Damian Trabel

Damian Trabel

Trabel, Damian (Libertarian)

Phone: (602) 904-5083

Email: damian_trabel@hotmail.com

Website: www.candidacious.com

1128 W. Hermosa Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282

Name pronunciation: TRAY-bell. Age: 30 (4/27/80, Fort Wayne, IN).

Arizona since: 2008.

Occupation: Director of consulting, GSD Software, since 2008; independent software business since 1999.

Marital: Single.

Religious preference: Did not respond.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, computer science, 2003.

Political experience: None.

Interests: Music, playing piano, sketching, travel.

Issues:

Political influence: If I had to pick one person, I’d credit Bud Baker from Fort Wayne, IN (who passed last April). He was very politically active and always kept me up to date on issues that were important to him. We engaged in a lot of spirited discussion which we both enjoyed and benefited from, even though we often disagreed.

Budget recommendations: (1) Prison reform. Eliminate mandatory-minimum sentencing and return discretion to judges. Provide alternatives to prison for non-violent and drug-related offenses where appropriate. (2) Increase efficiency of state programs through streamlined processes, increased use of technology, and training and education programs. Other concerns: Education and business. Education is an ever-important issue for families and for the future of our community, especially with the large college population of LD17. Making sure we have the best environment possible for businesses to flourish is also key to maintaining the health of our community and fighting rising unemployment.

Fiscal philosophy: I tend to be fiscally conservative. I’m not against state programs, but the balance sheet has to work out favorably. I think Americans pay too much each year in taxes and that many state programs can be run more efficiently without compromising quality of life.

Background & experience: I have a tremendous background of diverse experience that has left me well-equipped to rapidly adapt to new environments, communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, education levels, cultures and languages, and to work together with various groups to develop innovative solutions to challenging problems.

Proposition 100 sales tax: I support the temporary sales tax increase along with the majority of Arizonians who voted to approve the tax. Ordinarily, I’m opposed to tax increases and would rather increase efficiency of state programs to compensate for budget shortfalls, but the current fiscal situation is such that rapid action is required. I believe the best option for that rapid action is the temporary sales tax increase that will act as a stopgap until a longer-term solution can be reached. I think this tax increase was done in the right way, being sent to voters for approval.

Pro-life/pro-choice: While the morality of abortion will continue to be debated, the Roe vs. Wade decision is well-reasoned and should be upheld in the interest of personal freedom and the health and well-being of women. Federal funding for abortion should be limited, and our focus should be on preventing unwanted pregnancies.

One last thing: As your representative, I will use taxpayer money wisely and effectively, and work hard to protect our freedoms and ensure that LD17 is positioned for economic success. Thank you for your consideration, and God bless America.

Campaign Finance: private.