Democrat – Legislative District 7 House

Phone: (928) 401-1078

Address: 4227 Cactus Loop Drive , Tuba City, AZ 86045

Age: 56. (09/14/57, Albuquerque, NM).

Arizona since: 1957

Occupation: District court judge, Navajo Nation, 1998-2014; retired, 1992-98; prosecutor, Office of the Prosecutor, Tuba City, 1991-92; legal advocate, Law Office of John Yazzie; June-May 1990; police officer, Navajo Division of Law Enforcement, 1982-90; buyer and salesperson, family owned business in Aspen, CO and Monument Valley, UT.

Marital: Married

Children: 10; 14 grandchildren

Education: NAU, completed 2 1/2 years; Window Rock H.S., 1975.

Political experience: None.

Interests: My husband and I share an interest in adopting and rehabilitating feral horses. We promote responsible ranching and healthy livestock practices. I enjoy cooking.

Two biggest issues: Today’s students need to be prepared to enter a world in which colleges and business are demanding more than ever before. The education of our students in K-12 is a partnership between home and school. I support investing in early childhood education initiatives meeting the needs of our exceptional student services and reducing our student dropout rates. Since parents are a child’s first teachers, we should continue to offer resources which encourage parents to be vested partners in their child or children’s education.

Budget priorities: At this point and time I am only aware of general information regarding the state’s budget, resources and current priorities, so an answer is not possible. I would need information on the budget and program information, current needs of the state and information on the economy in order to make a sound decision.

Fiscal philosophy: I believe that spending should be based on established priorities and the availability of resources.

Common Core: Common Core emphasizes that students learn to apply skills which involve critical-thinking, being investigative and problem-solving. This is also a state-led endeavor aimed at preparing all students to be successful in their pursuit of higher education, their careers, and remain lifelong learners. Shared expectations of student’s achievement are at the center of ACCRS.

Gifts to elected officials: I support the laws that regulate gifts given to elected officials. At this time, I do not believe the laws need to be changed.

Transparency in government: Transparency is as important as a citizen wishes it to be. I advocate for voters to become interested and learn more about their government. Accordingly, transparency includes dialogue and written legislation [that is] understandable to all people within our communities.

Pro-life / pro-choice: This decision is and will always be difficult for any woman to make. I support legislation which sponsors quality women’s health care, family planning education, and contraceptives services – all of which help reduce abortions and unintended pregnancies. I, however, disagree [with] women using abortion as a means of contraceptive. Where abortion is warranted is life threatening situations for the mother and/or unborn child.

Public policy advice: I tend to reach out to trusted individuals that demonstrate pro-active advocacy on behalf of their community.

Benally, Jennifer

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