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Democrat
Candidate for Arizona House in Legislative District 9
Phone: (520) 344-0301
Email: victoria@steeleforhouse.com
Website: www.steeleforhouse.com
Twitter: @steeleforhouse
680 W Rushwood Dr, Tucson, AZ 85704.
Age: 55. (11/05/56, Franklin, PA).
Arizona since: 1987.
Occupation: Licensed professional counselor in private practice since 2005 (depression, anxiety, grief, couples’ counseling); faculty member, University of Phoenix, since 1992; substance abuse counselor, The Haven, 2009-2010 and 2003-2007; domestic violence counselor, House of Neighborly Services, 2000-2004; domestic violence counselor, The Brewster Center, 2001-2002; television and radio newscaster, KOLD-TV, KNST and KTUC Radio, 1978-1998..
Children: 1.
Education: Master’s, counseling, Univ of Phoenix, 2003; B.A., counseling psychology, 2000; liberal arts, Pima Community College, 1996-2000; nursing and liberal arts, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, 1977-1979.
Memberships: Licensed professional counselor, state of AZ; American Counseling Assn; Nat’l Bd of Certified Counselors; Sierra Club; Emily’s List; Arizona List.
Interests: Enjoying nature, Native American culture, LGBT, social justice issues.
Political influence: Gabrielle Giffords.
Job creation measures: Provide incentives for businesses that create sustainable, higher-paying jobs that stay in Arizona; create private/public partnerships to invest in businesses in biomedicine, clean technology, and renewable energy. Arizona should be a world leader in solar energy.
Top Issues: My top priority is creating higher paying jobs in a sustainable economy, closely followed by making sure Arizona invests in education to give our state the competitive edge that is so critical to our future.
Prop 100 sales tax extension: I do favor extending the temporary tax increase because the current Legislature has left Arizona with so few options for generating revenue.
Illegal immigration: Arizona must have comprehensive and manageable immigration reform which is the responsibility of the federal government. Arizona lawmakers should strive to build positive relationships which benefit the economies of both Arizona and Mexico. I would support efforts to build a path to citizenship similar to the Dream Act.
Background & experience: As a former television and radio newscaster, I have strong effective communication skills, which will create a positive impact in our state House and bring back consensus through relationship building. As a business owner, I understand the risks and challenges involved in starting and growing a business. As a counselor, I understand the hopes and struggles of the people of Arizona. I will work to empower all Arizonans, not just those of one party, and I will be the voice for those who currently have none. I have the skills to effectively reach across the political divide to build relationships and create consensus for the betterment of my community. As a college instructor, I understand that an educated and skilled workforce is vital to Arizona’s economy and I will work to invest in quality education; K-12, universities, colleges, and adult education.
Pro-life / pro-choice: I support a woman’s right to choose. Government should not be in the position of legislating morality and should not interfere in the medical decisions between a woman and her doctor.
One last thing: I believe if you work hard, you should be able to raise a family, own a home, send your kids to college, and set aside money for retirement. That dream has faded for Arizonans. We need a renewal of fairness and balance; Arizona’s public education system needs to become one of the best in the nation to ensure Arizona’s place in the world economy and to make us attractive to companies who will bring higher paying jobs here. Arizonans deserve access to affordable health care, including mental health and reproductive health services. I will work to increase comprehensive health care for the uninsured and the under insured, because investing in public health and preventative health is smart protection against soaring costs. I am the hard working problem-solver, dynamic leader and compassionate visionary we need in the state House. A vote for me is a vote to bring back balance to our House.
Campaign finance: private.
