Jonathan Paton
How does someone represent such a large, far-flung district with so many divergent interests?
It's critical to reach all parts of the district, as every area has unique needs. I've put 50,000 miles on my car traveling the district, meeting with voters so I can effectively represent them. We have the opportunity to have three representatives from Southern Arizona for the first time. I'm proud to be endorsed by local leaders like Marana Mayor Ed Honea because they know I understand Southern Arizona.
What if anything would you do to ensure the long-term stability of Social Security and Medicare?
The first thing I would do is repeal ObamaCare, which will cut more than $500 billion from Medicare. My opponent Ann Kirkpatrick voted for Obama-Care and continues to defend leaving the entire law in place, including those cuts in Medicare. In order to strengthen and secure Medicare, we must repeal ObamaCare.
Cite three things you would do to increase the number of jobs in the district.
1) Repeal and replace Obama-Care so that small businesses can begin hiring again;
2) Stop regulations that are hurting Arizona industries like mining, forestry and energy;
3) Keep taxes low on small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our economy.
Do you support some version of the Dream Act, and if so, on what terms.
I disagree with President Obama on a fundamental principle: He believes the president has the power to ignore and disregard laws passed by Congress when it is politically expedient. If President Obama wants to change federal immigration policy, he needs to ask Congress, and Congress needs to debate those changes in front of the American people.
Patrick Gatti
How does someone represent such a large, far-flung district with so many divergent interests ?
Each county deserves to receive the attention that any other area would receive. That is accomplished by visiting as many spots within an area as possible on a monthly basis.
The problem, I believe, is once in Washington, D.C., our representatives become comfortable in that arena and choose not to return to their district for fear of making a mistake of some sort.
What if anything would you do to ensure the long-term stability of Social Security and Medicare ?
I would pursue and vote for the ability of the individual to invest a portion of their tax in a fund that they cannot touch until their established retirement age. I would also work towards getting the government to return the money that was borrowed twice from the Social Security fund.
Cite three things you would do to increase the number of jobs in the district.
Jobs in CD1, as in any other district, are all attached to the health of the economy. Restrictions and regulations imposed by the government must be removed or changed so businesses are able to open or expand, putting people to work.
Second, instead of letting banks sell off homes for less than the unpaid loan and write off the difference, reduce all home values to reflect the actual market and renegotiate the loans to that level, allowing current owners a chance to make lower payments and keep their homes.
Do you support some version of the Dream Act, and if so, on what terms.
It's easy to respond with a no, but I believe legislation designed in an election year is generally ill-conceived, just by virtue of suggesting a portion be accepted. Immigration needs to be addressed, but only after the border has been secured. If we don't do it now, we will surely be at this again in 30 years.
Wenona Benally Baldenegro
How does someone represent such a large, far-flung district with so many divergent interests ?
CD1 is a primarily rural district, which is the commonality that binds it together. I was born and raised in rural Arizona, and I connect with the constituents of CD1.
My diverse array of endorsements is testament to the support that I have. I have been endorsed by, among others, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, Sierra Club Arizona, the United Steelworkers of America, and eight Indian tribes, including the Navajo Nation and San Carlos Apache Tribe.
What if anything would you do to ensure the long-term stability of Social Security and Medicare?
Social Security and Medicare do not contribute to the deficit, and in fact, Social Security has generated a $2.6 trillion surplus. I will reject GOP efforts to privatize these programs, and to balance our budget on the backs of our nation's seniors and retirees, who have paid into these vital programs, their whole lives, and who have earned these benefits.
Cite three things you would do to increase the number of jobs in the district.
First, I will work to pass the American Jobs Act, which is a comprehensive plan to create job growth. Second, I will bring infrastructure and transportation projects to Arizona, which will immediately create jobs. Third, I will aggressively pursue solar energy development, which will boost our economy and create jobs for Arizonans.
Do you support some version of the Dream Act, and if so, on what terms.
I support the DREAM Act. I support creating a path to citizenship for these young people who were brought here, as children, and who have worked hard, excelled and are going on to college or to serve in the armed forces. They are Americans, in every sense, and they are driven and motivated to give back to this country that is their home.
Ann Kirkpatrick
How does someone represent such a large, far-flung district with so many divergent interests?
It comes down to knowing the people you are representing and knowing how to find common ground. I've lived and served in nearly every corner of CD1 - these folks are my neighbors. I'm the only candidate with proven experience in tackling the issues and logistics of a district this size.
What if anything would you do to ensure the long-term stability of Social Security and Medicare?
I oppose dismantling Medicare or creating a voucher system. We can't stick seniors with the tab when we reform entitlements or balance the budget. Let's restore fiscal responsibility and lower the deficit the right way, by standing up for the middle class and having millionaires and corporations pay their fair share.
Cite three things you would do to increase the number of jobs in the district.
1) Encourage a stable, diversified economy by helping emerging industries like biotech reach potential.
2) Secure resources for universities and colleges, which are critical to our economy but have had devastating cuts.
3) Focus on economic development such as infrastructure along I-10's transportation corridor or protecting environmental treasures and economic drivers like the Grand Canyon.
Do you support some version of the Dream Act, and if so, on what terms.
Yes, because it provides a fair, sensible process for young people who were brought here as children and are now working hard and playing by the rules. The DREAM Act is endorsed by fair-minded people across our nation - from Pentagon officials to editorial boards to Republicans and Democrats alike.
