Russ Jones

Russ Jones

Jones, Russ (Republican)

Phone: (928) 726-7799

Email: russ@rljones.com

3644 W. Brandi Ln., Yuma, AZ 85364

Age: 62 (5/11/48, San Diego, CA).

Arizona since: 1976.

Occupation: Self-employed in family business: U.S. licensed customs broker and insurance broker.

Marital: Married (Janet).

Children: 2.

Religious preference: Lutheran.

Education: Four years of college interrupted by military service in U.S. Army; no degree, major: history, minor: business.

Political experience: AZ House since 2009, AZ House 2005-06.

Memberships have included: Yuma Rod & Gun Club; NRA; National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association; Arizona-Mexico Commission; Civil Air Patrol; Rotary; Chamber of Commerce; Border Trade Alliance; Yuma Orchestra Association; Yuma Community Foundation.

Interests: Reading, camping, flying, football, shooting.

Issues:

Political influence: My father, who by his example of both public and political service, inspired me to emulate him. My political philosophy, on the other hand, was inspired by the life, works, and words of Ronald Reagan.

Budget recommendations: First, I’d like to see the state get out of the real estate business and look at other private/public partnerships that would both stimulate the economy and reduce costs through greater efficiencies and reduced government workforce. Next, as the economy rebounds, before we begin hiring new state employees, we should restructure our state employee benefits programs, such as changing to a “defined contribution” plan from the “defined benefit” one we have now. Finally, we should rely less on corporate and individual income tax, by gradually eliminating them, and broadening the state sales tax to include all retail sales and non-business services.

Other concerns: I plan to continue my efforts at streamlining government by reducing and, where justified, eliminating unnecessary regulatory requirements for business. Well over 80 percent of Arizona jobs are derived from small to medium businesses, and if Arizona is going to recover from the Great Recession and thrive in an increasingly competitive world, it will be due to her businessmen and women. The second area, which by the way is linked to the first at the hip, is education. Arizona not only has to rethink how we deliver educational services and finance them, but we have to absolutely manage our expectations and demand results.

Fiscal philosophy: I believe that the government that governs least governs best, and that that level of government closest and most directly accountable to the voters should be the one to deliver services without undue micromanaging from higher levels of government. State government should be responsible for oversight, so as to insure fiscal and constitutional compliance. I believe that in many, but not all cases, the private sector can and should be able to freely and fairly compete for the right to deliver public services, again, with the appropriate oversight by government to insure accountability as well as compliance.

Background & experience: Running and managing a state is very similar to running and managing a large business conglomerate. My many years as a successful businessman required me to acquire the skills and knowledge that helped me gain the necessary experience to take on such a task. Additionally, my life’s experiences, such as remaining happily married to the same woman for over 42 years, serving this country in a time of war in the military, raising two great, successful kids in Arizona, and watching them do the same with theirs, and certainly not least, my abiding faith in God and His son Jesus Christ.

Proposition 100 sales tax: I do and did support the bill and voted for it. The alternative would have been to gut state government to the detriment of many Arizonans who weren’t responsible for the fiscal irresponsibility of prior legislatures and governor, who knowingly failed in their respective duty to the people of Arizona.

Pro-life/pro-choice: I am pro-life.

One last thing: I sincerely believe that public service is an honorable endeavor and am grateful for the opportunity this office affords me to do just that. I would highly recommend it to anyone and simply ask them to start, if they haven’t already, by getting actively involved in the process through the ballot box and the exercise of this precious franchise that democracy affords us, regardless of their political affiliation.

Campaign Finance: private.