Rita Dickinson

Dickinson, Rita (Democrat)

Phone: (602) 955-2772

Email: ritadickinson11@gmail.com

Website: www.ritadickinson.org

2002 E. Rancho Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85016

Age: 60 (9/19/49, Long Beach, CA).

Arizona since: 1973.

Occupation: Retired from the AZ Department of Education in 2009; special needs preschool teacher 1993-06; president, A.M. Publications, 1983-85; special education teacher and coordinator, 1973–79.

Marital: Married (Tom, personal care provider).

Children: 1.

Religious preference: United Church of Christ.

Education: M.A., special education, NAU, 1973; B.S., special education, NAU, 1972; B.M., education, NAU, 1972.

Political experience: Elected to the Madison School District Governing Board in 1988.

Memberships have included: Valley leadership, Junior League of Phoenix Race for the Cure; Phoenix Pan-Hellenic Association.

Interests: Music, reading, cooking.

Issues:

Political influence: My mother.

Budget recommendations: Close tax loopholes; make big corporations pay their fair share of taxes; tax country club memberships and spa services.

Other concerns: Education, job creation and retention.

Fiscal philosophy: I’m fiscally conservative.

Background & experience: I’m not a career politician and represent the middle class who are struggling. I’ll be an advocate for children and vulnerable populations in Arizona. As a former school board member, I know how to work with people who have differing points of view. I have been known as a consensus builder, bringing thoughtful conclusions to difficult situations.

Proposition 100 sales tax: I favor it because our schools are already underfunded.

Pro-life/pro-choice: I am not in favor of abortion. I would like to see public policy that ensures safe, legal and rare [abortions] when a woman is forced to make that decision.

One last thing: After losing a close friend to breast cancer, I helped bring the Race to the Cure to Phoenix. I respond to adversity with action and advocacy. Arizona’s children, seniors and our middle class families are hurting. It’s time to take action and advocate for education, jobs and safe neighborhoods.

Campaign Finance: public.