713.
Name pronunciation: sal-DAH-tey

Age: 70. (12/13/41, Nogales, AZ).

Arizona since: Birth.

Occupation: Professor, UofA, 1972-2009.

Marital: Divorced.

Children: 2; 4 grandchildren.

Religious preference: Catholic.

Education: Ph.D., education, UofA, 1972; Master’s degree, UofA, 1967; Bachelor’s degree, UofA, 1965.

Political experience: Pima Community College Bd, 1973-1979.

Legis exp: House since 2011.

Memberships: Chicano Por La Casa, Red Cross, Partners of Americas, Nat’l Assn of Bilingual Educators, AZ Assn of Chicano Professors.

Interests: Welding, ironwork, small construction projects.

Political influence: The late U.S. Rep. Morris K. Udall, who had the ability to relate quickly with a cross section of people. He had high values, seriousness, honesty, sensitivity, yet was tremendously humorous.

Job creation measures: An economic development plan would incorporate education in a strategic manner in order to attract businesses to Arizona as well to encourage well educated Arizonans to stay in Arizona. If we train the future workforce of the U.S., and not Arizona, then we are not fostering economic development or economic equality that is needed to put Arizona forward as a leader in job growth. I would support funding more research in various science and technology sectors. We should not just fund and incentivize our way to possible economic development and job growth, we should put Arizona’s resources into research and development that will create and foster a better economy and jobs forecast for Arizonans.

Top Issues: I will focus on Arizona’s core curriculum/education standards by introducing a bill that would be a marriage between our K-12 system and our state college and university systems. My second priority to focus on is economic development for the communities in my legislative district.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: Yes. Since the Legislature has not properly funded education, the decision has been left to the voters. Since they had the first say on putting an additional penny toward education, I want them to have the final say on this important issue.

Illegal immigration: We need to begin to analyze illegal immigration separate from the many issues associated with Hispanics in Arizona. This analysis needs to look at the role and responsibility of the federal government vs. state government. We have to find common ground and common purpose instead of responding to reactionary thought and emotion.

Background & experience: Having been a professor and university administrator, I have had to make tough decisions and balance the views of opposing parties. One thing that I have learned in my past career is, when a decision is made, we all must accept it, move on and get the task completed. Also, with my age comes experience and lessons of life. My life experiences have made me an effective listener which is critical to being a legislator.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I believe that abortion is a personal decision and as a result, I am pro-choice.

One last thing: I have one of the best attendance records at the Legislature. I find it critical to learn as much about the legislative process in order to contribute to the debates in committee and on the floor of the House of Representatives. Further, my attendance reflects my seriousness as a legislator. I strive to represent my constituents’ views on legislation and attend to their requests for assistance. If re-elected, I will continue my dedication for Legislative District 3.

Campaign finance: private.