Hi folks,
I am not a politician. I am an educator and a businessman. I’m used to being straightforward and saying what I believe. I teach my principals to do what’s best for KIDS FIRST. We, the principals and I, have found that if you do the right thing consistently, you’ll earn trust and respect from kids and adults, and then like and love will follow. However, if you worry about adults liking you first, then often your decisions may not be the best ones for the kids.
I have asked for and received lots of advice as I’ve never run for public office before. I’ve been told what I can say and what I cannot if I really wanted to get elected. That doesn’t set well with me. Just like you, in my life I’ve learned the value of being direct and honest even when it’s hard. Arizona desperately needs an effective educational leader to be elected to the position of Superintendent of Public Instruction and, in my mind, that is who the voters should select, the person they think will be the most effective leader. It sounds a bit arrogant to say I think I’m that leader, but if you check out the website, and check me out with folks that have known me for the long term, I’m pretty sure they’ll tell you I can get the job done. They may not tell you that they love me, or even that they particularly like me, but the vast majority will tell you that I get stuff done, done well, and, in the long term, earn their trust and respect because I lead effectively. After all, excellence comes from effective leadership.
In my bio, you’ll see that in the past I owned an RV park and presently I am part owner of a restaurant. I stated that I am not a politician, but I am a nice guy, love to laugh, love people, am friendly and like to shake hands and visit with folks. Sounds like a politician, right? But there is a difference and I want to discuss that right from the get-go. Part of the reason I’ve been successful is because people know what I stand for and they know at crunch time I’m not going to dodge or spin. I’m not going to change to try to get elected. I’ll tell you how I stand on issues and, I’m sure, we are not going to agree on all of them. Heck, I was born in West Virginia, so you know I’m going to be a little different. (c:=
In short, if I can be the same guy I’ve always been and still be State Superintendent, then great. If it means having to become someone I’m not and tell folks I believe in things I don’t and start to worry about spin control to get the job, well, I’m just not going to do that. If that’s what it takes, I don’t want the job that badly. So, take me as I am or don’t elect me.
While there are some really great things going on in Arizona educationally, from a state perspective, we’re pretty messed up. I’ll address that in another spot on this website. Most of my beliefs are just common sense combined with about 30 years of experience working directly in schools. I don’t claim to know everything. But I am foundationally sound and I know lots of great educators who, together, working our tails off, can get Arizona education turned around and on a track to excellence.
Finally, while I see education as a bipartisan issue, in Arizona we’re running for election and I’m a Republican - a Common-Sense Republican. I say Common-Sense Republican to distinguish myself from those we seem to hear from daily. My Republican Party is the party of Barry Goldwater. A party that prides itself on common sense and family values; a party that advocates for public education and fiscal responsibility; a party where leaders know they have a responsibility to do the right thing for ALL the folks of Arizona regardless of political consequences. I strongly feel the present most vocal Republicans have moved farther to the right than the vast majority of the party has. I believe there are lots of Common-Sense Republicans out there, a majority of regular folks, great business people and legislators, and I’m inviting them to join me in the real Republican Party.
Hopefully, you’ll read through the website and like what you read. If so, I’d appreciate it if you’d log in and join me in the campaign.
Thanks!
G9