Excerpts from an Interview of Greg Gadek, the Democratic Candidate for State Senate in Mesa’s LD-25 by freelance reporter Chase M. Kamp
As a lifelong Independent, why are you running as a Democrat for Arizona State Senate in LD25?
My views are more aligned with the current Democratic Party than the extreme right, which I believe has co-opted the Arizona Republican party.
What are two examples of community nonprofits or charities you have supported?
Over the past 30 years, my wife and I have been very active in this community. We began helping feed the homeless with Paz more than 20 years ago, when the food was prepared in a little house off Country Club Drive. Now, they have a permanent facility, which serves a hot meal 365 days a year. As president of Ishikawa’s PTO, I spearheaded an effort that raised $100,000 for computers for four local schools in District 25—Ishikawa, Barbara Bush, Hermosa Vista and Stapley.
What issues do you think are most important to this state and Mesa, in particular?
Jobs. Arizona’s reputation has been damaged by legislators who were focused on their own agendas. They gave the nation an impression that the sky was falling in Arizona, and this caused businesses to stay away. We must restore our name in the national business community. Schools, health care, and equality also are major concerns.
Your opponent, Bob Worsley, opposes funding for education through Prop. 204. What is your position on Prop. 204?
The National Education Association’s ranking of states, including D.C., showed Arizona in last place—51st in terms of per-student spending. Prop. 204 does not increase taxes or funding to our schools. It simply maintains both. There is already a 10 percent gap between Arizona and 50th-ranked Utah. Voting Yes on Prop. 204 won’t lift us, but it prevents a further decline.
How has your background and experience prepared you to be a legislator?
I never have been a lobbyist or had any personal business connections to anyone in state government. I have 30 years of experience in business, and understand the challenges facing each one of us, and our families, in this economy. I am prepared to listen, negotiate and effectively articulate my position, particularly with legislators who disagree. I look forward to a civil debate on the important decisions facing our state, but I will not back down when it comes to standing up for the less powerful and underserved.
You talk about the misguided priorities at the State Legislature. Can you give us an example?
Recent legislation undermining reproductive health is a strong example. It might surprise some to learn it was Barry Goldwater’s wife, Peggy, who founded Planned Parenthood. Efforts to defund family planning programs are detrimental to the health and safety of women and their families. Health centers, including Planned Parenthood, provide access to critical services, like cancer screenings and contraception. We must continue to support women’s health clinics as a critical resource for thousands of Arizona women.
What specifically would you like to change at the state legislature?
Special interests have too much influence in writing legislation, and legislators should be restricted in voting on bills that impact their personal financial interests. Lawmakers who accept undisclosed gifts from special interests, such as what occurred in the Fiesta Bowl scandal, should be subject to expulsion.
For more information about Greg Gadek and his campaign for State Senate, visit Gadek2012.com.