Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce | 2020 Candidate Guide

Primary Election Candidates

2020

CANDIDATE GUIDE

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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CANDIDATE GUIDE 2020 Primary Election Candidates

H

ello Chamber Investors, welcome to the 2020 Candidate Guide for the Primary Election. As Americans, we are so fortunate to have the right to place our own leaders in office. If you have not noticed by the multitude of campaign signs and other indicators all over the county, it is an election year.

Your votes do make a difference especially in local elections. Voter registration for the primary ends Monday, July 6. The Primary Election is Tuesday, August 4.

All candidates for the offices of City Council; Mohave County Sheriff; US House of Representatives - Congressional District 4; and US Senate – Arizona, were invited to participate in this guide. All were emailed information on the same day and had the same deadline to return their answers. Those not meeting the deadline were not included in the guide.

Additionally, all answers are shown exactly as submitted to the Chamber. Inclusion in this guide does not imply chamber endorsement of any candidate; no endorsements are being made by the Chamber. Candidates are listed in no order. Candidates are listed with party affiliation. Some have stated their party within their answers.

There are several other candidates for County and State offices where the incumbent is unopposed. Those candidates are not included in this guide.

There is nothing more American nor more important than voting.

The Chamber encourages its members to become well informed before voting. This publication should assist in that endeavor. Most candidates have websites, Facebook pages, etc., that can be easily located online. You may also access public information with their contact details from the Lake Havasu City Clerk’s Office or the Arizona Secretary of State’s office.

Questions? Give me a call at 928-855-4115 or email me at lisak@havasuchamber.com.

Lisa Krueger

Lisa Krueger, IOM, ACE, CTA President/CEO

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

US SENATE

MARK KELLY (D) Why are you running for office?

I’m running for the United States Senate because Washington is broken and Arizonans deserve independent leadership focused on solving the problems we face. As a former combat pilot and astronaut, I bring a different set of experiences, and I’d bring an approach to make decisions based on science, data, and facts – not politics.

I’ve also worked to start a new business right here in Arizona and I understand the challenges small businesses face. That’s another unique perspective I would take to the Senate to represent Arizona.

What we’re seeing right now, with Washington unable to work together to solve problems in the face of a national emergency, it’s not sustainable and it has to change. I’ll work with Republicans and Democrats on issues like lowering health care costs and rebuilding our economy for the future because that’s what Arizona needs.

What are the top three issues facing businesses in rural Arizona?

Local businesses are the lifeblood of any community, as I’ve traveled around Arizona, including Lake Havasu City, I’ve met business owners who contribute so much to their communities. This pandemic has created new challenges for businesses as they face declining customers and revenues, in addition to new regulations. Washington needs to have small businesses’ backs through this crisis, which has added to existing challenges with access to capital, maintaining a qualified workforce, and health care costs.

I understand how difficult it is to start a business - I’ve done it. It’s challenging and the choices that go into where someone starts a business have major impacts on communities. Access to capital to rent or buy space, hire employees, and buy materials are all critical components to starting and growing a business. We need to continue reducing barriers to capital, including working with community banks and CDFI’s in rural communities.

It’s critical that Arizona invests in education and training for our workforce.

Both strengthening K-12 education and making college more affordable, but also investing in apprenticeships and skills training so young Arizonans can compete and fill jobs where they’re needed.

The cost of health care has been a burden on Arizona families and businesses. Keeping up with the rising cost of employee health care can strain budgets and create tough choices. Reforms that drive down the cost of prescription drugs and create more options and competition in the insurance marketplace can benefit employers by reducing premiums and health care costs.

COVID-19 has put a strain on almost every business, and especially on the true small business. In our community, the largest percentage of businesses have fewer than 10 employees and are often just “mom and pop shops.” What can you do, if elected to assist small businesses?

Small businesses employ more than a million Arizonans and we have to ensure that once we get through this pandemic, those jobs are there for Arizonans and those businesses are there for their communities. Washington can’t continue making the same mistakes. I’ve heard from too many small businesses in Arizona who had to navigate a broken and inefficient system for relief funds only to wait weeks and see those funds go to multi-million and billion dollar companies. We need to have their backs, which is why Washington should have provided strong oversight from the beginning and needs to design programs with small and rural businesses in mind so funds get where they are most needed. That means ensuring businesses that don’t have a bank, or that work with a community bank or CDFI, have just as much access to relief and resources as larger businesses.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

There also needs to be flexibility, especially for small businesses, in how they can use relief funds so that they can make the decisions they need to without being concerned about carrying additional debt. I understand that the compliance burden and confusion for small businesses has been difficult as they decide whether they can keep their doors open and how to protect their employees and their customers.

Small businesses need certainty and clarity so that they can make decisions for their businesses and workforce during this pandemic. There needs to be clear guidance and resources for small businesses so they can operate safely.

Water is our livelihood and the most precious resource in the Lake Havasu City area and creates the opportunity for local hospitality businesses to grow and prosper on this federal waterway. What have you or will you do to preserve responsible, recreational use the Colorado River and Lake Havasu?

Arizona’s water security is critical to our livelihood and economy, across the state especially in Lake Havasu City and communities along the Colorado River. We must ensure that Arizonans can utilize and enjoy our water resources while protecting them for future generations. I understand that ensuring that our public lands and waters are accessible to recreational activities is important in Arizona. It is my commitment to protect Arizona’s entitlement to the Colorado River because it’s critical to Arizona’s economy, especially in Lake Havasu City and communities that depend on tourism and agriculture for jobs and economic growth. This is a unifying issue for Arizonans because we know that from Lake Havasu to the Grand Canyon, Arizona’s natural treasures are a gift to be enjoyed and protected.

