Published candidate interviews appeared in the Verde Independent July 24
The four legislative candidates running for office in Legislative District 6 that encompasses most of the Verde Valley were interviewed by the Verde Independent on July 24, 2018. They were asked to express their opinions about the most important issues facing the Verde Valley and what they sponsor to deal with these concerns.
Only candidate Bob Thorpe did not mention education in the Verde Valley as an issue in response to the question.
Candidate Felicia French said the following in part:
“Education is an issue everywhere I go and it continues to be a primary concern for me.”
“As someone who has taught at a community college, I understand the absolute value of providing a varied, affordable and quality education for all of our students – no student and no community should be left wanting when it comes to education.”
“We need to make sure institutions of higher learning, such as the Verde Valley campus of Yavapai College, receive proper funding so they can offer the courses that benefit those students in the community.”
“Whether those courses are teaching practical trades like welding or offering degrees in liberal arts that are essential to expanding our understanding of each other, we need to make sure these courses are available to everyone in the Verde Valley for an affordable price because a quality education makes a stronger, happier and more affluent community possible.”
You may read her entire interview in the Verde independent by clicking here.
Candidate Stuart McDaniel said the following in part:
“Of course, issues such as quality education, jobs and infrastructure are high on the list of issues I hear about when interacting with people in the Verde Valley and the entire district.”
“Arizona currently spends 55.6 percent of its budget on education.”
“I do believe in further investing in technical education through our Joint Technical Education Districts and partnering with our High Schools and Community Colleges to ensure those that who are interested can learn a trade in the type of jobs are needed for our economy to continue to thrive.”
You may read his entire interview in the Verde independent by clicking here.
Candidate Walt Blackman said the following in part (that indirectly reflects on the needs of the Community College on the east side of the County):
“I believe it is the regional instability in the area. The legislature should conduct a partnership program with Verde Valley and invest studies with community leaders in finding a way to stabilize the Regional issues.”
You may read his entire interview in the Verde independent by clicking here.”
Candidate Bob Thorpe said nothing regarding education in the Verde Valley.
You may read his entire interview in the Verde independent by clicking here.