Coleman, Doug

Republican – Legislative District 16 House

Phone: (480) 982-7226

Email: colemandouglas@yahoo.com

Website: votedougcoleman.com

Facebook: Doug Coleman

Address: 1474 S Royal Palm Rd , Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Age: 57. (12/20/56, Phoenix, AZ).

Arizona since: Birth

Occupation: Career and technical education teacher, Apache Junction H.S., since 1984.

Marital: Married

Children: 6

Education: M.A., vocational education, 1989; B.A.E., business, office, and distributive education, ASU, 1981; A.A., general studies, Mesa Community College, 1979; Westwood High School, 1974.

Political experience: Apache Junction, city councilman, 2008-12 and 1991-95; mayor, Apache Junction, 1995-2007; president, Arizona League of Cities & Towns, 2006-07.

Legis exp: House since 2013.

Interests: Duncan YoYo champion; amateur radio operator, KI7LP; long distance running.

Two biggest issues: Economic development and education. If elected, I will continue to push for Arizona to become even more competitive when compared with other states in being able to attract and retain businesses. I will push for policies that encourage jobs and job creation, including economic development tools and strategies. Education should be viewed as an investment, rather than an expense. I will support innovative educational programs, school choice, accountability, and an A+ school for every Arizona student. Making higher education available and affordable is also a top priority. Promoting these priorities will take a commitment of effort and resources.

Budget priorities: Restoration of HURF and other infrastructure needs is a top priority for me, as well as meeting our educational needs for both K-12 and higher education. I believe that we need to focus on economic development and increasing the number of trade opportunities for our state. We have done much to streamline the process by way of Transaction Privilege Tax reform, which makes it easier for business to operate in our state. We need to continue to look for ways of improving and diversifying the economy and providing a well-educated and trained workforce.

Fiscal philosophy: I am a fiscally responsible conservative.

Common Core: I believe that the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards are a good investment for Arizona. There has been much said about the development of the standards, and many of the arguments against focus on curriculum, which is not what the standards are. Curriculum is, and should be, left up to the local school boards and communities. Arizona took a leading role in the development of the standards. If anything, they are Arizona’s standards and other states are adopting them. In looking at the standards, I believe that they focus on much needed and valued critical thinking skills, which is why the business community supports them.

Gifts to elected officials: I believe our laws regarding gifts to those in elected office provide a great deal of transparency and should be commended, but improvement is always needed and desired. I would support legislation requiring more detail and greater access to the current reports.

Transparency in government: Public policy and the public’s business should be conducted in public and made available to the media for reporting.

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

Public policy advice: Trusted family, friends, local elected officials, and my constituency.