For our waterways, that means protecting them from pollution and ensuring water supply is secured for Arizona. Strong protections will ensure that Lake Havasu and the Colorado River will continue to support our economy and jobs.

The Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency plan is an important start to water conservation efforts, but the path forward needs bipartisan leadership willing to follow the science, data and facts to ensure Arizona’s water security into the future. The federal government needs to partner with and engage local governments, communities and organizations like the Lake Havasu City Area Chamber of Commerce to mitigate and manage future water conditions that could impact our waterways, including ensuring funding for infrastructure improvements, water conservation and drought mitigation projects.

What can be done at the Federal level to ensure all people can do business in Arizona, regardless of gender, origin, age, and ethnicity?

As someone who started a small business, I understand how hard it can be.

Having the resources to run a business, finding the capital to get it started – it’s challenging. I recognize that it can be especially challenging for women and people of color – particularly as minority business owners face discrimination when trying to secure capital. I believe Arizona is strongest when small business owners and entrepreneurs are able to start new businesses and compete in our state – regardless of gender, origin, age, and ethnicity.

At the federal level, the Small Business Administration can improve how it provides access to capital and resources to help first-time entrepreneurs with the paperwork and other hurdles to starting a business. We can also promote and expand local programs like the Mohave Community College Small Business Development Center which is connecting aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs with resources and advice as they try to make their idea a reality.

We must ensure that barriers and red tape for small business owners and entrepreneurs are eased, especially women and people of color, who are often times impacted disproportionality by those barriers.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

US SENATE

MARTHA MCSALLY (R) Why are you running for office?

As your Senator, it’s my honor to deploy to D.C. to fight for Arizonans as a continuation of my service in uniform with the same exact oath. I am a purpose-driven, pragmatic, problem-solving Senator. In my first year, I tied for #1 for number of bills signed into law and was ranked in the top 10 most bi-partisan Senators.

Arizona’s 2020 Senate election will be the pivotal race to decide the Senate majority and direction of our country. I will continue to fight for low taxes, rolling back regulations, affordable health care while protection pre-existing conditions, protection of our liberties, rebuilding our economy, supporting our military/vets, holding china accountable, and securing the border.

What are the top three issues facing businesses in rural Arizona?

Businesses in rural Arizona are the backbone of our economy, and during this unprecedented pandemic, they have been crushed. As I listen to rural small businesses, they tell me their top 3 issues are: Recovering from the pandemic. We must continue to provide support for small buisnesses to stay afloat, hire back employees and grow. The tourism industry, which makes up many of our rural small-town businesses, has been especially hit hard. I introduced a bill to get more than 180,000 Arizonans employed by the tourism and hospitality industries back to work so they can pay their bills. We also need to bring manufacting jobs home from China to provide more options for business relocation and growth in rural AZ. Small businesses doing the best they can and following guidelines should not be fearful of trial lawyers preying on them with frivolous lawsuits. We need to provide protection for them so they can operate safely without fear.

Taxes and regulations. We have made progress lowering taxes and getting rid of burdensome regulations, but more needs to be done. We need to make the tax cuts permanent for small businesses and continue to relieve them from unnecessary regulations that stifle growth.

Before the pandemic hit, the cost of health care/insurance was a huge issue for small businesses competing for employees and it will continue to be. We need to protect pre-existing conditions while allowing small businesses to ban together with Association Health Plans to provide more choices for affordable health insurance options so they can compete with big businesses.

COVID-19 has put a strain on almost every business, and especially on the true small business. In our community, the largest percentage of businesses have fewer than 10 employees and are often just “mom and pop shops.” What can you do, if elected to assist small businesses?

When the pandemic hit, I talked to many owners who were struggling to keep their employees on payroll and make enough

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

money to feed their families. That’s why I fought to secure funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, a forgivable loan for small businesses to help with immediate needs keep their employees connected and on payroll. As PPP was rolled out and it looked like very small mom and pop shops were not getting the same attention from financial institutions to process PPP applications as the larger small businesses, I stood up to the big banks to change that. With the 2nd PPP round, very small businesses got access, saving many of them. There is still over $120B remaining in PPP, so I continue to get the word out that relief is available. I also cosponsored legislation to allow more flexibility for PPP forgiveable rules, including allowing PPE and other modifications to deal with COVID- 19 as forgiveable.

As we continue to deal with this pandemic, I am focusing on progrowth, pro-job policies that will help small businesses survive and grow into the future. That includes tax cuts and deregulation, access to capital, workforce training, and tax credits to bring manufacturing of key health, technology and security items home from China. I will also continue to lead on initiatives to lower health costs for businesses like Association Health Plans and lowering the cost of prescriptions drugs and protecting people with pre- existing conditions.

Water is our livelihood and the most precious resource in the Lake Havasu City area and creates the opportunity for local hospitality businesses to grow and prosper on this federal waterway. What have you or will you do to preserve responsible, recreational use the Colorado River and Lake Havasu?

My first bill signed into law as a Senator was the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan (DCP). This monumental law will safeguard the water supply for 40 million people relying on the Colorado river including those in Lake Havasu who depend on the Colorado river for their livelihood.

More needs to be done to ensure investment in our aging water infrastructure. As the Chairwoman of the Water and Power Subcommittee on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I am leading on legislation to secure common sense long term investments in aging water infrastructure, including authoring the Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation Act. What can be done at the Federal level to ensure all people can do business in Arizona, regardless of gender, origin, age, and ethnicity?

Arizona and America are places people want to come to and do business with, because we have protections on equality and have opportunities for everyone to meet their full potential. I will always work to make sure that is protected. Our conservative state attracts businesses from all over the country due to our great quality of life and business friendly environment. We need to ensure Arizona continues to stay that way with lower taxes and deregulation, access to capital, workforce training, and tax credits to bring manufacturing of key health, technology and security items home from China. I will continue to lead on these important initiatives while also lowering health care costs for businesses by providing Association Health Plans, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and protecting pre-existing conditions.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DELINA DISANTO (D) Why are you running for office?

