Shirley McAllister

Shirley McAllister

McAllister, Shirley (Democrat)

Phone: (623) 876-9198

Email: sunmacaz@cox.net

Website: www.McAllister2010.com

9520 W. Greenway Rd., Sun City, AZ 85351

Age: 78 (11/12/31, Noel, Missouri ).

Arizona since: 1996.

Occupation: Retired; 30 years as professor and administrator at North Dakota State University, 1982-93; Washington State University, 1980-82; Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 1974-80; Kansas State University, 1969-74; and University of Arkansas, 1964-69. Carthage, MO Jr. High, 1962-64; US Civil Service, 1950-58.

Marital: Widowed.

Children: 3 surviving.

Religious preference: Protestant.

Education: B.S., home economics education, U of Arkansas, 1962; M.S., textiles and clothing, U. of Missouri, 1964; Ed.D., higher education, University of Arkansas, 1969.

Political experience: Candidate for office two times: ND 1992 and AZ 2002; volunteered in ND campaigns 1986 and 1988; co-manager of Cass County Democratic headquarters in 1994; managed the West Democratic Headquarters 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007-09, assisting all statewide candidates and those in West Valley; active in the Arizona Democratic Party, holding party offices for LD9, Maricopa County and ADP; president of Sun City Democratic Club for 3 years; delegate to Democratic National Conventions in 1992 (ND), 2000, 2004, 2008 (AZ).

Memberships have included: President, International Textile and Apparel Association in late ’80s; member of several other professional associations; BPW, NOW and other civic groups while employed.

Interests: I like to travel; have visited several European countries with a student group; participated in two tours of China textile and apparel industry; vacationing in Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Mexico. I learned lapidary and silvercraft in craft shops in Sun City and have made jewelry. I enjoy reading, photography and writing.

Issues:

Political influence: I became politically active after Ronald Reagan’s election, so I guess you could say he provided a lot of influence. I realized that I should help elect the people I thought should win an election. In North Dakota, I worked to elect Senator Dorgan and Senator Conrad, as well as Congressman Pomeroy. I have a lot of respect for them; they helped me realize that many politicians are people of integrity, even when I do not agree with all their positions. In Arizona, my biggest influence has been former Governor Napolitano. She is smart, politically savvy and has integrity.

Budget recommendations: Arizona should examine all tax credits to determine if they are meeting the objectives set for them when they were approved, or if the usefulness of the tax credit has passed. I am opposed to the state taking money from the general fund to give to charitable organizations when we are in a budget deficit. We should not cut funding to agencies/departments that are generating revenue, such as the Department of Revenue or the Attorney General’s Office. When their staffs are cut, they cannot be as effective in doing the job assigned to them. We could also try an incentive program for state employees to suggest savings in the operation of their agency/department. Those doing the work are often the ones who know where waste is.

Other concerns: The Legislature should do what it can to help Arizona become more energy independent. This may require changes in the laws, incentives for energy efficiency, or investment in green technology. Properly funding education and investing in the future of our children is a major priority for me. We are hampered in attracting high tech industries if we do not provide an educated workforce. New industry will not locate in a state that has a poor educational system.

Fiscal philosophy: I consider myself a fiscal conservative. In my personal life and professional life, I have had to learn how to use what I have, save where possible and to not waste financial resources. I raised five children on one income which meant we never had money to spare. Professionally, I was a university administrator during tight budget years, dealing with down-sizing and high output expectations — doing more with less. Looking for ways to leverage the funds available, cooperative projects with others, and being willing to examine the use of funding to find savings or to invest in the future are a part of my DNA.

Background & experience: I have worked with large budgets, worked to find solutions to problems in my academic career, led my professional association through reorganization and led an effort that proposed a restructuring of academic units within a university. I work well with others and am able to accept solutions to problems that are not my own ideas. Part of Arizona’s problem seems to be the provincial attitude of some in government. I have a wide array of experiences in different settings and different states. I have learned and grown through the variety of experience in my lifetime. I believe that would make me an asset in the Legislature.

Prop. 100 sales tax: I supported the temporary sales tax increase. The Legislature and governor failed the state by delaying this decision a year and referring it to the voters. With a little courage, they could have made the decision themselves in 2009. I support it because these are unusual times, when some exceptions should be made. We need to examine the tax codes and attempt to make our revenues less dependent on sales taxes. Without the sales tax increase, the state would be in deeper problems than it already is, delaying our recovery from the downturn in the economy.

Pro-life/pro-choice: I remember the days when abortion was illegal and unsafe, and had friends who made choices that endangered their lives. Therefore, I support keeping abortion legal and safe. I support a woman’s right to make choices regarding her health care without interference from the government.

One last thing: I chose to live in Arizona because of the beautiful scenery and the climate. I love learning of Arizona’s history and appreciate its cultural diversity. I have black grandchildren who live in Maricopa County, and on one of my first visits to Phoenix, I attended a school program where the students were approximately one-third white, one-third black and one-third Hispanic. It was a pleasure to know my mixed-race granddaughter did not look out of place. This diversity is an asset for the state, and I hope we can move beyond the divisiveness of this time.

Campaign Finance: public.