Republican – Legislative District 18 House

Phone: (602) 616-1235

Address: 3219 E Desert Flower Lane , Phoenix, AZ 85044

Age: 66. (06/07/48, LaGrange, GA).

Arizona since: 1983

Occupation: Owner/operator, Majestic Beverages, since 2003; CIO, Security Trust Co, 2002-03; director, CRM Systems, H&R Block, 2001-03; project manager, American Express; 1999-2001.

Marital: Married

Children: 4

Education: M.B.A., business management, University of Phoenix, 1989; B.S., computer science, Florida Atlantic University, 1982.

Political experience: Kyrene Elementary School Board since 2012.

Interests: Tennis, playing bass guitar in a band.

Two biggest issues: Our economy, though recovering, still struggles to create enough jobs for everyone. We need more and better jobs for the people of our area and the state. Policies that allow the private and public sectors to grow again are critical if we are to restore our leadership position as a successful economic engine. I will use my years of experience in business and education advocating for policies of fiscal responsibility, eliminating unnecessary regulations and cutting wasteful spending. With good economic policies, we can get Arizona back to work. Education is essential in building strong individuals, strong families and strong communities. I was honored to have been elected to the school board by the voters of this area. During my time on the school board, I have worked hard for sensible policies that include local control, excellent educational opportunities and a fiscally responsible budget. I will continue to work for locally controlled, fiscally responsible educational excellence.

Budget priorities: We must always strive for a balanced budget first and foremost. There are those add-on expenditures that become necessary due to changes in the economy, federal government mandates and other unexpected but required expenditures. Then there are those additional needs that may receive full or partial funding depending on the amount of available funds. The state can increase revenues by providing opportunities for business growth. Government does not create jobs, but government can help in creating the propensity for jobs to be created in the private sector.

Fiscal philosophy: I am a fiscal conservative.

Common Core: As a school board member, I have a first-hand view of the impacts of Common Core. This standard was designed with the intent of preparing students to be effective participants in the adult world they will one day represent. Though this standard is nationwide, the interpretation and implementation are locally designed and managed. It is our responsibility on the school board to make sure Common Core is implemented per stated mandates and to assure the students in our district receive the best possible education they can get and have the best possible educational experience we can provide.

Gifts to elected officials: All levels of government officials should be included in this reform. More clarity is needed in the definition of “gifts.”

Transparency in government: I think it is important for government to be transparent. The public should have the ability to know what their government is doing for them, how their elected officials are representing them, and why the Legislature makes the decisions it does as a body.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I oppose abortion except in some special cases where death of the mother is eminent. For example, if an expectant mother suddenly becomes ill in the early stages of pregnancy and her only chance of survival is to abort the child, then abortion may be a viable option. If the mother is in a late stage of pregnancy and the same condition arises, a C-section may be a more appropriate method.

Public policy advice: I try to research the issues, seek out perspectives from all sides of the issue, ask pertinent questions to fill any holes I may have in my understanding of the issue and then provide feedback.

King, John

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