Elections 2014 Just another Arizona Capitol Times Election Coverage site
Republican – Legislative District 16 House
Phone: (480) 295-9438
Email: kellytownsend2014@yahoo.com
Website: www.townsend2014.com
Facebook: Kelly Townsend
Twitter: @KellyTownsend11
Address: 7402 E Monte Ave, Mesa, AZ 85209
Age: 45. (09/27/68, Long Beach, CA).
Arizona since: 2004
Occupation: Doula coordinator at South Phoenix Healthy Start; management, US Airways; small business owner, Doula Services; author, Christ Centered Childbirth; doula coordinator/program director, Ashland Community Hospital, 1997-2004.
Marital: Widowed
Children: 3
Education: Attending, B.S., human communications, ASU.
Political experience: State committeeman.
Legis exp: House since 2013.
Interests: Gardening, farming, photography, travel, languages, international studies.
Two biggest issues: I would like to see Arizona’s Enabling Act completed, where the federal lands are returned to the state and income from those lands put toward education. I also would like to focus on other areas where Arizona can generate revenue without taxation and see less reliance on federal dollars.
Budget priorities: Help make Arizona more self-sustaining, with less reliance on federal money. My primary focus is on returning federal lands to the state, as per the Enabling Act. I also am interested in attracting industry to the state, as well as bettering the workforce through good education for our kids. I am concerned for our veterans and they should always be a priority.
Fiscal philosophy: I believe that you stimulate the economy by allowing Arizonans to keep more of their money so they can circulate it back into the economy. I believe we ought to focus on our own citizens who are in true need and encourage those who can to work and better themselves. I still believe in the American dream!
Common Core: Absolutely not. I believe it is a local control issue, where parents and local government address the unique issues our students face. I don’t believe these type of decisions should be made by bureaucrats in Washington.
Gifts to elected officials: I don’t take much in gifts, so it hasn’t been on my radar. I am willing to look at the current system and see if there is any room for more transparency.
Transparency in government: Transparency of course reduces corruption. I am willing to listen to issues and make a decision based on information put before me.
Pro-life / pro-choice: As the co-founder of Phoenix 40 Days For Life, I am deeply pro-life. Of course, a woman has the right to do with her own body as she pleases, but as a birth professional, I know that no part of the baby is simultaneously part of the mother. Therefore, the baby has the absolute inalienable right to life.
Public policy advice: That depends on the issue. I frequently consult my father, a retired history teacher, former police officer and Marine. Additionally, I seek advice from my colleagues, leadership, and my constituents. At the end of the day, I seek direction from my Lord, Jesus Christ.
