Andrew Smigielski

As a civil engineer, Andrew’s professional and civic involvement has provided him with the opportunity to get to know the issues in District 11.  His upbringing in Arizona District 11, as well as his profession and education have provided Andrew the opportunity and privilege to travel throughout Phoenix and Arizona, speaking with and listening to citizens, government officials and civic organizations.  This experience has provided Andrew with a broad-based knowledge of the issues – local, state and national – and the specific context of how these issues affect everyday Arizonans.

Andrew believes the following are a few of the issues which take precedence for District 11 residents and Arizonans:

Balanced budgets.

• Our State’s leaders have an obligation to our citizens to better balance immediate demands and the long-term health of our Arizona’s economy.
• It’s time to answer the hard questions now and not push them into the future.

Neighborhoods.

• Livable neighborhoods are one of our greatest strengths.  Andrew will work to keep them safe, keep liquor laws sensible, and further develop neighborhood assets.
• Andrew supports creative and resourceful extracurricular and community programs that help further educate and keep our children safe after-school.

Education.

• Involve the broader community – teachers, parents, citizens in the generation of ideas to improve our educational system
• Prioritize education in order to ensure that every child not only masters the basics, reading, writing, and math, but also have the opportunities afforded by academic excellence.
• Tie general fund expenditures to measurable results and improvements.

• With Arizona’s population rapidly expanding, Andrew would like to see choices for our residents, and a climate which encourages the development of new higher education facilities.

Water.

• In order for Arizonans to continue to benefit from living in this state, our ongoing drought in Arizona cannot be ignored.
• Water conservation programs should be expanded.
• Arizona’s water delivery systems’ infrastructure requires updating.  And, our drinking water must be kept safe.

Long-term energy plan.

• Arizona is growing rapidly and placing increasing demands on our existing infrastructure and resources.
• Our long-term energy plan should examine fuel supply and demand, alternative fuel source options, future system development, impact on the environment, and how best to proactively manage all resource aspects as we continue to grow.

Tax Burden.

• As a percentage, Arizona has a higher corporate income tax burden than neighboring states.  This impacts the economic welfare of our state.  By creating an economic environment that is welcoming for business, jobs are created.
• While addressing tax policy and improving the economic environment, it is incumbent upon the legislature to maintain an appropriate and fair balance between our corporate and individual citizens.

Economic Growth.

• Economic development is always important for a vibrant economy especially in growing states.
• Sound, competitive tax policy has a large impact on the state’s ability to attract and grow business.
• Overinvestment through consistently increasing deficit spending is irresponsible.
• Taxing Arizonans to pay for politicians’ poor spending choices of the past does not position the State for future growth. The State has a fiduciary responsibility to our citizens of today and tomorrow.
• We must responsibly spur growth and properly weigh spending programs’ real benefits and costs, particularly during fiscal crises.

Property Taxes.

• While property taxes do fund schools, municipalities, counties and secondary districts, it is important to maintain a balance between required funding and protecting the interests and rights of individuals.
• Property taxes should not be used to mask spending on pet projects of local politicians nor for state deficit reduction via “cost shifting.”
• Andrew will work to protect the relative advantage Arizona enjoys vs. most of the rest of the nation with regards to the property taxes Arizonans pay, while making sure that schools, municipalities, counties and secondary districts are fairly treated.

Immigration.

• Immigrants are an integral part of Arizona, just as in many other states.  I admire their dreams and respect their efforts to pursue them.  However, immigrants need to be in our state legally.
• Illegal immigration poses numerous challenges and costs for the state.  These costs require mitigation.
• Arizona’s border must be secured.
• Existing immigration laws need to be addressed with the Border States in mind.  They must be improved in a humane manner to address the needs of Border States like Arizona.