The challenges we face are urgent. We don’t have time for conspiracy theories, divisive rhetoric and immature remarks. We rely on our American values and must work together to ensure we have a better future. I’m running to work for CD 4, ensure stability, bring jobs, protect Medicare and Social Security, decrease drug costs, cut healthcare costs, fund public schools, protect our environment and more. Rep. Paul Gosar has voted against these issues.

What are the top three issues facing businesses in LD 4?

Workforce issues. It is hard to find qualified talent. This in turn makes it hard for companies to expand. We need to address this issue by developing solutions to these workfoce challenges in specific industries. Many of these issues come from our public education, as we are ranked 48th in the nation.

Quality education is tied to the success of our communities and the businesses that are and want to come into our communities. Retail, Healthcare, and food services are top 3 businesses in CD4. The top earners are Retail, Construction and manufacturing. We must find and train qualified employees.

Education. We must fund our public school systems, so our children get excellent education and training. We need our children to graduate to go onto Community college training programs and/or college. It’s imperative for local companies to hire local people to continue valued relationships.

Healthcare costs. The cost of premiums, deductibles, coinsurance or those who can’t afford insurance, have been seeing rising healthcare costs. Businesses, along with voters are looking for affordable healthcare and drug costs.

Most of LD 4’s communities are in rural Arizona. What are your plans to make sure rural Arizona’s voice is heard?

Rural areas are often considered an afterthought even though they are vibrant and important communities. Talking with voters, I hear their concerns for our National Parks and public lands; protecting Medicare and Social Security; bringing in sustainable jobs, like renewable energy jobs; healthcare and drug costs; education funding; and more. Poverty is a large concern for CD 4 . I hear them. I will bring these issues to Washington DC and ensure we get legislation passed or strengthened to address these issues.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

COVID-19 has put a strain on almost every business, and especially on the true small business. In our community, the largest percentage of businesses have fewer than 10 employees and are often just “mom and pop shops.”

What can you do, if elected to assist small businesses?

As we know, the Cares Act was to protect small businesses, but because of loopholes we had large corporations apply and receive paycheck coverage and received small business loans due to loopholes they found. The monies ran out and small businesses who are still trying to apply for that money are not getting the answers they need. This hurt our “mom and pop” businesses and many now will be going bankrupt. We can still assist these small businesses by passing legislation that specifically focuses on these smaller businesses by giving them grants, incentives, SBA loans with very low interest rates (like Banks receive). I will pass legislation to protect these businesses from bankruptcy due to COVID-19 pandemic. These small businesses are staple for their communities. Our rural area have many small businesses, from agriculture to retail, to manufacturing to food services and more. These are our neighbors, our friends, our family, our citizens. I hear their fear, their insecurity and their requests. I promise to assist them because we cannot lose more jobs here in our rural area and create more poverty that we already have.

Water is our livelihood and the most precious resource in the Lake Havasu City area and creates the opportunity for local hospitality businesses to grow and prosper on this federal waterway. What have you or will you do to preserve responsible, recreational use the Colorado River and Lake Havasu?

We must preserve the river’s free flowing condition, water quality and cultural aspects. The river supplys over 40 million people with water. Recreation is major for the approximate 10 million visitors who boat, bike, hike, camp, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Businesses in the area depend on these visitors, from renting or buying equipment to motels, to restaurants. These businesses create jobs for the local communitiies, which is important for CD 4.

There needs to be an ethic of environmental and social responsibility for our Colorado River. I will ensure our U.S. Coast Guard has funding to monitor and enforce regulations and ensure visitors are safe while enjoying one of our precious recreational areas in our state.

What are you doing/what will you do to support business and industrial development as well as tourism promotion in LD 4?

I would like to sit down with businesses and listen to the needs they need. I will also ensure funding continues for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Programs. There are over 50 Financial assistance programs for a variety of rural development grants and loans.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ANN MARIE WARD (R) Why are you running for office?

We are at a crossroads in our nation. It’s time for the next generation of conservative leadership to step forward and fight against the radical socialism and destructive discord in our national politics. We have the opportunity to remind our nation why we are the greatest nation in the world, but we need a plan and strong leadership.

I have a Master’s in Education and a PhD in Leadership. As a native to our district, I see how rural Arizona has been forgotten about and sold out by entrenched D.C. politicians.

Over the past eight months, I have driven over 40,000 miles traveling the district visiting farms, ranches, mines, the border, hospitals, senior living centers, schools, and mental and behavioral healthcare facilities. Coronavirus and career politicians have devastated our district.

It’s time to turn things around and open the next chapter of our Great American Legacy.

What are the top three issues facing businesses in CD 4?

As I’ve traveled the district and met with businesses, regardless of the industry, the greatest concern I hear is the lack of a workforce pipeline.

There are two key problems we need to fix: an overeducated and in-debt generation and a government that doesn’t target grants and loans to meet the needs of our workforce.

I’ve also heard over and over how burdensome government regulations from career politicians and bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. stymie business growth. We need to support local businesses and promote economic growth. Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdowns, our economy must be a priority. This is the time to unleash the power and potential of our free market system, incentivize production to return stateside and allow small businesses to work without being strangled by over-taxation and burdensome regulation.

Our small businesses also struggle with employee health insurance. The current options for businesses to provide health insurance for employees are exorbitantly expensive and lack options. This makes it difficult for business to grow and be competitive. We need an open and competitive marketplace that will allow for better and more affordable options.

