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Justin Olson
Olson, Justin (Republican)
Phone: (602) 677-2643
Email: jolson2001@gmail.com
Website: www.VoteJustinOlson.com
524 N. 38th St., Mesa, AZ 85205
Age: 31 (1/1/79, Mesa, AZ).
Arizona since: Birth.
Occupation: Senior research analyst, AZ Tax Research Association, 2007-10; congressional aide, U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congressman Trent Franks, 2005-06; real estate sales agent, American Realty Brokers, 2002-05.
Marital: Married (Karyn, homemaker).
Children: 4.
Religious preference: LDS.
Education: B.S., biology, ASU, 2004; Mountain View H.S., 1997.
Political experience: Precinct committeeman, 2004-06; campaign volunteer for many Republican candidates and conservative causes.
Memberships have included: Did not respond.
Interests: Politics, family, church, recreation.
Issues:
Political influence: Individuals that have shaped my political development include Ronald Reagan, William F. Buckley, Jr., Milton Friedman, Cleon Skousen, Ezra Taft Benson, Adam Smith, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and many others.
Budget recommendations: The state needs to look at the programs that were added from 2004 to 2008 when the budget grew by 62 percent. This growth was more than double the increase in population and inflation. The state can no longer afford the programs that were added during that time of unusually high tax revenues. These programs should be the first considered for elimination. Secondly, the state should eliminate inequities and redundancies in current funding formulas. Lastly, reductions in all spending categories will likely also be needed. Other concerns: As a legislator, I will focus on my priorities: low taxes, fiscal responsibility and economic growth.
Fiscal philosophy: I am a limited-government, fiscal conservative.
Background & experience: As a senior research analyst for the Arizona Tax Research Association, I worked diligently to hold the line against tax increases and to advocate for job-creating tax cuts. As a state representative, I will continue this effort. I will protect Arizonans’ hard-earned tax dollars, and I will work to reduce the high tax burdens that repel businesses from the state.
Proposition 100 sales tax: I opposed the temporary sales tax increase. I felt that raising taxes during a recession was the wrong solution for our state as it would only prolong the much needed economic recovery.
Pro-life/pro-choice: I am pro-life.
One last thing: I am a fourth-generation Arizonan, born and raised in Mesa. I am a father of four young children. My wife and I both graduated from Mesa public schools and currently send our children to the district’s schools. I bring valuable experience to this office. While on Capitol Hill as a congressional aid for Congressman Trent Franks, the conservative Heritage Foundation recognized me as a graduate from the Heritage Congressional Fellowship program. I have been a faithful volunteer for Republican candidates and conservative ballot initiatives. Most recently, I worked as a senior research analyst for ATRA, where I was on the front-lines defending Arizonans against government intrusion and excessive taxes, and was an expert on public finance and the state budget. My experience enables me to be an effective advocate for conservative legislation beginning on my first day as your new state representative.
Campaign Finance: private.