Elections 2014 Just another Arizona Capitol Times Election Coverage site
Republican – Legislative District 5 House
Phone: (702) 420-9360
Email: vote4SamIAm@outlook.com
Website: www.sammedrano.com
Facebook: Sam Medrano
Twitter: @Vote4SamIAm
Address: 3570 Gloria Ave, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
Age: 43. (08/04/70, Globe, AZ).
Arizona since: Birth
Occupation: News director/morning show producer, tv2/KLBC (Laughlin, NV), since 1992; district manager, Domino’s Pizza, 2010-12, 2005-08; science teacher, Mohave Accelerated Learning Center, 2003-05.
Marital: Divorced
Children: 5
Education: Currently enrolled, Mohave Community College; paralegal studies, UofA, 1988-90; Miami H.S., 1988.
Political experience: Bullhead City Council since 2003; candidate, Mohave School Board, 1990.
Interests: Coin collecting, racquetball, watching NFL and NCAA football.
Two biggest issues: The budget revenue strength and expenditures: We should not be setting up future lawmakers for failure by passing entitlement programs that have the potential to set the state up for financial ruin. Our state government cannot be all things to all people and we should focus on those things that are of statewide concern, especially infrastructure to help grow our economy across the entire state. Education: Continuing to have an ‘us vs. them’ mentality regarding education will always result in a less-than-adequate school system. As an elected lawmaker, I would propose to bridge the gap between accountability and teacher associations with the thought that there are things in our education system that work, including our nation-leading charter school concept. Taking those things that are working and duplicating them until all schools are successful.
Budget priorities: I believe it is time that we do away with Arizona’s state income tax. Those revenues could be offset by a broader consumption tax. Of all the states that are effectively beating Arizona at the “attract California businesses game,” the one thing most of them have in common is no state income tax. Reprioritizing our welfare and unemployment system is critical.
Fiscal philosophy: I am a fiscal conservative that believes many of the state’s “problems” can be addressed at the local level if we’ll just let cities, towns and counties address their own needs. Obviously, there are things such as education that are of a statewide concern, but if we stay out of the local governments and school districts, the state would be better off.
Common Core: Standards are great and we need standards, but standards alone do not improve education. Additionally, I firmly believe that Arizonans know what’s best for their children, not Washington.
Gifts to elected officials: I am sure there is room for improvement, but I cannot elaborate on specifics.
Transparency in government: This is paramount. Transparency also needs to be in a form that John Q. Citizen can also understand.
Pro-life / pro-choice: I am a pro-life candidate. I tend to question why the absence or presence of a heartbeat can determine the end of life, but not the beginning of life.
Public policy advice: I have a background as a person who is objective in almost everything I do. As such, I can always be found listening to arguments for and against any position. I can agree with some people, and others just choose to be disagreeable. In either case, I do listen. As for specific people, I do listen to other elected officials of the local governing body. I tend to trust they are doing their jobs and have close contact with their constituents.
