Steve Montenegro

Steve Montenegro

Montenegro, Steve (Republican)

Phone: (623) 826-8108

Email: SteveMontenegro@gmail.com

Website: www.montenegroaz.com

12928 W. Earll Dr., Avondale, AZ 85392

Age: 28 (7/28/81, El Salvador).

Arizona since: 1995.

Occupation: District representative, Congressman Trent Franks, since 2006; president, Arizona Messengers of Peace, 2000-05; office intern, Congressman Trent Franks, 2004; teacher, Arizona Charter Academy and Superior School, 2000-02; legal assistant, Ray Hayes Law Office, 1998-99; intern, City of Surprise Attorney’s Office, 1997-98; special events coordinator, Associated Students of ASU West, 1999-00.

Marital: Married (Melissa Espino).

Religious preference: Christian.

Education: B.S., political science, ASU, 2004; A.A., theology, CBAN and Logos University, 2003.

Political experience: Precinct committeeman, GOP LD12, since 2007; delegate, GOP state convention, 2008; worked on numerous GOP campaigns since 2004; AZ House since 2009.

Memberships have included: NRA.

Interests: Reading, golf, politics.

Issues:

Political influence: It sounds a little cliché, but I really do admire Ronald Reagan and how he approached things. In modern times, he brought common sense approaches to policy and economics. Also, Trent Franks.

Budget recommendations: We don’t need higher taxes, we need more taxpayers. Whenever we create an atmosphere where businesses feel attracted, they’ll set up shop here and employ more people. We need to make an employer friendly Arizona. Take corporate and individual income taxes and property taxes and lower them. If we went to a flat tax, we could maybe bring more revenue. On expenditures, explain to voters about the mess we are in so we can lift the restrictions on some voter protected spending areas in social benefits and welfare.

Other concerns: Right now we need to create an atmosphere for more jobs. Government lies when it creates jobs. They’re temporary jobs. Government transparency is the second, and we need to get more money in the classroom.

Fiscal philosophy: I really like the Austrian School of Economics. I like a government hands-off model, but it has to be in a pure way where the government isn’t manipulating the market. We have to be fiscally responsible.

Background & experience: I’m a servant. I understand that I have been called to serve. I know that other people have great resumes, but I think I have been called to the people. I’ve worked with different groups in my church, working with our finances and being a servant.

Proposition 100 sales tax: I was not in favor of it. The reason I opposed it is because we are in tremendous economic pain and the worst thing you can do is burden the taxpayer. It brings a burden on sales and the businesses in the state.

Pro-life/pro-choice: I am unapologetically pro-life. I believe we have to defend the lives of unborn Americans and people.

One last thing: The last two years I have kept my word. We faced tremendous pressures, but I have respected the people who have sent me [to the Legislature], and I want to continue to serve them. I kept my word to defend against higher taxes, bring a more secure border, and I’ve fought to defend their wallets as well.

Campaign Finance: private.