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Republican – Legislative District 16 Senate
Phone: (480) 962-4552
Email: contact@senatordavefarnsworth.com
Website: www.senatordavefarnsworth.com
Facebook: David Farnsworth
Twitter: @DaveFarnsworth
Address: 9912 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207
Age: 62. (07/16/51, Mexico City, Mexico).
Arizona since: 1952
Occupation: Owner, Farnsworth and Associates (real estate investing and rental management), since 2011; department supervisor, Home Depot, 2004-11; former owner of Farnsworth Autosales, Farnsworth Auto Recycling, Farnsworth Distributing; Farnsworth Autobody; Dave’s Auto; crane and forklift operator, Snowflake Paper Mill; underground diesel mechanic, Hecla Mining Company; formerly licensed in real estate and insurance.
Marital: Married
Children: 7
Education: A.A., business administration, Mesa Community College, 1979; Mesa H.S., 1969.
Political experience: Precinct committeeman (non-concurrent) since 1982; candidate, Snowflake Town Council, 1992; candidate, state Senate, 1996 and 1998.
Legis exp: Senate since 2013 (appointed Sept. 11, 2013 to replace Sen. Rich Crandall); House 1995-96.
Interests: Spending time with family, caring for large lawn, gardening, building and repairing, jigsaw puzzles, flying to different cities, discussing patriotism and religion, teaching, speaking, reading, bicycling, hiking, and listening to classical music.
Two biggest issues: I believe the two biggest issues facing Arizona’s future is protecting life liberty and property rights, especially the lives of the unborn, and the need for the opportunity to make a living for our families, whether we choose to have jobs or start businesses. I believe the biggest deterrent to job growth and new endeavors is government interference.
Budget priorities: I will make it a high priority to work with others looking for waste and inefficiencies and fraud in our government programs and agencies. We can increase revenues by freeing the entrepreneur, thereby increasing and growing the economy through reduced red tape, regulation and government interference.
Fiscal philosophy: I am very careful about how I spend my own money. I think we have a solemn and sacred obligation to protect the taxpayer dollar more carefully than we protect our own money. I believe in the free market and supply and demand. Moreover, as we grow industry and the economy through an improved business environment we will have the funds necessary to do those things that are appropriate in government.
Common Core: No, we should not implement. I believe that Arizona is unique; moreover, Arizona students are unique. I believe that any standards we adopt in Arizona concerning our young people’s education should be homegrown. This is such a vital thing because our young people are the future of our state and our nation. Any standards written must be written with the input of parents and school boards closest to the children.
Gifts to elected officials: As legislators, we are invited to many functions. Many of them we attend not because we desire to go but because we feel it is part of our responsibility. In the hustle and bustle of legislative life during the session sometimes, it is difficult to recognize when we are being singled out. If any reform is needed, it might be for lobbyists to inform us of any gifts they are giving that are not being offered to the Legislature as a whole. Most of the dinners and functions that I attend feel more like an obligation, and definitely do not feel like a gift.
Transparency in government: I have worked very hard to encourage community members to participate in the legislative process. When there is a lack of transparency, or for example when committee meeting times are changed without proper notice, it is very discouraging to the public who desire to participate. I believe the biggest area of transparency that is lacking is and how taxpayers’ dollars are spent.
Pro-life / pro-choice: I am pro-life 100% no exceptions! I believe there can be no priority greater than the protection of the unborn who cannot protect themselves.
Public policy advice: I am continually seeking advice from many people on policy and other issues, including legislators, friends, relatives, business leaders and church associations.