Most of CD 4’s communities are in rural Arizona. What are your plans to make sure rural Arizona’s voice is heard?

We make rural Arizona voices heard by having an effective representative who actually lives in our district, who understands us and champions our issues. Our voices cannot be heard if our representative doesn’t live in the district. I grew up in our district. My husband is a Mohave County native, and we are raising our kids in the district. Our voices are rural Arizonan voices.

Our farmers, ranchers, and miners are the backbone of our economy. We must fight to protect these critical Arizona industries. I’ve spent a great deal of time visiting with our miners, our farmers, and our ranchers and grew up in a ranching family. Sadly, our industries have been ignored by my opponent and other career politicians. Our very existence in rural Arizona is determined by water and it’s imperative that we have a representative who understands that and fights to protect our water rights.

COVID-19 has put a strain on almost every business, and especially on the true small business. In our community, the largest percentage of businesses have fewer than 10 employees and are often just “mom and pop shops.” What can you do, if elected to assist small businesses?

When COVID-19 hit, I spent my time traveling the district and volunteering

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

at food banks, transporting PPE, and talking to businesses and industries about what they needed. It was clear that our communities and business had been devastated and that COVID legislation mostly fell short of what they needed. Much of the relief was inappropriately directed towards special interests and pet projects for career politicians.

Small businesses and shops, ones that provide the character of our rural communities, were usually the hardest hit. The challenges of overregulation and taxation already had a significant negative impact on these businesses, closing for an extended period of time only further strained and closed many businesses. As a former small business owner, I understand that we need leaders in Washington who have backgrounds in the business community and understand the struggles our small businesses are going through. They deserve a champion in D.C. who will fight to roll back onerous regulations and taxations rather than seeking to serve special interests and pet projects.

As I’ve talked with small business owners, most will mention their desire to offer health insurance or will discuss their current struggles with offering health insurance. Exorbitant prices and regulatory practices limit opportunity. We need more innovative options and a voice to champion their struggle.

Water is our livelihood and the most precious resource in the Lake Havasu City area and creates the opportunity for local hospitality businesses to grow and prosper on this federal waterway. What have you or will you do to preserve responsible, recreational use of the Colorado River and Lake Havasu?

The Colorado River is the lifeblood of Lake Havasu City. Currently, the use of the river is governed by the Law of the River. Unfortunately, big trust funds and corporate interests have repeatedly attempted to buy water to effectively break the Law of the River and set a precedent for the highest bidder being the recipient of the water. These attempts have been unsuccessful thus far, but as other metropolitan areas grow, they will continue to look for increased water rights. It is my responsibility as your Congresswoman to protect the Law of the River. If we ever change the precedent, communities like Lake Havasu and others up and down the river will cease to exist.

We must also preserve the health of the river. The recreational use of the Colorado River is contingent upon the health and safety of the water. As the main economic driver of the community, it’s imperative that Lake Havasu be allowed to continue the use of the river. Thus, ensuring the river is not closed due to a health or safety issue is vital. But there must be balance, and we must ensure that erroneous regulations are not placed on the watercraft industry.

What are you doing/what will you do to support business and industrial development as well as tourism promotion in CD 4?

Arizona, especially our district, has a plethora of opportunities and a landscape perfect for industrial development and tourism. Unfortunately, those opportunities can only be capitalized upon if the knowledge is available. It’s imperative that our representative ensures our political landscape does not limit or hinder business and industrial development.

More importantly, it’s vital to begin incentivizing manufacturing to return stateside and to deregulate small businesses.

As a former small business owner and U.S. Senate staffer, my company advised other small businesses on how to grow and plan for the future, and I developed strong relationships with the Chambers of Commerce throughout rural Arizona. During my campaign, I have focused on outreach to these Chambers as well. Tourism, especially following COVID-19, is an industry that needs a strong advocate. I hear over and over how critical it is for us to be represented by someone who understands the industries of our district. Equally important to business owners is a direct line of communication to their representative to ensure effective policy and an understanding of how I can help to boost awareness of opportunities in our district.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DR. PAUL GOSAR (R) Why are you running for office?

I am running one more time because there is still so much work to do and I really enjoy getting things done for Lake Havasu, Mohave County and Arizona. I am not done cutting taxes, stopping others from taxing, reducing our red tape (working with the President) and returning our economy to the best in our lifetimes.

What are the top three issues facing businesses in LD 4?

Attracting a steady growth of families that fit in to the community for economic growth; keeping the tax burden from all sources low and manageable; and maintaining a safe and welcoming community that cherishes private enterprise and entreprenurship.

Most of LD 4’s communities are in rural Arizona. What are your plans to make sure rural Arizona’s voice is heard?

I have a large presence for rural Arizona because I am chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, made up of 80 members of congress with rural constituencies. We focus on land use, forests, mining, hunting, fishing and agriculture. I am also on the House Subcommittee on Energy, and CD4 has hydro power, solar, coal/natural gas and nuclear power, all of which are used to power our homes and business. I fight to maintain laws that make these sources available—and affordable.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

COVID-19 has put a strain on almost every business, and especially on the true small business. In our community, the largest percentage of businesses have fewer than 10 employees and are often just “mom and pop shops.”

What can you do, if elected to assist small businesses?

I have voted for 4 Congressional relief bills, including the $2.2 Trillion CARES Act, which provided loans, grants, unemployement insurance, paid family leave and other benefits to help businesses survive. I also urged Gov. Ducey to open Arizona for business in Mid-April. We know the demographic risk groups and the folks who should stay home; but shutting down the whole economy was too much.

Water is our livelihood and the most precious resource in the Lake Havasu City area and creates the opportunity for local hospitality businesses to grow and prosper on this federal waterway. What have you or will you do to preserve responsible, recreational use the Colorado River and Lake Havasu?

