Elections 2014 Just another Arizona Capitol Times Election Coverage site
Democrat – Legislative District 26 House
Phone: (480) 773-1005
Email: sherwood.andrew@gmail.com
Website: sherwoodforaz.com
Address: 2412 S Cottonwood Dr , Tempe, AZ 85282
Age: 33. (10/11/80, Tucson, AZ).
Arizona since: Birth
Occupation: Director of marketing, Great Spaces, since 2011; professional animal behaviorist, 2003-11.
Marital: Single
Education: B.I.S., American history, ASU, 2007.
Political experience: Chair, LD18, 2010-12; candidate, Arizona State Senate, LD18, 2010; member, Democratic State Committee.
Legis exp: House since 2013.
Interests: Boxing, astronomy, rock climbing, traveling.
Two biggest issues: The two biggest issues remain the same: How do we help the economy and improve education? To address these problems, I’ve drafted “jobs bills” ranging from energy policy to immigration reform. These are largely bills that require zero investment from general funds, as well as minimal to zero requirements from the business community and government officials. They simply require a vision and bi-partisan support. I will also continue to run bills designed to support the education industry, which would help everyone from teachers to students.
Budget priorities: We should stop pouring money into the private prison industry. It is expensive and counterproductive. We should invest more money in education, such as pilot programs like the ones I have sponsored that would provide scholarships to help teachers with their classroom needs. I would also implore the Legislature to stop passing bills like SB1062 that go nuclear and end up getting national attention and branding our state as being filled with hate. How can we increase tourism or attract businesses in a state with such a poor reputation that it is referred to periodically as “the meth lab of Democracy?”
Fiscal philosophy: I tell people to: 1. Always check your math. 2. Be willing to work with anyone, always. 3. Allow yourself to adapt, evolve, and change your mind.
Common Core: We need to improve our standards, and this is the path that we have chosen. We have already invested in this direction, and we should continue on this course. The criticism is loud, but premature. I have heard a great deal of support for the Common Core standard from educators, the business community and parents. Regardless of what the standard is, or what it is called, it was time for reform, and this is the path that was chosen.
Gifts to elected officials: Simple; ban all gifts to elected officials.
Transparency in government: Transparency is critically important. Public notice is not just about availability, it is about keeping voters informed and confident their public officials are being honest with them. To do otherwise continues to undermine our credibility and opens the Legislature up to claims of self-serving and secret behavior. We need to adapt to the communications demands of the public in order to maintain confidence in government.
Pro-life / pro-choice: Pro-choice.
Public policy advice: It really depends on the issue. It’s important to have smart friends in many places. I have people I can discuss issues within my own caucus or across the aisle, friends in the Senate chambers, former elected officials, Democratic leaders, Republican leaders, friends in the church, the LDS community, the business community, and regular Arizonans. Good ideas and common sense can be found in many other places than the halls of the Legislature. Names like: Rep. Chad Campbell, Sen. Steve Farley, Sen. John McComish, Former Sen. Jerry Lewis, and Mary Ann Miller.
