Democrat – Legislative District 14 House

Phone: (217) 871-5414

Address: 3680 E El Toro Rd , Sahuarita, AZ 85629

Age: 64. (06/07/50, Jacksonville, IL).

Arizona since: Did not provide.

Occupation: Prop builder, motion picture industry, since 2006; prop/set builder, painter, actor/extra, Hangover 3; prop/set builder, actor/extra, Hot Bath an’a stiff Drink.

Marital: Married

Children: 2

Education: Christian Brothers H.S. (Quincy, IL), 1968.

Political experience: None.

Interests: Woodworking, mechanics, DIY home repair, history.

Two biggest issues: The failure of the Legislature to work for all the citizens of the state. Open lines of communication between the district and the Legislature. To encourage citizens to get involved and be visible in the district. The failure of the Legislature to cooperate within its ranks to help the state and not the financial interests of outsiders. Open lines of communication, cooperate within the Legislature to seek common ground on an issue and resolve differences. Make contact throughout the district with constituents, address their concerns and relay their will to the Legislature.

Budget priorities: Education, rural health care, infrastructure. To follow the laws already in place and not shift funds to suit the numbers in order to balance the budget. By eliminating special interests and out-of-state obligations, the Legislature should be able to fulfill its obligation to the citizens of Arizona and at the same time keep tax revenue within the budget.

Fiscal philosophy: I believe that if you don’t have it, don’t spend it.

Common Core: Education is the foundation upon which we must build for the future. Common Core contains guidelines for an educational program that can be fine-tuned for a particular area or district. With this in mind, [Common Core] should be utilized by educators who can apply it to a comprehensive curriculum.

Gifts to elected officials: Yes, but being unfamiliar with the law I don’t think it would be prudent to comment at this time.

Transparency in government: If the government works for the people, then the people must have access to what is being done in their name. In order for that to happen, the people must demand of their representation complete openness. Secrecy and obfuscation only enhances division among the people, pitting citizen against citizen against the government. Truth and honesty were at one time a good measure of a man.

Pro-life / pro-choice: Life is precious and should be protected at all cost. A woman’s body belongs to her, and what decisions she makes should not be interfered with by anyone but her and her doctor. It also should follow that in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies it is important to make available Planned Parenthood and create a realistic and comprehensive sex education program.

Public policy advice: Various sources including local news media, public broadcasting and from experts in each field such as law enforcement and public safety, hospital administrators, boards of education and members of city and county boards. These are the most pertinent sources of public policy.

Burton, James

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