Well, I have been instrumental in getting dredging done; I stopped the Obama Admin from shutting down a large portion to motorized boating; I helped save the flotilla in BHC, and I have voted for full funding of the Bureau of Reclamation to make sure our dams and hydro are fully functioning.

What are you doing/what will you do to support business and industrial development as well as tourism promotion in LD 4?

I have supported full land and water use so that tourism, boating and recreation can thrive. There are many groups lobbying to shut down all recreation use of our waterways and I am constantly pushing back on their non-sense. I support the Hotel and Lodging Assoc. and have been supported by them because of my work over the years.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STUART STARKY (D) Why are you running for office?

As a school principal I watched the funding for our programs cut by Washington and a level of discourse in Congress attacking our families amidst the rise of hate speech in our country. I believe Congress has played a role in this increased level of attack and the destruction of our environment. I decided that my voice and willingness to work across all parties is needed to give our future generations a government they can have hope in.

What are the top three issues facing businesses in LD 4?

First, the fact that the district faces a looming water crisis will impact businesses and residents and needs to be addressed b increasing access to water for future generations. My plan brings in new water through desalinization in CA. and a pipeline from the north. Second, as we learned due to the pandemic the financial strength of the business community is weak at best. My plan to eliminate the business tax code and replace it with a sales tax or VAT tax will make government less involved in business and free business to make decisions.

Third, the cost of healthcare has led many businesses to cut or reduce health care for their employees and families. We need a comprehensive plan to get halth care off the books of the business community.

Most of LD 4’s communities are in rural Arizona. What are your plans to make sure rural Arizona’s voice is heard?

Rural Arizona has a desperate need on so many issues. My office will have a liason to rural Arizona and even to our more populated centers which are still small in comparison to Phoenix and have issues of their own. Our monthly roundtable between my office and communities will make certain that my office in Washingotn reflects their needs. My plans for education for every school, protecting our watersheds and resources and economic program will help move our rural communites forward.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

COVID-19 has put a strain on almost every business, and especially on the true small business. In our community, the largest percentage of businesses have fewer than 10 employees and are often just “mom and pop shops.”

What can you do, if elected to assist small businesses?

Had we handled COVID-19 correctly at the beginning I believe we never would have needed this massive shutdown, instead our Congress and White House denied it and lied to us about it.

Today I would take the following steps: 1. continue a stilmulus plan to consumers to encourage spending 2. End the business tax code that hampers our smaller businesses. 3. Help fund a best practices restructure of our businesses to nmeet CDC guidelines. 4. Create a fund that helps meet payrolls to keep people working instead of laying them off.

Water is our livelihood and the most precious resource in the Lake Havasu City area and creates the opportunity for local hospitality businesses to grow and prosper on this federal waterway. What have you or will you do to preserve responsible, recreational use the Colorado River and Lake Havasu?

I believe an adequate water supply is the future of Lake Havasu and the communities along the Colorado River. My plan calls for a large construction project to bring water from the northern states and Canada to the upper Colorado River. Second desalinization from the pacific ocean through a canal across California can be the drinking supply the communities need to make Colorado River water and aquafiers less needed along the river allowing the river to serve the tourist industry.

What are you doing/what will you do to support business and industrial development as well as tourism promotion in LD 4?

My plan to change the tax code will allow businesses to prosper as well as supporting the region through economic development. I believe one of the greatest threats to tourism is the plan to uranium mine the Grand Canyon and the region and I opose that effort. My office will work extensively with local governments to assure a strong infrastructure supports the region. Finally, insuring that our small businesses have an affordable health care program and access to quality care will support local businesses and their families.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

MOHAVE COUNTY SHERIFF MIKE GANNUSCIO (R) Why are you running for office?

I had a personal theft/burglary in my own home. I know first hand how hard it was to get service in my rural area. My friends, family, neighbors, and the community have all spoken to me in regards to the Sheriff’s Office lack of service. No one should feel that their local law enforcement doesn’t care about their issues; no matter how big or small they are. I am a person who truly believes in public service before selfservice. I want to make a difference; I will make a difference.

Mohave County is America’s fifth largest county (geographical). Based on the current program and process, how will you maintain or reduce your budget while providing adequate law enforcement?

Every budget line item will be gone through and discussed. We are going to cut waste where it can and use that savings to expand on our programs. We need to locate and file for every grant that is available to us. Every dollar is counts; let’s work towards getting our share of grant monies. We have to go through the Procurement department and their process. Let Procurement go out for bids on our equipment. This is the only way to be consistent and fair to all businesses.

The Lake Havasu Area of Chamber of Commerce is the community’s leading advocate for business. With respect for business in and around the city, what are the qualities that make you the best candidate for sheriff?

I am a successful business owner. My wife Kenna and I own K&M Hay Company and Double R Hay & Feed. To date, I have a farm, ranch, feed store, and a trucking company that serve Mohave County and beyond. I fully support community growth and understand its importance.

What is your background in law enforcement?

I was hired by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office in 2006 to serve as deputy sheriff. I received a great deal of training and experience. While serving, I was honored to receive many commendations including the “Mohave County Life Saving Award. As deputy, I served all areas of Mohave County from Nothing, Arizona to Colorado City (Arizona Strip) to Lake Havasu City. I patrolled the roads and the waterways of Mohave County.

How do/will you determine special law enforcement needs for each of the unique communities in Mohave County?

Community Oriented Policing – by implementing a nontraditional approach to law enforcement. ACommunity Oriented Policing program has the sheriffadministration involved with actual communities by monthly meetings. By continuing the Community Oriented Policing program, it can evolve to better service the needs of each specific community.

