Stevens, David (Republican)
Phone: (520) 732-1003
Email: davidstevens2010@cox.net
4145 S. Comanche Dr., Sierra Vista, AZ 85650
Age: 48 (8/16/61, Morrison, IL).
Arizona since: 1987.
Occupation: Defense contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense since 1988; research and development manager, Comptron Data, 1997-01.
Marital: Married (Cindy, registered nurse).
Children: 2.
Religious preference: Catholic.
Education: B.S., computer information systems, State University of New York, 1991.
Political experience: Candidate for state House, 2002 and 2004; chair, 2006-07, 1st vice chair, 2004-06, 2nd vice chair, 2002-04, Cochise County Republican Party; AZ House since 2009.
Memberships have included: Boy Scouts of America.
Interests: Restoring muscle cars.
Issues:
Political influence: My father Lee Stevens.
Budget recommendations: Lowering sales taxes would bring in more revenue and increase business activity (more jobs).
Other concerns: Bringing the state’s information technology into the 21st century. It is amazing to me that we still have computer systems from the 70’s, training of new employees that can take up to one year to complete, and the lack of some central management over the way data is collected, stored, and/or shared throughout the state.
Fiscal philosophy: Lower taxes and less government. Lowering tax will encourage more private sector employment which is what we need right now.
Background & experience: Having spent my entire adult life in the IT field, it has allowed me to be a source of knowledge in the development of IT bills in the House. I have also spent most of that time in the U.S. Army or as a defense contractor providing IT services to the U.S. Army. This experience working as a tech or project manager has provided me with insight on what works and what is needed to provide vital services in the future.
Proposition 100 sales tax: Oppose. The sales tax revenue has made a small recovery, and this increase will slow the recovery and could prolong the amount of time in the recession. If the new tax raises $600 million-plus, we will still have a budget deficit with fewer options on the table to fight the problem.
Pro-life/pro-choice: What else can be said except how do you justify killing unborn children.
One last thing: Technology by itself will not solve our problems, but it will not be solved at all without technology. I will continue my work to modernize the IT sections of state government to provide transparency, efficiency and usability.
Campaign Finance: private.