Kathleen Rahn
With more than 20 years experience advocating for Arizona’s children and families, Kathleen Rahn is running for elected office for the first time as a Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives in Legislative District 25 (Mesa).
She is deeply invested in Arizona’s future as a mother, grandmother and wife of a small-business owner. Her efforts to preserve and protect quality schools and healthy communities represent values shared by the majority of Mesa residents.
Kathleen believes the 2016 Arizona Legislative Session has produced actions harmful to Arizona’s economy, public schools, children and families. The Arizona Legislature has reduced education funding, and the current attempts to expand the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs or vouchers) without accountability are real threats to our public schools.
Neighborhood public schools anchor safe and healthy communities. Mesa’s families are proud of the excellent Mesa Public Schools, and support state funding at a level to maintain that excellence.
Kathleen observed the detrimental effects of the drastic cuts to public school budgets, which accompanied the economic downturn. More students in each classroom affect a teacher’s ability to meet the individual needs of students, which is especially critical in the early grades, when students are learning to read and to understand numbers. Without a firm foundation, making progress in the upper grades is much harder.
A retired school psychologist, Kathleen teamed with teachers to create safe, supportive and effective learning environments in schools in Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale. The state’s budget outlook has improved. The legislature must restore adequate funding to kindergarten through grade 12 education and our colleges and universities, driving economic growth by preparing a skilled workforce.
Kathleen believes the voters should have a choice on their ballots in November. They also should have the opportunity to vote for a candidate who shares the values of well-funded public schools and supports vulnerable children and teens, so they become responsible adults.
To learn more about Kathleen Rahn, her background and her plans for preserving and protecting healthy communities, visit her campaign website at rahnforazhouse.com.
Kathleen currently is collecting nominating petition signatures and $5 contributions in order to qualify as a Clean Elections candidate. This means she will not accept large contributions or dark money.
Kathleen would like to hear your ideas on how to preserve and protect our quality of life in Arizona. If you have questions or opinions, or you would like to help her campaign, please email her at rahnk25@gmail.com.