Does Lake Havasu City need a new substation for MCSO? The substation is well-worn, no question! I believe we can restore the substation to where we can utilize it adequately until such time a new substation can beacquired. We must maintain a substation in Lake Havasu City to support other local agencies and continue our work release program.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

CITY COUNCIL CAMERON MOSES Why are you running for office?

Taking care of my community has been engrained in me since I was a little child.

Wether it be thru charitable organizations like Rotary, Rachels Challenge Committee and the Only Orchids Charity, or serving on the board of the Chamber of Comemrce, I have always found ways to be of service to my fellow Havasuvuans. Serving on the City Council just seemed like the next opportunity that would both challenge me and allow me to continue my quest to serve.

What is the best way to handle the sunset of the Irrigation and Drainage District as it relates to businesses?

At first I had mindset of establishing a new district and expanding it to encompass all of Lake Havasu which the original district does not. However thru research I have discovered some of the laws that allowed us to create the IDD in the first place have changed and there would be much more redtape that the city would have to contend with, making it close to impossible to accomplish. Now I believe a simple rate increase is the most commonsense solution so that our water department is not operating at a deficit.

Tourism is the primary economic driver in our community.

What is the best way for the city council to assist in promoting Lake Havasu City as a tourism destination now that we are dealing with guidelines from the CDC because of COVID-19?

Well Id like to start by saying I think the CVB did the right thing by halting most if not all of its advertising budget and donated instead to the hotel and restaurant industry employees affected by the shutdown. Going forward I think we can still promote tourism to Lake Havasu, as well as having everyone taking common sense health precautions. Lake Havasu, more than most places in the world, is somewhere you can come and enjoy the outdoors while still keeping both visitors and residents safe. This is actually a huge advantage that our community can continue to capitalize on for years to come.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

Some residents feel our city needs additional industrial diversity. What other business and industry would be a good fit for Lake Havasu City?

I whole heartedly agree! I personally have experieced huge economic downturns when the tourism dollars stop flowing to a community. To combat this and minimize economic risks for our community, diversification is the key. I believe Lake Havasu could easily attract both large scale manufacturers and online retailers. We are close enough to the major distribution lines and as we continue to expand our airport, more and more businesses will find our city attractive. But the real future lies in investing in our homegrown entrepeneurs thru the PED and the F106 business incubator program.

The current council is considering a “commercial lease tax” in the 20-21 fiscal year budget that could be implemented as early as April 2021? How will this affect local businesses?

While this is a tax levied on the commercial property owners, youd have to be really nieve that this wouldn’t affect rents of local businesses. Some sectors of our local economy could probably easily absorb this increase. I hear boat storages brought up all the time when talking about this new tax, and I do believe that market is not real sensitive to rent increases and ultimately wouldn’t be too affected. However the burden placed on smaller businesses trying to make ends meet in an economy that has been flipped upside down could be too much. Council should be very careful as they proceed further with this. I believe we need to wait and see how things play out.

What is Lake Havasu City’s greatest asset?

Outside of our “people”, and being such a caring community… I believe our single greatest asset is very obvuiously our lake. We must continue to protect our water rights as well as the health of the lake ecosystem. I believe making these investments will continue to be our single greatest ROI for many years to come!

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

CITY COUNCIL DAVID JARAMILLO Why are you running for office?

I have lived in Lake Havasu for 32 years. During those years I have seen a lot of positive changes. I would like to continue keeping those positive changes coming to our community, which in turn will leave a legacy to our children and grandchildren to come.

What is the best way to handle the sunset of the Irrigation and Drainage District as it relates to businesses?

I believe a community as a whole should be equally responsible for the IDd tax. Without this tax we cannot continue to have clean water.

Tourism is the primary economic driver in our community.

What is the best way for the city council to assist in promoting Lake Havasu City as a tourism destination now that we are dealing with guidelines from the CDC because of COVID-19?

Right now most surrounding States have a stay-at-home order that is not being followed. That being said the covid 19 virus has brought more attention to our community which in turn has brought more revenue to our city. Now more than ever we need to practice and abide by the CDC orders that are mandated.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

Some residents feel our city needs additional industrial diversity. What other business and industry would be a good fit for Lake Havasu City?

I would like to see and Amazon distribution center placed in the unused portion of our outdoor mall. Having access to a class one railroad being 1 hour away can open up the possibilities of more revenue to our city and also bring in more jobs to our community.

The current council is considering a “commercial lease tax� in the 20-21 fiscal year budget that could be implemented as early as April 2021? How will this affect local businesses? (150 word limit) I believe this will affect our local business is tremendously.

Having businesses pay more taxes brings more money to our city,but also could come at a cost. Possibly causing local businesses to raise cost to consumers to compensate for increased tax rates. Also possibly jeopardize jobs for those businesses What is Lake Havasu City’s greatest asset?

The Lake is obviously our biggest asset. We are a unique resort in the middle of the desert. Bringing in tourist is one of our main goals. But with covie 19 our main priority right now is to keep our citizens health and safety our number one goal.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

CITY COUNCIL DAVID LANE Why are you running for office?

During my first term in office, I have worked hard to serve you. We have wisely used your tax dollars upgrading infrastructure across the city and we are not done yet. We need to build a redundant fresh water system, without water we do not exist.

Continue with the downtown revitalization. Provide adequate courtroom space for our City magistrate and ensure any structural budget deficits are handled with the least impact to the taxpayers.

I believe I have proven myself as a person who represents the people and I would like to continue working with you for the next four years.

What is the best way to handle the sunset of the Irrigation and Drainage District as it relates to businesses?

