Democrat – Legislative District 21 House

Phone: (623) 518-2237

Address: 15433 W Shangri La Rd , Surprise, AZ 85379

Age: 69. (01/31/45, Tempe, AZ).

Arizona since: Birth

Occupation: Self-employed writer, cultural history, current; Honeywell/ Bull Information Systems, 27 years; editor, supervisor, project manager, technical writer, Worldwide Company Newsletter; Empowerment for Women Workshop facilitator for victims of domestic violence, Faith House, 2 years.

Marital: Married

Children: 5

Education: Diploma, Lamson Business College, business curriculum, 1973; attended, graduate technical writing for computers, ASU; attended, business administration, Glendale Community College; attended, liberal arts curriculum, Phoenix College.

Political experience: Have canvassed, phone-banked, hosted fundraisers, and GOTV on multiple campaigns since the 1970s for several Democrats.

Interests: Activism for the purpose of seeking justice and equality for all people; participating in civic activities to ensure fairness and rational sense in implementation of local, state & federal laws; writing about cultural and personal experiences; engaging in political campaigns with candidates whose issues I support; genealogy; hiking; participating in extended family activities; documenting stories from the elderly; discussing history with our grandchildren.

Two biggest issues: Restoring appropriate funding to Arizona’s public schools is a major priority. In past decades, the state of Arizona would provide a much greater percent of its budget to public education, vs. the meager one provided now. Students were able to take their basic reading, writing, math, science, and history courses, and still be able to explore their possible skills or talents in art, music, etc. Now, those options are cost prohibitive and the burden is placed on parents. If elected, I would examine the budget to eliminate waste or frivolous expenses in order to replace public education funding. Another major issue is the lack of decent paying jobs in our Arizona communities. Arizona should have an increase in the minimum wage. If elected I would vote for common sense bills to repair the recent image of Arizona so our state attracts and retains businesses that provide decent paying jobs. I would vote to attract businesses with sensible and feasible tax incentives.

Budget priorities: My budget priorities would be to first examine the budget to ensure the state is meeting its debt responsibilities, while cutting back on waste, unnecessary or frivolous spending. Ideas for increasing revenues include reducing the non-violent prison population, reverting to home arrest with attached ankle bracelet, car meter locks, make the perpetrators pay the cost of home security, while still being able to support their families. I would find out why New Mexico and California have all the movie Production revenue when Arizona is just as capable and attractive a state for that billion dollar source of revenue. Arizona can implement tax incentives for the movie industry to bring in revenue. I would propose taxes on soft drinks, and divert that money to K-16 education

Fiscal philosophy: My fiscal philosophy is balanced, much like my personal fiscal philosophy. Pay the debts first and manage the budget responsibly, which includes consideration for humanity and civic responsibility to the population.

Common Core: I support the Common Core standards because I believe that they can more equally prepare Arizona students for the workforce, especially if districts are properly funded to provide the necessary tools. If we expect more from our schools and students, we will get more; they will step up to the challenge. All students coming out of high school should be able to meet college-ready standards for math, reading, and writing, regardless of the career path they choose. Common Core was adopted by Arizona; they are not federal mandates.

Gifts to elected officials: I believe reforms are needed to state laws on gifts given to elected officials because I think it is a natural instinct to feel obligated to lobbyists and institutions who give lawmakers gifts. No expensive gifts, including sports, performance events, or artifacts should be allowed as gifts. I would review the state laws and propose standards that define the relevancy of the gift to decisions made for the state, such as a trip to educate the lawmaker on new technologies that might benefit the economy and/or the environment of Arizona. Local meetings outside the Capitol with lobbyists should be limited to minimal cost lunches, not expensive dinner and drinking sessions.

Transparency in government: Transparency in governing is extremely important to me because I strongly disapprove of back-door deals and manipulations of the laws. We need to start with enforcing current laws governing the Legislature with an independent non-partisan law enforcement body that can oversee, enforce, and provide penalties of all violations of state law. As lawmakers, government officials should be the best example of respecting the state’s laws that they impose on the population. If elected, I will make transparency in government a priority.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I am pro-woman, and pro-children and adolescents that are already born and need care and education to get them through life, therefore I am what people label as pro-choice. It is great to think that all unwanted children are adopted into functional families, but facts disprove that theory. More than 700 foster-care children in Arizona alone that are “termed out” at age 18 are released yearly without a job, a family, or a support system. Some make it with the support of an agency or friend, and others end up on the streets, homeless and unprepared for life. Therefore I’m opposed to any religious institution or groups interfering with women’s rights to decide for themselves whether or not it is in their best interests to bear a child. This is not to say that I approve of abortion; it should not be used as a birth control method, nor do I approve of late-term abortions. But circumstances will always have to be considered, and that should be the right of women to make their own decisions.

Public policy advice: I prefer not to turn to any one person or group for advice on public policy issues. As in analyzing any problem or situation, I prefer to listen to the pros and cons of the population being affected, consider the impact of both on the affected parties, population, or the good of the community, consider any effect the policy might have in short and long term periods, and then make a decision based on the information obtained.

Lumm, Esther

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