Victor Jett Contreras

Contreras, Victor Jett (Democrat)

Phone: (480) 766-0719

Email: victorjett@gmail.com

Website: www.victorcontreras.com

(Mail: 1425 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85042)

Age: 28 (4/14/82, El Paso, TX).

Arizona since: 1986.

Occupation: Realtor, Shamaley Ford (El Paso, TX); student.

Marital: Single.

Religious preference: Christian.

Education: ASU.

Political experience: Volunteer, AZ Wesley Clark primary campaign and Kerry/Edwards; John McCain volunteer field organizer in SC, FL and GA.

Memberships have included: National Association of Realtors.

Interests: Reading, coffee, karaoke, a good joke and enjoying life.

Issues:

Political influence: John McCain. I’ve always considered myself a good Democrat and voted a straight ticket, however in 2007, I witnessed John McCain stand up for comprehensive immigration reform and the surge in Iraq. These two positions not only took great courage but would nearly cost him the Republican nomination. In 2007, I decided that even as a Democrat I would volunteer and help him win the Republican primary. As a result, I traveled to Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina and worked for a month and a half prior to the primary. I saw firsthand the animosity of voters as they hurled insults and heckled him for supporting immigration reform, calling him a traitor. Yet, in many ways it was the most ideological liberating time of my life and gave me a different perspective on politics.

Budget recommendations: 1) I recommend we enact performance-based budgeting practices and other reforms at all levels of state government (e.g. 4×10 work week, streamline DMV, business filings). We must ensure that agencies and programs are meeting their goals and operating in an efficient and timely manner. 2) Our state needs additional revenue, and outside of a tax increase the only way to accomplish this is for companies of all sizes to see an increase in businesses and ultimately hire new employees. Reforming and lowering our tax rates would help business and attract new employers as we compete not with California, but with states like Texas, Indiana and Utah. 3) Ask voters to consider allowing the state to temporarily use voter protected funds, but in doing so, identify exactly where the money would go.

Other concerns: 1) The state economy and doing what needs to be done to get people more jobs and help businesses grow. 2) Implementing reforms within government and our personal and corporate tax system.

Fiscal philosophy: I believe in approaching fiscal situations as any family would while budgeting their expenses. We shouldn’t spend more money than we have and we shouldn’t borrow to pay our monthly bills. I have no problem with tax increases as long as people know where the money is going and that it will be spent in a timely and efficient manner.

Background & experience: I think my life experience has prepared me to be a legislator that offers a fresh and timely perspective. Having gone to a successful charter school, I have a different experience with quality education. Being raised a devout Christian, I understand the frustration many people feel about changing societal and cultural standards. Seeing my father lose his job, be unemployed, and almost lose his home gives me a constant motivation to improve our economy. And working with Republicans and independents made me understand that we’re really not that different and want the same things in life: to be safe, happy and healthy.

Proposition 100 sales tax: I supported the temporary tax increase. It was needed to help spare our state from unconscionable budget cuts. We should, however, remember that it’s temporary.

Pro-life/pro-choice: I oppose abortion. I was once pro-choice, though I always considered myself to be personally pro-life. My views changed about two years ago as I reconsidered the issues and learned more about the fetus and abortion in general. I am proud to say that I am a pro-life Democrat and oppose abortion with the exception of rape, incest or when life of the mother [is in danger].

One last thing: I would like voters to know that I will always be accessible to them. I don’t want to be a politician that people only see at school ceremonies or holiday parades. I live, work, and play in my community and love meeting new people. I promise to always be honest and straightforward, willing to say what I think and stand-up for what I believe. Lastly, I want people to know that I cherish and will honor the words of President John F. Kennedy, being a man of “dedication—with an honor mortgaged to no single individual or group, and compromised by no private obligation or aim, but devoted solely to serving the public good.”

Campaign Finance: public.