The Irrigation and Drainage District (IDD) is one of the mechanisms the City uses to pay for our fresh water system. It is the oldest taxing system in the City and will expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2022. The IDD receives about 5.68 million dollars annually from your property taxes and those dollars ensure when you turn on your faucet, healthy clean water flows from the tap. We have brought the issue up now so the residents of the City can be informed of the options. It is imperative the residents be included in the decisions moving forward.

We have spent millions of dollars over the years building and maintaining the system and we will need to continue, including building a redundant system. There are several avenues available which will be discussed over the course of the next few years so together we can come up with a plan that is equitable to everyone.

Tourism is the primary economic driver in our community.

What is the best way for the city council to assist in promoting Lake Havasu City as a tourism destination now that we are dealing with guidelines from the CDC because of COVID-19?

Lake Havasu City has developed into a major tourist destination and draws visitors from all over the world. Golakehavasu. com is the tourism voice for the City and does an excellent job promoting the City to a wide variety of potential visitors through its marketing efforts. We see those efforts paying off during all 12 months of the year as each season brings a different demographic to the City to enjoy our hospitality. As part of the efforts we will continue to educate our residents and visitors what COVID-19 is and how to protect ourselves and each other.

Some residents feel our city needs additional industrial diversity. What other business and industry would be a good fit for Lake Havasu City?

What we do not always see, but it is there, are the efforts and successes behind the Partnership for Economic Development.

There are always projects being developed but many businesses do not want it officially known what their plans are, so it is not discussed. Success can be measured by the growth of our local businesses and the number of new businesses we see opening here in the City. We must balance our Economic Development along with our Workforce Development. Efforts in each area ensures the success of the other.

The current council is considering a “commercial lease tax” in the 20-21 fiscal year budget that could be implemented as early as April 2021? How will this affect local businesses?

The Commercial Lease Tax is only one of the options on the table. The City Council directed staff to come up with every option available so different avenues and ideas can be brought to the taxpayers of Lake Havasu. The residents have said time and time again, better roads, additional police and fire, additional amenities, higher pay and the list goes on. If we are going to implement additional spending we need to ensure we have the resources. In addition, the cost of doing business has gone up, we see it when we shop for ourselves. To address any structural deficit, we need to discuss the options with the taxpayers to see how they wish us to move forward. At the present time, the commercial lease tax appears to have the least impact on the taxpayer but could result in slightly higher costs to the businesses.

What is Lake Havasu City’s greatest asset?

Without a doubt, the lake. Although the City does not own the lake it is a huge asset. The lake provides our drinking water as well as a multitude of water based activities for us and our visitors to enjoy. Both important to our survival.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

CITY COUNCIL GORDON GROAT Why are you running for office?

After solving our second water source and public safety issues, I want to pivot to economic development.

I would like to drive policy development that capitalizes on our proximity to the Arizona Sun Corridor, the CANAMEX Corridor, and strategic positioning relative to three major market areas with over 33 million people.

We have the right mix of opportunity and value to attract key employers to our community. I believe that if we focus on strategic high value economic growth, wage and housing challenges will be resolved by market forces instead of government intervention or subsidies.

What is the best way to handle the sunset of the Irrigation and Drainage District as it relates to businesses?

The Irrigation and Drainage District will sunset, leaving a 5.8-million-dollar gap in cash flow for municipal water operations. A transparent dialogue should result in a mix of options to resolve the matter without creating undue hardship on any group or sector, especially our business community who we rely on to underpin our economy. While this is just starting to emerge as a campaign issue, we have seen this coming for years and we have developed plans to deal with this. Now we will proceed to public dialogue. That is where the plans really take shape.

Tourism is the primary economic driver in our community.

What is the best way for the city council to assist in promoting Lake Havasu City as a tourism destination now that we are dealing with guidelines from the CDC because of COVID-19?

Our tourism sector has long been a critical driver of our economy. The city council has a role in supporting and collaborating with community leadership across the board.

Our community has undertaken several initiatives designed to communicate and support safety and wellness. These efforts have been beneficial for Lake Havasu and our tourism industry.

Covid-19 will be with us for some time. We should continue to encourage safe behaviors while keeping our economy open and flourishing. I believe we can do both and I am sure we will continue to evolve our strategies; city council will continue to support and collaborate with our community moving forward.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

Some residents feel our city needs additional industrial diversity. What other business and industry would be a good fit for Lake Havasu City?

A great fit for our community means a variety of things for different stakeholders. For the working citizens of Havasu, it means higher paying jobs with great benefits. From a municipal perspective, we want to attract the kind of business that has a small water use footprint. Sometimes it is wise to go with what you know. We have an amazing high technology light manufacturing base. Our employers already compete in global markets. Here in Lake Havasu we do aerospace, medical imaging, high end racing fabrication, and World class robotics.

Our key advantages are a capable workforce, reliable electricity grid, and the best lifestyle in the Southwestern United States.

It is time for us to actively recruit firms that expand our high technology manufacturing sector. By locating here, employers can reduce cost of goods sold, enjoy global market access, and ensure a great quality of life for employees.

The current council is considering a “commercial lease tax” in the 20-21 fiscal year budget that could be implemented as early as April 2021? How will this affect local businesses?

A commercial lease tax is one of several revenue options under consideration by city staff. There is a need to consult with our business community and important organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. From a council perspective, there is no desire to create a tax structure that would cause a burden to any segment nor one that would impose substantial difficulties for any particular group. In some cases, exemptions could be permitted such as a related entity exemption or a health care facility exemption. As this and other revenue options come under consideration, the conversation should be focused on how these options might impact various stakeholders. After community consultations have taken place, a decision matrix can range from zero increase and service level recissions to a thoughtful mix of several revenue streams. I can’t see a commercial lease tax happening in insolation nor being punitive in impact.

What is Lake Havasu City’s greatest asset?

