Name: Ramón O. Valadez
Office seeking: Pima County Supervisor, District 2
Age: 40
Occupation/employer: Pima County and Southwest Ambulance
Family: Son, Daniel
Religion: Catholic
Income: $89,000
Residence: Single-family home
Education: University of Arizona, bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, 1989
Offices held/run for: Arizona state representative, 1996-2001, Arizona state senator, 2001-03, Pima County supervisor, 2003-present
People are also reading…
Civic activities and organizations: Chair, Pima Association of Governments Regional Council; chair, Pima County Local Emergency Planning Committee; member and former chair, Regional Transportation Authority; member, League of United Latin American Citizens
Why are you running?
I am very proud of my record of service and accomplishment as a county supervisor. I have played a key role in addressing many important issues affecting our future, such as water, transportation, environmental protection and preservation, public health, neighborhood reinvestment, libraries, housing and the expansion of regional cooperation. I seek to continue my strong commitment toward building a more sustainable and well-balanced community that embraces and provides essential public services of the highest quality.
The biggest issue facing my constituents (or potential constituents) is: Water
Do you have a personal motto or words you live by?
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I . . .
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference." —Robert Frost
Favorite local hangout: Rigo's Restaurant
NPR or Fox? NPR
How long have you lived in Arizona? Native, lifelong resident
What kind of vehicle do you drive? What kind of mileage does it get? 2002 Mitsubishi Galant, approximately 22 mpg
If I could have dinner with any living person, I would choose: Barack Obama
If I had my own reality show, it would be titled: "Think Before You Jump"
First job: Doing yardwork in high school
Taxes: For the last several years, Pima County has cut the residential property tax rate in response to steep increases in property values. However, many homeowners continue to pay more in taxes. Should Pima County cut the tax rate further, and if so, what cuts would you make to county programs to offset the lost revenue?
I strongly support the tax cuts that have been made in the residential property tax rate, due to my concerns for homeowners, particularly among working families and seniors on fixed incomes. Within the past three years, Pima County has done more than any other county in Arizona by reducing the property tax rate below that required by the state based upon tax neutrality. In these difficult economic times, I believe that we must balance all tax cuts with the assurance that any such cuts will not adversely affect the public health and safety of our residents, or negatively impact the level of essential services currently being provided.
Growth: What kinds of policies should the county adopt with regard to growth?
Growth must be managed so as to have the least impact on the infrastructure costs relating to road, water and sewer improvements. Growth must be positive economically, and taxes must not be increased to cover the cost of such growth. Dealing with growth issues calls for more regional cooperation so that all local governments are working in concert on the overall planning and management of growth within the region.
Impact fees: Pima County is in the process of creating regional infrastructure plans that would call for significantly higher impact fees within targeted areas. Do you support raising impact fees? If not, how would you pay for needed infrastructure?
I strongly believe that impact fees must pay for the costs associated with growth. Taxpayers should not be required to subsidize growth. If the cost of growth is higher than the current impact fees, then I would support an increase to pay for any needed infrastructure improvements resulting from this growth.
Business: What kinds of policies should Pima County adopt to encourage a good environment for business?
The principal need of any business is a skilled work force. Pima County needs to continue to invest resources in our work-force investment programs, which will increase the skill level of employees, help to further educate and ultimately promote success opportunities for all members of our work force. We must identify and pursue opportunities to create higher-skill and higher-wage jobs through the retention and expansion of our high-tech industries and by focusing more on the world-class technologies available at the University of Arizona.
Water: Pima County has tried to position itself as a leader in regional water cooperation, but the county is not a water provider, and state law limits the county's ability to regulate water use. What kinds of water policies should Pima County adopt?
With my complete support, Pima County has already adopted the most important water policy, which clearly states that no new land-use changes affecting growth will be approved unless an adequate water supply is available. The availability and quality of safe drinking water will dictate growth policies for our future. Currently, Pima County, in cooperation with the city of Tucson, has started the community discussion that needs to take place, and it will expand this much-needed exercise to include all other regional stakeholders. It is my belief that all applicable growth policies need to be placed on the table and thoroughly discussed.
Management: Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry's contract is up in January. What qualities would you look for in the next county administrator?
A county administrator is required to possess the proven experience and leadership skills of being able to manage and direct a large governmental operation with many complexities. An effective administrator must be able to clearly follow the policy direction that is set by county supervisors, and must be a leader whose management style is consistent with the philosophy and vision of the elected decision makers. Mr. Huckelberry has consistently displayed each of these capabilities and is well-respected for his strong leadership traits in promoting regional collaboration and cooperation. Should he wish to continue in this important role, I believe that Pima County would be very well-served by such a decision.
Cooperation: How would you work with officials from other jurisdictions to promote regional cooperation?
Throughout my elected public service, I have effectively collaborated with governmental officials at all levels. While in the Legislature, and now at the local governmental level, I have worked to forge lasting partnerships that emphasize the utilization of a common approach and vision on our pressing regional issues. As the chair of our regional council of governments, I have continued to advocate for common-sense regional solutions that can best serve our entire regional community. It is for this cooperative approach that I have been endorsed by Gov. Janet Napolitano, as well as many other elected officials.
