Tom Chabin

Tom Chabin

Chabin, Tom (Democrat)

Phone: (928) 714-9625

Email: reptomchabin@q.com

5520 Latrobe Ln., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(Mail: PO Box 3441, Flagstaff, AZ 86003

Age: 59 (5/20/51, Hutchinson, KS).

Arizona since: 1972.

Occupation: Public policy consultant; ombudsman, Area Agency on Aging and Northern AZ Council of Governments, 2006-07; director, business development, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, 2003-04; self-employed, public policy consultant, 2001-03; Coconino County Board of Supervisors, District 4 supervisor, 1992-00.

Marital: Widowed.

Children: 1. Religious preference: Catholic.

Education: B.A., NAU, 1976. Political experience: Coconino Board of Supervisors, 1993-00; Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission, 1986-92; Tuba City Public School Board, 1989-92; AZ House since 2007 (appointed to replace Ann Kirkpatrick, who resigned July 24, 2007, to run for CD1).

Issues:

Political influence: Bill Schulz. Bill challenged Barry Goldwater for Senate in 1980 and lost by just 0.5 percent when Ronald Reagan carried Arizona by a wide margin. Bill honestly addressed real issues and resisted pressure to change his position because of polling. He engaged people in genuine dialogue and respected and appreciated their input. Retired today, Bill and his wife Lea remain actively involved in our Arizona community.

Budget recommendations: I would close loopholes in our tax laws that are designed to give relief to the wealthy. For example: Donations to student tuition organizations should be used to help children attend private schools, who would otherwise not have the opportunity to do so. That was the intent of the law when it was written. Such donations should not be earmarked for children whose parents are able to afford a private education for them. I would recommend that we examine methods to broaden the sales tax base by taxing some services such as dog grooming, pedicures, spa treatments, etc. Such services could be considered luxuries, which the average Arizonan cannot afford. I also suggest that a targeted tax on alcohol could be used to help cover the costs for alcohol-related crime, domestic violence and child abuse. Other concerns: State government has imposed restrictions upon cities and counties, which have limited their ability to find solutions to local problems. I will work with my colleagues in the AZ House in a bipartisan effort to lift these restrictions to return control to local governments. One of the most daunting issues facing Arizonans today is the state of the educational system. This issue doesn’t just affect students and their families, it affects us all as we depend upon educated Arizonans to move the state forward.

Fiscal philosophy: I am practical and pragmatic. I believe that targeted revenue should be used for specific government roles and purposes. I do not believe that we should use borrowed money for operating funds. Background & experience: As a Coconino County supervisor for two terms and a member of the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission for seven years, I gained experience in how local government should work with state government as partners in resolving problems. Working collaboratively is what is required to make government work at all levels. My experience as a member of the Tuba City Public School Board has prepared me to be a leader in issues relating to education at all levels. I understand the importance of providing our children with a solid foundation to prepare them for the future.

Prop. 100 sales tax: I favor the temporary sales tax increase. It is an unfortunate solution to our fiscal crisis, but it is the only viable option we have at this time.

Pro-life/pro-choice: I am not “for” abortion. I don’t believe that anyone is. Every abortion is a tragic decision. However, I feel that the right to choose belongs to every woman. Within the limits of Roe v. Wade, I believe that every woman must make that decision freely without governmental obstacles.

One last thing: I have been a resident of Arizona for 38 years and graduated in American Studies from NAU. I have served as a board member on several local commissions and youth, church and community organizations in northern Arizona. My late wife and I were foster parents for six years. I am raising our son who recently graduated from high school.

Campaign Finance: public.