Lake Havasu City’s greatest resource, besides our people, is the lake itself. Because we offer blue skies, sunshine, and a freshwater recreation lake on the Colorado River, our resource is singularly unique. There is no other place like it anywhere on Earth.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

CITY COUNCIL MIKE BONNEY Why are you running for office?

My desire to continue to serve the City I live in has provided me the experience I believe would be an asset to the City and our residents.

Simply a desire to serve.

Some residents feel our city needs additional industrial diversity. What other business and industry would be a good fit for Lake Havasu City?

Hi tech businesses, light industrial businesses are good fits. I believe Partnership for Economic Development continues to do an excellent job recruit new businesses to our city. City Council should allow PED to do it’s job and provide assistance when zoning gets in the way of development.

What is the best way to handle the sunset of the Irrigation and Drainage District as it relates to businesses? Talk to our residents! Hold a series of Town Halls to gather necessary input from those who will have to pay for the loss of approximately $5.8m of revenue.

The current council is considering a “commercial lease tax” in the 20-21 fiscal year budget that could be implemented as early as April 2021? How will this affect local businesses?

In my opinion a Commercial Lease tax would impact local businesses more than any other form of taxation being considered. The business community may not fully recover from the downturn caused by COVID by early 2021. I believe Council should hold several Town Hall’s to gather thoughs and input of residents and businesses alike. For every 1% of tax, the city would only realize $250,000 of revenue. The burden of reporting would create another negative impact on local businesses.

Tourism is the primary economic driver in our community.

What is the best way for the city council to assist in promoting Lake Havasu City as a tourism destination now that we are dealing with guidelines from the CDC because of COVID-19?

The city is demonstrating leadership during this pandemic.

The consumer is driving the economic recovery, especially visitors from out of state. Allowing residents to make their own decisions regarding their health is the best course of action.

The continued message of proper hygein and social distancing has worked very well.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

What is Lake Havasu City’s greatest asset?

By far, the greatest assets of Lake Havasu City are Lake Havasu and London Bridge. Without the lake and London Bridge, there would be little to no tourism. Another great asset is our residents, who are very supportive of our community and are very giving of their resources to assist those more unfortunate.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Candidates for

CITY COUNCIL NANCY CAMPBELL Why are you running for office?

Voting for the right candidate is critical. The country’s current state educates us on how vital local government is to a city.

I believe we have a legacy behind us and a future we need to protect. What is suitable for other cities does not always work for our town.

My ability to multitask and think out of the box would be a definite asset in our everchanging city.

As a Councilwoman, I would work diligently to bring this community together, as we have in the past, making sure our children have lake living and opportunities as we did.

What is the best way to handle the sunset of the Irrigation and Drainage District as it relates to businesses?

Property tax collects the IDD revenues. I have always disliked property taxes because a tax on a home does not seem ethical to me. This district was installed 30 years ago and expiring soon. Over five million dollars in revenues will dissolve for maintaining water infrastructure. These funds are precious to our water maintenance, and high up of my concerns for the future of this city. This topic has engaged me in conversations with many locals, and a flat fee of only fifteen dollars a month or fifty cents a day per water meter is a logical direction. Lake Havasu City has over 29,000 meters, which continues to grow; this fee would bring over five million to save our healthy, clean water system. A rate on usage could impact businesses, but a property tax reduction could be the relief they need.

Tourism is the primary economic driver in our community.

What is the best way for the city council to assist in promoting Lake Havasu City as a tourism destination now that we are dealing with guidelines from the CDC because of COVID-19?

Tourism income generates substantial revenue for our city, but this pandemic needs kid gloves. Let us put the brakes on enticing out of town visitors to our city. I believe the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s expectational work put our town on the map forever. Some of the best advertisements are word of mouth, and our proximity to states with stricter enforcement has been manageable, but we cannot become overly optimistic. My most significant concern is the health and wellbeing are our city families. I believe businesses will thrive with current marketing, allowing current tax dollars to be placed on hold until we are back on solid grounds. I am overly concerned about the financial outcome of this crisis and believe our community takes precedence above all else.

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

Some residents feel our city needs additional industrial diversity. What other business and industry would be a good fit for Lake Havasu City?

For decades industrial diversification has been a demand for our city, but the workforce housing crisis has changed that direction, not to mention the impact of COVID-19, we have no clear path on how quickly we will all recover. I recommend we sit back and wait it out. In the meantime, we are educating our current businesses on the importance of a working wage and allowing families to thrive. The city just paid for a positional analysis explaining the need for companies to identify as a tourist town. We must stay competitive in the employment market. Before the pandemic, the Partners of Economic Development performed a study showing workforce housing, and the outcome was worse than we expected. It is time to have strategic conversations on recruiting developers to assist in this crisis, along with educating investors about the advantages of the opportunity zones located five minutes out of town.

The current council is considering a “commercial lease tax” in the 20-21 fiscal year budget that could be implemented as early as April 2021? How will this affect local businesses?

I believe a local lease tax will be a disadvantage to the businesses in our community. With retailers leaving malls by the thousands and employers experiencing the advantages of stay at home work schedules, I believe this will become a challenge for investors including a loss of revenues. Again, this is a perfect example of what is suitable for other cities may not be good for Lake Havasu City. If further revenues are needed, we should take a more substantial look at a sales tax increase, which will incorporate visitors who also utilize so many of our services.

When the pandemic is over, and our community is stable, we can take a closer look at removing this tax in the future, What is Lake Havasu City’s greatest asset?

Lake Havasu Cities’ greatest asset is our people. It started with our Pioneers and continued for generations. We must protect and offer opportunities for all our residents. We have a community I have watched grow for over forty years and will forever be proud to call my home.

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Guide

2020 Primary Election Candidates

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