Ducey, Brnovich, Reagan, Yee, and Hart all earn endorsements from state’s leading business advocacy group
PHOENIX (June 27, 2018) – The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry has made its 2018 election endorsements for statewide offices.
“All of the individuals we’ve endorsed for statewide office have a proven record of service to the state and are committed to enhancing Arizona’s competitive standing,” Arizona Chamber President and CEO Glenn Hamer said.
“The state is so fortunate to have leaders of such high caliber working on behalf of its citizens and job creators.”
The Chamber’s endorsements are as follows:
Governor: Doug Ducey
Attorney General: Mark Brnovich
Secretary of State: Michele Reagan
Treasurer: Kimberly Yee
Mine Inspector: Joe Hart
Glenn Hamer said the following about each of the endorsed candidates:
Gov. Doug Ducey
“Gov. Ducey in his first term has proven that he understands what state government needs to do in order to create an environment for job creation. Since taking office, he’s righted the state’s finances, put Arizona at the top of the list of the best places to do business in the country, infused millions into our education system, and dramatically enhanced our relationship with Mexico. Under his watch, Arizona’s tax code has gotten more competitive, our regulatory environment has become more welcoming, and our education system is producing outstanding results, and it’s doing so with more resources thanks to the state’s strong economy.
“By any measure, Gov. Ducey is making schools better. His leadership is delivering average statewide teacher salary increases of 20 percent by school year 2020-21, which has dramatically enhanced the teacher pay picture in Arizona. He signed into law a 20-year extension of a funding source for K-12 and higher education that will prevent any interruptions in school budgeting. His commitment to funding excellent outcomes will ensure that more Arizona students have access to a high-quality school regardless of zip code. On higher education, Gov. Ducey led the way on a billion-dollar research infrastructure package that will maintain our universities’ position as leading innovators and job-producing engines in our economy. And the governor’s commitment to workforce development, through initiatives like Achieve60AZ, sends a clear message that today’s Arizona students will be ready for tomorrow’s jobs. Gov. Ducey in his first term put teachers and students first, a record we know he’ll build on in the next four years.
“Gov. Ducey has easily earned the endorsement of Arizona’s business community. We look forward to working with him in another successful term as governor, as together we work to make Arizona even more economically competitive.”
Attorney General Mark Brnovich
“A state’s legal environment is crucial to its ability to attract jobs. We want employers investing in new innovations, expansions, and hiring, not paying lawyers to fend off dubious lawsuits. No one understands that better than Mark Brnovich.
“General Brnovich takes a prudent, thoughtful approach to his job, has a deep respect for the rule of law, pushes back hard against federal overreach, and protects consumers from scam artists.
“His work to develop the regulatory structure known as the Fintech Sandbox has captured global attention, has positioned Arizona on the leading edge of technological innovation, and is poised to ignite a flurry of economic activity.
“His dogged determination to ensure that small businesses aren’t subjected to abusive lawsuits has been noted and appreciated by job creators across the state. He knows that our judicial system should be used to deliver justice, not to line the pockets of trial attorneys just interested in making a quick buck.
“We would urge all Arizonans to re-elect Mark Brnovich for attorney general.”
Secretary of State Michele Reagan
“The Arizona Chamber is pleased to endorse Michele Reagan for re-election as secretary of state. While fulfilling her role as the state’s chief election officer, she has dramatically improved the customer service functions in her office and made the office more business-friendly, drawing on her years of experience as a small businessperson. Arizona voters would be wise to grant her a second term.”
Kimberly Yee, candidate for Treasurer
“During her time as a state legislator, few elected officials have demonstrated a willingness and a desire to enhance Arizona’s business environment like Kimberly Yee. On a whole host of issues, Kimberly Yee has worked diligently to make state government more responsive to the needs of job creators. She has demonstrated throughout her career a commitment to fiscal prudence and to protecting the interests of taxpayers. The Arizona Chamber has no doubt that Kimberly Yee will be an outstanding state treasurer.”
Mine Inspector Joe Hart
“Year after year, Mine Inspector Joe Hart has worked to make Arizona’s mining environment safer, while working with the industry in a collaborative way to ensure that an economic sector that is so important to the state’s legacy continues to flourish. The Arizona Chamber strongly recommends that voters grant Joe Hart another term as mine inspector.”
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