Elections 2014 Just another Arizona Capitol Times Election Coverage site
Republican – Legislative District 11 Senate
Phone: (520) 868-6051
Email: smithsteve8@yahoo.com
Website: www.stevesmithaz.com
Address: 17818 N Smith Dr , Maricopa, AZ 85139
Age: 38. (06/04/76, Detroit, MI).
Arizona since: 2001
Occupation: Director, The Young Agency (Phoenix-based talent agency), since 2007.
Marital: Married
Children: 4
Education: B.S., marketing, Michigan State University, 1999; cognate, business law, Michigan State University, 1999.
Political experience: State committeeman since 2010; precinct committeeman since 2010; assisted on many conservative campaigns.
Legis exp: House since 2013; Senate 2011-12.
Interests: Spending time with my family, learning more about God, playing sports, and studying American history.
Two biggest issues: The number one priority of government, as outlined in our Constitution, is to protect the people, so subsequently one of the biggest issues facing our state is the unsecure border with Mexico. We must do all we can to protect our citizens from the gangs, drugs, violence, and lawlessness that continue to flood into our state. Equally important, however, is that we must ensure that Arizona’s economy continues to grow. It is imperative that our state has a conducive business atmosphere to attract and retain jobs and connected to that is also the importance that our education system better prepare our students of today to be a well-trained workforce of tomorrow. If re-elected, I will continue to sponsor legislation and lead the fight on these two issues.
Budget priorities: My budget priorities are to have a balanced budget. So, simply put, we should not be spending beyond our growth. The proper way to increase revenue is by having a robust economy, so government should be doing all it can to create a friendly business environment by reducing taxes and regulation and then to get out of the way. In my first year in the Senate, Arizona was still trying to recover from record-breaking deficits given to us by the Napolitano administration. Although it was difficult, we cut over $1 billion in spending which lead to Arizona having its first structurally balanced budget in years.
Fiscal philosophy: I am a staunch fiscal conservative. Too many times the Legislature passes budgets that ultimately cripple our economy and our state because of gross overspending. I am proud to say that I have fought vigilantly and voted for balanced budgets and also voted against budgets that promoted negligent overspending.
Common Core: No, which is why I have voted against [it] and will continue to vote against any Common Core legislation. I believe Common Core is another failed example of the federal government’s top-down, one-size fits all approach on how to “fix” things. We are witnessing what a disaster this notion is right now with our health care system via Obamacare, and I believe a similar fate is in store with our education system via Common Core. Education should not be a cookie-cutter style of learning as different regions and different students may require different types of learning methods and those decisions should be made at the local level.
Gifts to elected officials: While I believe the $10 limit on gifts to elected officials seems to be working, I am certainly open to and would support any additional reforms that may be needed to curb any impropriety.
Transparency in government: It is vital that our government is upfront, honest, and transparent with the citizenry, and I believe it is the duty of government to do so. Each year that I have served in the Legislature thus far, I have introduced the ‘Truth in Spending’ bill which essentially says Arizona will notify the public whenever a budget is proposed to spend more than what we take in. It is because of legislation like this that I have been named ‘Champion of the Taxpayer’ and ranked as the #1 conservative in Arizona by the Goldwater Institute and others. I have and will continue to fight for open and honest transparency in our state.
Pro-life / pro-choice: I am unapologetically and unabashedly pro-life and have a 100% pro-life voting record. For too long our country has tolerated the unacceptable killing of human life which has resulted in more than 50 million children murdered by way of abortion since Roe vs. Wade and it must come to an end as quickly as possible.
Public policy advice: As it relates to public policy issues, I first look to see if the proposed policy/legislation is even needed or can the problem be solved without government intervention. If action is required, then I determine is the legislation constitutional. If the legislation is deemed constitutional, I then look to my conservative leanings to determine if it is a necessary government function, if it helps limit government or regulation, and if there are any unintended consequences, etc. If it passes these criteria, that is when I will consider supporting the policy.
