Elections 2014 Just another Arizona Capitol Times Election Coverage site
Republican – Legislative District 8 House
Phone: (520) 560-6372
Email: frank@pratt4az.com
Website: www.pratt4az.com
Facebook: Frank Pratt
Twitter: @frankpratt
Address: 425 E Providence Dr, Casa Grande, AZ 85122
Age: 71. (08/27/42, Florence, AZ).
Arizona since: Birth
Occupation: Owner, Pratt Pools, since 1986.
Marital: Married
Children: 1; 2 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren
Education: Attended, NAU, Arizona Western College and Central Arizona College; Maricopa H.S.
Political experience: Precinct committeeman; House candidate, 2004 and 2006.
Legis exp: House since 2009.
Interests: Scuba diving.
Two biggest issues: Water and jobs. Regarding water, we need to develop policy to create new water sources. Regarding jobs, the long-term solution is to increase jobs and income by growing and diversifying Arizona’s economy.
Budget priorities: I was part of the team that helped to move Arizona from near the bottom to near the top in business attraction competitiveness. Improvements were made to tax structure and permitting, but there is still work to be done. It is difficult to make any significant cuts to the budget because of maintenance of effort and voter mandates.
Fiscal philosophy: I believe in fiscal responsibility. Arizona citizens want more accountability for tax dollars spent for education, public safety, economic security, transportation and health care. Arizonans want value for dollars spent.
Common Core: The AZ Dept of Education made the decision in 2010 to select Arizona College and Career Ready Standards over AIMS. These new standards had a higher rigor and permit Arizona to measure learning success within Arizona, among other states and beyond. Too many people confuse “standards” and “curriculum.” A “standard” is broadly written measures of competence such as reading at grade level. Who would object to students reading at grade level? “Curriculum” includes the methods and learning plans educators select to prepare for a “standard”. The objections I have heard to date on Common Core refer to specific curriculum, teaching methods or learning plans. Arizona local school boards have the final authority over curriculum matters. For example, a student must read at grade level but what the student reads is at the discretion of the local school board. I ardently support the right of local school boards to make curriculum decisions, but I cannot support lowering standards. We tried that with AIMS and it was a disservice to Arizona students.
Gifts to elected officials: Rules for reporting gifts to elected officials need to be clarified and strengthened; presently they are too vague. I would support more detailed rules on reporting.
Transparency in government: I support transparency in all levels of government with proper respect to personal privacy issues, cases under investigation or legal consultation. Public notices should be readily available and accessible to all.
Pro-life / pro-choice: Pro-life.
Public policy advice: I use no single source. I gather my research through a combination of the Arizona Legislature specialized staff, state agencies, specialists in the field, other legislators and most importantly, input from my constituents. I am out in my district frequently; I enjoy the interaction and feedback with people, and I get a genuine sense of satisfaction when I have helped with legislation that leads to a better Arizona.
