Mitzi Epstein (Incumbent), Candidate for Arizona State Senate District 12

The Arizona state budget has been balanced on the backs of children year after year, and that is harmful to families, as well as harmful to our economy. I initially ran with great determination to improve education funding, and to support children. That determination has grown.

Our thriving innovation economy needs a well-educated workforce, and our workers need affordable housing, schools and water. As the Senate Minority Leader, I have coordinated efforts to develop solutions that work, by including a wide range of perspectives in every step of the way.

Listening to voters and many stakeholder organizations, like the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, is key to representing the people of our community well.

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Cara Vicini, Candidate for Arizona State Senate District 12

(Did not participate)

Mitzi Epstein (Incumbent), Candidate for Arizona State Senate District 12

The Declaration of Independence describes a key role of government as the protector of our inalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  I believe the Declaration signers got it right,  and each level of government brings that protection closer to the people.  At the state level, our most important duties are public safety,  public health, and public education.  Those pillars support an educated workforce and an educated consumer base. Public health efforts literally saved lives during the COVID pandemic, with information from the very simple about hand washing and mask use, to the very complex development of the vaccines and medicines to treat the virus.  Clearly, public safety is a fundamental part of supporting our everyday lives, and the smooth flow of goods and services in our economy. 

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Cara Vicini, Candidate for Arizona State Senate District 12

(Did not participate)

Mitzi Epstein (Incumbent), Candidate for Arizona State Senate District 12

I strive for balance in the power of business owners, workers, and consumers.  When I consider legislation, I follow checklists for checks and balances, accountability, and transparency measures.  I reach out to many stakeholders, including chambers of commerce and government agencies that will be needed to implement the legislation. 

My work experience is grounded in the standard operating procedures of large, global businesses in manufacturing and finance – Olin Corporation and Citicorp.   In business, we do not assume that starting a new program equates to success,  but too often that is what legislators do.   Instead, I agree with a handful of legislators from both sides of the aisle that we must review and monitor programs after they have been implemented.   If they are succeeding in helping people,  then they should be continued or expanded.   If not,  then they should be terminated or reformed.

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Cara Vicini, Candidate for Arizona State Senate District 12

(Did not participate)

Mitzi Epstein (Incumbent), Candidate for Arizona State Senate District 12

It will not.   Please do not endorse me.  You never have, and there is no need to start now.   Let’s just continue to support a good environment for businesses in Chandler and in Arizona,  each in our paths,  with frequent communication and collaborations.  Keep up the good work!

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Cara Vicini, Candidate for Arizona State Senate District 12

(Did not participate)