LD30 Senate candidates hold second local debate

Vying for the Legislative District 30 State Senate seat being vacated by president of the state Senate Tim Bee are Republican Jonathan Paton of Tucson and Democrat Georgette Valle, a resident of Green Valley.

The candidates appeared at Quail Creek’s Madera Clubhouse on Friday for their second local debate. It was moderated by Republican National Committeeman Bruce Ash and Arizona Democrat Salette Latas.

Paton has been a member of the state House of Representative since 2004 and began his second term in February 2007. Valle has served in the legislature in Washington state for 24 years.

In her opening remarks, Valle got right to the point about her stand on Southern Arizona’s water and said, “I don’t think I’d be running if it wasn’t for the water issue.” She also said she was strongly opposed to the Rosemont Mine in the Santa Rita Mountains east of Green Valley and Sahuarita.

Paton spoke about his campaign platform — problems related to Child Protective Services, border security and human smuggling, identity thefts including those of medical records, and Southern Arizona’s economy.

“For the past four years, Southern Arizona has been my priority… I have a record of listening to the people and keeping my promises,” he told the audience of about 75.

A multitude of questions reflected a variety of issues ranging from prior experience to making government more accountable, school vouchers, water issues including the Rosemont Mine, legalizing same sex marriages, gun control, and current issues regarding undocumented workers.

On the topic of water, Paton said, “Rosemont Mine might not be a good fit for this area ... water is a statewide problem with different impacts around the state.”

Valle said golf courses should use gray water and were working toward that goal.

Asked their position on Arizona providing health care for illegals, Valle said she would like to see the United States working more cooperatively with Mexico.

Paton responded by saying, “Mexico is sending its problems north. We’re essentially subsidizing health care in Mexico and taking money away from taxpaying Arizonans.”

Referring to an incident in 2007 after six children died due to mistakes within Arizona’s child welfare system, Paton said he successfully enacted laws to protect children.

“Child Protective Services is my biggest piece of unfinished business,” he said.

Valle suggested parenting classes for those with children in grades 9 through 12.

Both candidates said they were against the Rosemont Mine coming to the area. Paton said a mine shouldn’t be using groundwater; Valle said she is opposed to Rosemont Mine paying for a CAP pipeline to bring water in.

Responding to a question about ways to improve the business climate, Valle said, “Shop locally versus going to Macy’s.”

Paton favors lessening business regulations in Arizona and breaking down barriers for entrepreneurs.

On the issue of the Arizona’s state deficit, Paton said it simply: “Spend less” ... the state needs a ballot measure to reform and control spending. Borrowing is not sound.”

Opposing his view, Valle said, “We are relying on borrowing; it’s the only way out. Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do.”

In closing, Valle called Paton “a serious lawmaker” and urged everyone to vote in the coming election.

Paton reflected on the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” and what life would be like if individuals hadn’t had time to impact it.

“I’ve affected change in the Legislature; I have a record of accomplishing things and I’m very proud of that,” he said.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.