Angela Cotera

Angela Cotera

Cotera, Angela (Democrat)

Phone: (623) 877-2671

Email: cotera4az@gmail.com

Website: www.cotera4az.com

10933 W. Bermuda Dr., Avondale, AZ 85392.

Age: 46. (7/15/63, Erie, PA).

Arizona since: 1967-1988,1991-present.

Occupation: Principal investigator, Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute, since 2003; lecturer, Department of Physics & Astronomy, ASU, 2002-03; research associate, Steward Observatory, UofA, 1998-02; associate, National Research Council, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1995-98.

Marital: Married (Mark Hulet, nuclear engineer, APS).

Religious preference: Methodist.

Education: Ph.D., applied physics (astrophysics), Stanford, 1995; B.A., plan II honors liberal arts, University of Texas, 1986; B.S., engineering science, University of Texas, 1986; Flagstaff High School, 1981.

Political experience: Tolleson Union High School District Override Election, 2010; Litchfield Elementary School District Bond Election, 2009; chairman, West Valley Parents for Education 2009-10; state committee member, Democratic Party, 2009-10; candidate, Arizona Senate, LD12, 2008.

Memberships have included: Avondale General Plan Advisory Committee, 2009-10; Avondale Planning Commission, 2008-10; Leadership West Class XIV 2007-10; Emerge Arizona, 2007-10; American Astronomical Society 1990-10.

Interests: Bringing astronomy into the classroom, skiing, hiking, golfing, crafts.

Issues:

Political influence: No single person has been notably influential as I have worked to expand my expertise beyond astrophysics over the last few years. I have had assistance from many fine people in understanding the problems facing Arizona, and in determining how I can best use my talents to contribute with meaningful solutions.

Budget recommendations: We can immediately cut spending by reducing the amount we expend in tax credits to narrow interest groups. In the coming legislative session, however, we have to modernize our tax laws to increase equity and create the stable revenue stream needed for a robust 21st century economy. We can begin by closing some of the over 200 transactional tax loopholes enacted in the last 20 years that benefit only special interests and the rich.

Other concerns: Education: A high-quality education system provides the foundation for both individual and economic growth. Being at the bottom of the nation in K-12 per-pupil funding and teacher-to-student ratio is simply unacceptable. We must equip our citizens with the skills needed to contribute to a modern and continually evolving work force. Jobs: We have to establish an economic environment conducive to diversified job creation and sustainable job growth. When Arizonans work, Arizona works.

Fiscal philosophy: Balance: Our current budget crisis is largely due to an imbalance in our state tax revenue sources. For political gain, Arizona’s tax base has been shifted to an over-reliance on sales taxes, resulting in over-sensitivity to economic cycles as compared to most other states. The taxes levied on both our individual and corporate citizens must not be burdensome, but they must be equitable. Our expenditures must be necessary and efficient. Background & experience: Although my career in science research has not necessarily taught me all the right answers in public policy, I do know how to ask the right questions. I have developed the skills needed to take well-studied problems, and still find new, creative solutions. By combining my professional background with my personal experiences of the obstacles life often throws at all of us and a genuine desire to serve my community, I know I will be an effective legislator.

Proposition 100 sales tax: I agree with the 64 percent of voters who understood we had to act immediately to mitigate an impending economic disaster. The voters were wise enough to see that the consequences of not passing the sales tax increase were simply unacceptable; if only our legislators had shown similar wisdom and saved the state the expense of an election. Tragically, significantly better options were available, but were never realistically considered due to partisan politics as usual.

Pro-life/pro-choice: I want to see the number of abortions performed in this country dramatically decreased, and hope within my lifetime to see an end to the need for abortion. The decision to bring a child into this world is one of the most intensely personal decisions we ever make, and should be free from government intrusion.

One last thing: When making political decisions my allegiances are, in order; my values, the needs of my community, the best interest of all Arizonans. As a representative, it will be my job to enhance the quality of life for everyone in LD12, without reference to political affiliations. My ambition is to be a statesman, not a politician; someone who focuses on building consensus and solving problems, not scoring political points.

Campaign Finance: public.